Finally, WhatsApp has taken the step of rolling adverts on the app status in a similar way to what we have seen on Instagram. Although, WhatsApp had maintained that there won’t be any form of advertisement on the messaging application but that changed when Mark Zuckerberg acquired it.
From what was gathered, WhatsApp founders, Jan Koum and Brian Acton had said they wanted to keep the platform ad-free. Later, when the app was acquired by Facebook in 2014, the founders had stressed they would keep the messaging app ad-free. However, Facebook clearly had different plans, and by 2018, both the founders left the company as they disagreed with Zuckerberg. It was reported that the two left because they were unhappy with Facebook’s push on advertising for the messaging app.
Acton also caused a stir recently when he tweeted #DeleteFacebook in the middle of the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
And I want to add: WhatsApp is already working to implement ads in the iOS app. https://t.co/eL55pu1kFR
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) September 27, 2018
Well, WhatsApp is already the status adverts feature on the iOS version. The confirmation comes from WABetaInfo, which is known for its reliable information when it comes to upcoming features on the platform.
One easy way in which monetization might be possible on WhatsApp is through WhatsApp for Business. The company last month announced that it would charge a fee from companies for late replies to customers and for sending notifications.
Apparently, businesses will now have to pay to enjoy some premium features on WhatsApp. Are we really ready for that? Zuckerberg and his team might have it figured out but let’s see how it’s met by users.
