No ads in WhatsApp, at least not in the chats section (but possibly in other places)

WhatsApp is once again reassuring users that they won’t see ads in the popular messaging app, but this time there’s fine print.

In an interview for a Brazilian media outlet, WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart explained the future of the app and how Meta, which acquired WhatsApp, makes money from the free WhatsApp app (via 9to5Mac).

A word from the boss

When asked about displaying ads in the app, Cathcart emphasized that the company “will not place ads in the inbox or in chats” – which is not at all the same as “Not of advertising in WhatsApp”. “We don’t think it’s the right model. . People, when they open their inbox, don’t want to see advertising,” he said. However, the executive does not rule out the idea of ​​WhatsApp showing ads in other parts of the app.

According to Cathcart, one possibility is to display advertisements in the Public Channels and Status sections. The WhatsApp boss suggested other ways to monetize the app, such as charging people to join a channel – like Telegram does with its users.

The Meta executive also said in the interview that the countries where WhatsApp is most popular are India, Indonesia and Brazil; with Brazil being the champion for the highest number of audio messages sent on WhatsApp, as well as the highest number of missing messages.

One of WhatsApp’s biggest revenue streams is the WhatsApp Business API, which offers special tools for the business. It’s a $10 billion-a-year business, according to Cathcart. WhatsApp could increase its revenue without relying on ads by offering other paid services and taking a commission.