WhatsApp just turned a new page. In its latest update, Meta has introduced ads in the app, smarter auto‑replies, and exciting AI tools for businesses. This is more than just a change—it’s a transformation that connects more companies and customers on WhatsApp’s secure platform. Let’s dive into what’s new, why it changes the game, and how it affects small businesses worldwide.
Ads in ‘Updates’: A Bold Move
In June 2025, WhatsApp began showing ads in the “Updates” tab—formerly known as Status. This marks the end of its long-standing ad-free era.
- Where: Only in the “Updates” tab, not in private chats.
- What it uses: Non‑sensitive data like location and followed channels to target ads.
- Why now: With over 3 billion users, WhatsApp offers a massive stage for businesses to reach audiences—and Meta wants a slice of that advertising revenue.
What This Means for Businesses
- Brands can advertise directly on WhatsApp through Meta’s platform.
- Promoted channels become visible in the app directory, helping businesses stand out.
- Subscription channels allow creators to offer premium content, with WhatsApp taking a commission.
These changes echo the super-app model in Asia, where commerce and communication come together seamlessly.
Smart Auto‑Replies: AI Meets Customer Service
Another important upgrade includes AI-driven auto‑replies in the WhatsApp Business app. Businesses can now:
- Answer common questions (“Where are you?” “What time are you open?”) automatically.
- Use tools to respond based on their catalog or business info.
This feature is powered by Meta’s Business AI. It helps businesses respond quickly without typing each time. And if the AI gets stuck, human agents can jump in as needed .
AI Tools for Smarter Interaction
Meta also introduced a suite of more advanced AI tools:
- AI-driven ad targeting: Sends marketing messages to customers more likely to respond, based on Instagram and Facebook behavior.
- AI-powered chatbots: These can answer queries, show catalog items, check business hours, and more—perfect for handling high traffic .
- Cross‑platform ad creation: Businesses can build ads that link directly into WhatsApp chats, bridging messaging and marketing.
These tools reduce manual effort and enhance personalized communication, allowing small businesses to respond faster and scale better.
What This Means for You
For Businesses:
- Reach more customers through targeted ads.
- Respond faster with intelligent, automated replies.
- Boost sales by routing users from ads into conversations quickly.
One Reddit user shared how they used automated WhatsApp replies to run ads—on day two they saw 340 inquiries, 48 leads, and 4 sales—all without lifting a finger. That’s the power of combining ads and AI.
For Customers:
- Ads appear only in Updates, so your private chats are untouched.
- Still secure and encrypted—WhatsApp emphasizes your personal messages and calls remain private..
- Privacy stays important, with no targeting based on your chat content or phone number.
But some users and privacy advocates are wary, arguing that ads compromise the app’s original privacy-first promise.
Privacy and Concerns
WhatsApp has always centered on encryption and privacy. The founders left partly because they opposed adding ads. Now, some say this update breaks user trust.
Still, Meta maintains that ad targeting uses only minimal data—like location or language—not private chat content.
Even the Signal president criticized WhatsApp, calling out “AI clutter” and framing it as a break from a clean, secure experience. Meanwhile, WhatsApp’s vice-president, Alice Newton‑Rex, assured privacy remains a priority as AI features roll out.
Final Thoughts
This update is a big step. WhatsApp is now a hybrid app: chat, ads, business tools, and AI—all in one. For businesses, it’s a powerful way to reach and engage customers. For users, ads are limited to Updates, and encrypted chats stay private.
Here’s what you can do next:
- Businesses: Explore auto-replies, AI chatbots, and ad targeting to reconnect with customers and grow sales.
- Users: Check your ad preferences under Meta’s Accounts Center. Keep an eye on subscription channels if you’re into exclusive content.
- Everyone: Watch how privacy policies evolve and how competitors like Signal respond.
Meta’s monetization push reflects a broader trend: combining messaging, ads, commerce, and AI into one ecosystem. As WhatsApp evolves into a super-app, it’s reshaping the way we connect, buy, and chat.
Stay tuned for more updates—this is just the beginning of a new era for WhatsApp for Business.
