Meta (the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram) has launched WhatsApp monetization, introducing three major new features on WhatsApp that will finally allow people, especially business owners and content creators, to monetize their content directly on the platform.
Here’s what’s coming:
Paid Channel Subscriptions
You can now run a WhatsApp Channel where people pay monthly to get exclusive updates. Think of it like Instagram’s “Close Friends” or Patreon, but on WhatsApp.
“The Channels subscription features will allow users to pay a monthly fee for exclusive subscriptions to channels belonging to their favourite content creators, news outlets, and sports teams.”
Promoted Channels
WhatsApp will now suggest channels to users based on their interests. Businesses and creators can pay to boost their channel visibility. If you’re serious about growing an audience, Meta just opened the floodgates with WhatsApp monetization.
Ads in WhatsApp Status
Businesses will be able to put ads in their WhatsApp Status, similar to Instagram Stories. People can click on these ads to chat directly with the business or make a purchase.
“Users can view them in their status, discover new products and brands, and chat directly with the advertiser.”
But What About Privacy in the New WhatsApp Monetization?
Meta knows you’re asking, and that’s why they’re promising not to touch your private messages. In their own words: “Your personal messages, calls, and groups remain end-to-end encrypted, and that includes your Status updates. We’ll never sell or share your phone number with advertisers.”
Instead, they’ll use only general info like your city, language, and Channels you follow to show relevant ads. If you’ve linked WhatsApp to your Facebook account via the Meta Accounts Center, they’ll also consider your ad preferences across platforms.
So yes, ads are coming but not in your private chats.
So, Why WhatsApp Monetization Now?
Remember when Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) slammed Meta with a ₦220 million fine over privacy violations? That was a warning shot. Meta almost pulled out of Nigeria. But instead, they listened, promised to do better, and this, these features, are part of the response.
Despite the heavy fine, Meta is not excluding Nigeria from this global rollout. They are going full steam ahead. Despite the $220 million fine imposed… the company has not made any exceptions to the latest update.
What This Means for Us Here
We are a country full of hustlers, creatives, and entrepreneurs. But many of us rely on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube for content monetisation, while WhatsApp is where our real audience lives.
Meta has finally connected the dots. For this reason, if you: run a small business, teach online classes, create inspiring, funny, or informative content, share daily devotionals or entertainment, or even just want to build a community around your brand, then these new WhatsApp features are your next big opportunity.
WhatsApp has over 1.5 billion users, and unlike Facebook or Instagram, most of your followers actually see what you post. That’s real engagement, and now, it’s monetizable.
Read: Grow Your Online Business in 5 Simple Ways
How You Can Prepare for WhatsApp Monetization
Here’s how to get ahead of the curve: First, start building your Channel now, even if the monetisation hasn’t reached you yet.
Secondly, think about what exclusive value you can offer, tips, insights, tutorials, behind-the-scenes, spiritual guidance, daily affirmations; and if you run a business, prepare to create high-quality WhatsApp Status ads (just like Instagram Stories).
Furthermore, link your WhatsApp to your Meta Accounts Center for full integration.
When Is WhatsApp Monetization Coming?
It won’t all happen overnight. “The features will be rolled out gradually over the coming months.” But trust us, those who prepare early will win first.
Bottom Line
Meta just turned WhatsApp from a simple messaging app into a money-making machine; and, for Nigerians, it’s a chance to build a business or grow a brand without ever leaving WhatsApp.
So, whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, or Benin, start planning now, because the next time someone says, “Send me update,” you might just be charging them ₦1,000/month to get it, because WhatsApp monetization is here.
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