Everything you need to know about WhatsApp's latest updates
Popular messaging app WhatsApp is shaking things up by introducing ads in its Status section
Image: Whatsapp/X
Popular messaging app WhatsApp is shaking things up by introducing ads in its Status section, aiming to boost business visibility and customer discovery.
According to the Meta-owned app, the ads will appear exclusively within the Updates tab, which also includes Channels and Status updates.
In addition to the advertisements, WhatsApp said it is launching several new features. Users will now have the option to subscribe to channels for exclusive updates for a monthly fee, providing administrators with a new way to monetize their content.
"We've been talking about our plans to build a business that does not interrupt your personal chats for years and we believe the Updates tab is the right place for these new features to work," Whatsapp said.
"These new features will appear only on the Updates tab, away from your personal chats.This means that if you only use WhatsApp to chat with friends and loved ones, there is no change to your experience at all.
"You’ll be able to find a new business and easily start a conversation with them about a product or service they’re promoting in Status".
Two weeks ago, IOL also reported that the popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp officially discontinued support for a range of older smartphones.
The move affected a range of ageing smartphones, including Apple’s iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, as well as older Android models like the Samsung Galaxy S III, HTC One X, and Sony Xperia.
"Every year, we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. These devices also might not have the latest security updates or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp."
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
IOL Business