The messaging platform will start showing sponsored content in the ‘Updates’ tab, not in users' private chat.

End-to-end encryption remains untouched, and ad targeting will rely on general data like users’ location, language, followed channels, and past ad interactions.

Meanwhile, ad targeting will rely on general data like users’ location, language, followed channels, and past ad interactions.

It comes as Meta enables data-sharing across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

Businesses using WhatsApp Channels can promote themselves in the Updates section, gain followers, and even charge for exclusive content. WhatsApp will take a 10 per cent commission on subscriptions, with potential app store fees added. Brands will also be able to post ads as ‘status updates,’ like Instagram Stories, linking directly to chats.

Meta is also pushing WhatsApp further into monetisation.

Matt Navarra, a social media expert, told BBC News: “The feed is dying, public sharing is down, people are retreating into DMs and Stories in small groups”

But he warns that in markets like the UK or EU, where WhatsApp is seen strictly as a messaging app, users may resist if the app becomes ‘noisy’ or too much like Facebook.

WhatsApp head Will Cathcart defends the move, calling it a natural progression.

He said: “If you’re only using WhatsApp for messaging, you’re not going to see this.”