WHATSAPP CONFIRMS PLANS TO INTRODUCE ADS UNDER STATUS
In a rather logical development for Facebook-owned Whatsapp, it looks like the messaging platform is preparing to roll out ads under Whatsapp Status [the app’s Stories-like expiring content section] in 2019 as a way of monetizing its free service. “That's going to be a primary monetization mode for the company, as well as an opportunity for businesses to reach people on Whatsapp,” Vice President Chris Daniels reportedly told The Economic Times. With over 450 million daily users, Status promises to be an ad platform to watch for brands today, especially that it’ll most likely be powered by Facebook’s native ad system, which allows marketers to customize it directly through Ads Manager and gives brands an added outlet for cross-promotion when it comes to their campaigns. And while the precise dynamics of Whatsapp ads have yet to be revealed, marketers have got to start exploring its potential benefits, notably in terms of reaching new audiences that may not be as active on Facebook and Instagram but use Whatsapp as a daily communication tool.