Facebook and Instagram have a lot of unavoidable ads, but WhatsApp remains the only platform owned by Meta that is completely devoid of any ads. However, that could change in the future.
In an interview with Brazilian media, WhatsApp’s head, Will Cathcart, clarified that the company has no plans to introduce ads in the main inbox. However, he acknowledged the potential for ads in other areas such as Status and Channels, according to TechCrunch.
In September, Cathcart refuted a report from the Financial Times claiming that the Meta-owned messaging app was considering displaying ads.
Speaking to Brazilian media, he stressed that incorporating ads into the inbox is not the preferred model.
Although WhatsApp had discussed the idea of placing ads in Status a few years ago, it has not been implemented so far. Despite Cathcart mentioning it as a possibility, there has been no rollout.
A Meta spokesperson informed TechCrunch that there is currently no testing of Status ads in any country. However, no official statement was provided by the company regarding the matter.
