WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app, has started testing Status Ads and Promoted Channels in its latest Android beta update. These features aim to help brands and creators expand their visibility on the platform, marking the app’s first step toward a monetized ecosystem that supports advertiser-led content — while still maintaining user privacy.
Meta first announced these tools back on June 17, and now select beta testers are getting a hands-on look at how they function within the app. Curious about how these changes might affect your experience? Here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far.
WhatsApp’s Beta 2.25.21.11: A Step Toward Monetization
Two Key Additions: Status Ads & Promoted Channels
According to a recent report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp’s beta version 2.25.21.11 for Android brings two powerful features to the table:
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Status Ads
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Promoted Channels
These changes appear to be directed mainly at business accounts and content creators, providing them with tools to promote sponsored content directly in WhatsApp — something that up until now, was exclusive to other Meta properties like Facebook and Instagram.
What Are Status Ads in WhatsApp?
Ads That Appear Alongside Regular Status Updates
Status Ads will allow brands, creators, and business accounts to place sponsored stories into the Status section — essentially mirroring how Instagram Stories Ads work.
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These ads will appear in between your contacts’ statuses, marked clearly as “Sponsored”
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Users can interact with ads just like a regular status update (view, tap, skip)
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Ad-blocking controls will be available, so users can block specific advertisers from appearing again
This presents a major opportunity for small businesses, creators, and even larger entities to reach WhatsApp’s vast user base without significantly disrupting the experience of everyday users.
Promoted Channels: Boosting Visibility for Creators and Brands
Turning WhatsApp Channels into a Growth Platform
Alongside Status Ads, WhatsApp is preparing to roll out Promoted Channels — another user-facing feature that allows public or business channels to gain visibility inside the directory.
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Promoted channels will appear highlighted or suggested within the directory
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A “Sponsored” label will clearly mark them for transparency
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This is ideal for news outlets, creators, public figures, and brands looking to grow their audience faster
For those managing public channels on WhatsApp, this function enables faster organic discovery through a paid promotional push, something similar to Instagram’s suggested content feature.
Important: Privacy Stays Intact, Says WhatsApp
Despite these new monetization tools, WhatsApp assures that:
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No user chats are scanned or used for ad targeting
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Ads will remain within public-facing spaces – Status and Channels only
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Block/report functions will remain accessible for all promoted content
This means you can expect to maintain your privacy and control over your experience, even as new forms of content appear through sponsored listings.
Ad Transparency: WhatsApp’s New Reporting Tool
View Your Personal Ad Exposure History
In an earlier beta version 2.25.19.15, WhatsApp began testing a new option allowing users to download detailed reports of the ads they saw.
This report includes:
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Names of advertisers
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Dates and times ads were shown
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Sections where ads appeared (Status or Channels)
This feature enhances ad transparency, giving users insight into which businesses are reaching them and how frequently.
Why This Matters: Bigger Opportunities for Businesses
WhatsApp’s latest beta features point toward a broader monetization strategy under Meta’s ecosystem. It’s a massive win for:
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Small businesses looking to advertise affordably and locally
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Content creators promoting newsletters, videos, or community discussions on channels
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Brands eager to build a following where users are highly engaged
With over 2 billion users globally, WhatsApp is finally moving closer to becoming a multi-channel engagement platform — not just a private messaging service.
When Will Everyone Get These Features?
Right now, Status Ads and Promoted Channels are still in beta testing, meaning only a limited number of Android users have access via the Google Play beta program.
A wider rollout can be expected once:
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Beta testers provide feedback
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WhatsApp fine-tunes the experience based on user behavior
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Regulatory compliance and ad control frameworks are fully validated
Expect general availability to roll out later in 2025, likely with an update to WhatsApp Business and public channels.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for WhatsApp
With the introduction of Status Ads and Promoted Channels, WhatsApp is evolving beyond a messaging tool to become a content discovery and promotion platform — all while retaining its core focus on user privacy and simplicity.
For brands and solo creators, this could be the perfect entry point to engage with one of the world’s largest digital audiences using targeted, high-visibility placements.
Whether you’re a marketer, small business owner, or everyday user, WhatsApp’s latest beta gives a glimpse of the app’s future — one powered by AI, content, and business-led discovery.
