For the first time, ads have started appearing on WhatsApp—weeks after the company officially confirmed the move. In June, WhatsApp announced that Status updates would soon include advertisements, and that moment has now arrived for select Android beta users via version 2.25.21.11. These ads, similar to Instagram Stories, appear between regular status posts in the Updates tab. The rollout also includes Promoted Channels, allowing businesses to boost visibility. In conjunction, WhatsApp added another major feature to its beta lineup—Quick Recap, an AI-powered tool that summarizes unread chats.
The latest Android beta updates—versions 2.25.21.11 and 2.25.21.12—bring a significant change: sponsored content is now being tested inside the app’s Updates tab.
Status Ads: Borrowing from Instagram’s approach, WhatsApp now displays sponsored posts between regular status updates. Marked as “Sponsored,” these quick clips are targeted at expanding reach for businesses and creators. Users can swiftly skip them or choose to block particular advertisers for a tailored experience.
Promoted Channels: WhatsApp users will also start noticing public channels given premium placement in the directory—another “Sponsored” label signals paid promotion. The intent is to help brands and content creators grow their audiences rapidly, distinguishing these placements from organic channel suggestions.
These developments mark WhatsApp’s first major move to monetize its platform beyond its traditionally ad-free private messaging.
An end to privacy?
WhatsApp assures users that these ads appear only in public sections (Status and Channels), not in private chats or groups. End-to-end encryption is still in place for messages and calls, and WhatsApp clarifies that limited, non-personal data is used for targeting. No chat content or phone numbers are shared with advertisers.
WhatsApp is also doubling down on AI by rolling out Chat Recaps
Beyond monetisation, WhatsApp beta version 2.25.21.12 introduces an AI-powered “Private Processing” feature. This tool generates quick summaries of recent chats to help users catch up faster, but is also limited to beta participants.
WhatsApp is also working on chat recaps | WABetaInfo
Want to Try These Features Early?
To access these updates before public rollout:
Join the WhatsApp Beta Program via the Google Play Store. Search for the WhatsApp beta program in the Google Play Store. If registration is open, click “Join Beta” and update your app to access the latest features.
Update to version 2.25.21.11 or 2.25.21.12.
Look for Status ads under the Updates tab and use the menu in Chats to find Quick Recap.
Both features are still under testing and may evolve based on user feedback. However, a public beta testing indicates that commercial rollout now is very near.
