WhatsApp to introduce new features for businesses

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out a range of new features aimed at helping businesses generate revenue through the Meta-owned messaging platform.

In the coming months, Meta plans to monetise WhatsApp’s “Updates” tab, which currently allows users to follow updates from companies, news outlets, and public figures. A key part of this initiative is the introduction of a new subscription model that will enable channel administrators to offer exclusive content to followers for a recurring monthly fee.

“This means channel owners can share real-time, exclusive updates with their most engaged followers—and earn revenue in the process,” said Nikila Srinivasan, Meta’s Vice President of Product Management.

While WhatsApp channels will continue to be free to access, administrators will have the option to activate a subscription fee within a predefined price range, according to a Meta spokesperson.

In addition to subscriptions, channel owners will be able to increase their visibility by purchasing ads or boosting their content through Meta’s Ads Manager. Similar to advertising on Facebook and Instagram, this feature allows businesses to set spending limits aligned with their specific marketing goals.

Businesses are already increasingly using WhatsApp to enhance customer service. A recent survey, published in May, found that major high street brands such as John Lewis, Next, B&Q, and M&S are leveraging the platform—often integrating chatbots—to improve customer engagement in response to growing user demand.