×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Home To Bold Columnists
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

WhatsApp introduces first major advertising features

WhatsApp on the App Store displayed on a phone screen is seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on June 7, 2025. [AFP]

WhatsApp announced Monday it will introduce its boldest advertising features yet, marking a significant shift for the messaging platform that has largely remained ad-free since its launch.

The move is a sensitive one for WhatsApp, whose chief firmly denied a report in 2023 that said the Meta-owned app was exploring advertisements as it sought to boost revenue.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week
Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in
By AFP 53 mins ago
Sports
Joshua knocks out Paul to win Netflix boxing bout
By Ben Ahenda 21 hrs ago
Unique Sports
Munyua secures historic victory at PDC World Championships
Hockey
Mirriam wins 10,000m as KU are crowned hockey champs
By Ben Ahenda 1 day ago
Boxing
Sarah 'Angel of War' Achieng' brings good news to Kenyan pro boxers