If you noticed something new on WhatsApp today, you're not alone — the app just added some new features on its Updates tab, including channel subscriptions, promoted channels, and ads in status.
SEE ALSO: WhatsApp is getting usernames so you can finally stop sharing your phone number"Today we’re introducing some new features for our Updates tab, which is home to both Channels and Status," Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, said in a blog post. "We’ve worked over the last two years to make this tab the place for you to discover something new on WhatsApp, and it’s now used by 1.5 billion people a day. We’re encouraged by the enthusiasm and also want to help admins, organizations, and businesses grow on WhatsApp." Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.99(List Price $249.00) Meta Quest 3S 128GB VR Headset With Gorilla Tag Cardboard Hero Bundle — $249.00(List Price $299.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB Wi-Fi Retina Tablet (Blue, 2025 Release) — $279.00(List Price $349.00) DJI Mini 4K Drone With 4K UHD Camera — $239.00(List Price $299.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet — $148.94(List Price $219.99) Blink Mini 2 Indoor Wireless 1080p Camera (2-Pack) — $34.99(List Price $69.99) Ring Battery Doorbell Plus Video Doorbell (2023 Release) — $79.99(List Price $149.99) Shark AV2501S AI Robot Vacuum With Self-Empty Base — $229.99(List Price $549.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB Tablet (2023 Release, Black) — $69.99(List Price $139.99) Wyze Cam v4 2K Wired Wi-Fi Smart Security Camera — $25.95(List Price $35.98)
Now, users can pay a monthly subscription fee to receive exclusive updates from specific channels. Channels can promote themselves to pop up on users' screens in an effort to help users "discover new channels" and, mostly, to help admins "increase their Channel's visibility." Finally, if a business is promoting its service in Status, users will be able to chat with them about their product or service.
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Meta said this shouldn't disrupt the casual WhatsApp user who only uses the app to chat because the features will only appear on the Updates tab. The company also assured users that they have "built these features in the most private way possible." Everything is still end-to-end encrypted, and you can update your ad preferences in your Accounts Center.
