Tag: messaging apps

Social Media

WhatsApp Introduces Group Message History Feature for New Members

Tanisha Cardozo

Joining a group chat midway through an ongoing conversation has often been confusing, leaving new members without context and forcing them to rely on others for updates. Addressing this common issue, WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called Group Message History, aimed at making group interactions more seamless and efficient.

With this update, group administrators can now share recent chat messages with newly added members, helping them quickly understand the flow of conversation. Previously, users joining a group could only see messages sent after they were added, which often led to communication gaps, especially in work-related groups, community discussions, and long-standing family chats. Members frequently had to request screenshots or ask others to resend important details, creating unnecessary back-and-forth.

The new feature offers flexibility and control to administrators. It does not function automatically, meaning admins must actively choose to share message history when adding a new member. They can also decide how many messages to include, with options ranging from 25 to 100 recent messages. This ensures that new participants receive enough context without overwhelming them with excessive information.

Administrators retain full authority over the feature, including the ability to enable or disable it based on group preferences. While regular members cannot share chat history, admins continue to have exclusive control over what is shared with newcomers.

Importantly, WhatsApp has clarified that the introduction of this feature does not compromise user privacy. All shared messages remain protected under the platform’s end-to-end encryption system, ensuring that only group members can access the content. To maintain transparency, WhatsApp notifies existing group members whenever chat history is shared with a new participant. Additionally, these shared messages retain their original timestamps and sender details and are visually distinguished from regular messages for clarity.

The feature is currently being rolled out globally and will be available on both Android and iOS devices. Users who do not immediately see the update are advised to install the latest version of the app and wait for the rollout to reach their region. With Group Message History, WhatsApp aims to enhance user experience by reducing confusion, improving communication flow, and making group conversations more inclusive for everyone involved.

TechPulse

Meta Brings Ads to WhatsApp: Here’s What to Expect

allycaralgoa

July 11, 2025 | By Allycaral

In a move that has long been speculated and cautiously anticipated, Meta has officially confirmed that it will begin displaying ads on WhatsApp — the world’s most-used messaging platform with over 2 billion users globally.

The ads will not appear in private chats or groups, but will instead be introduced in WhatsApp’s Status feature (akin to Instagram Stories) and Channels, which were recently launched to help users follow updates from creators, influencers, and businesses.

This marks a key shift in Meta’s long-term monetization strategy for WhatsApp, which had previously promoted a no-ads experience under its “no ads, no games, no gimmicks” motto.

Meta executives clarified that chats will remain private and encrypted, and that ad targeting will follow privacy-first protocols. However, marketers will now have an opportunity to reach audiences on WhatsApp through interactive visual content — something previously exclusive to Facebook and Instagram.

The rollout is expected to be gradual, beginning in selected markets before expanding globally. WhatsApp for Business users may also see additional advertising tools and sponsored messaging features in the future.

While the move offers new opportunities for brands and creators, it also raises important questions about user experience, platform trust, and the future of ad-free communication.

What’s Changing:

  • Ads will show up in Status and Channels.
  • Personal and group chats remain ad-free.
  • WhatsApp Business may gain enhanced tools for ad placements.
  • Rollout to begin in select countries over the next few months.

As the digital advertising landscape continues to evolve, WhatsApp’s entry into the ad space could reshape how businesses engage with users on messaging platforms — all while testing the balance between monetization and user trust.

TechPulse

WhatsApp Set to Introduce Ads and Subscription Plans: Major Shift Coming to the Messaging App

allycaralgoa

Silicon Valley | June 2025 — In a move that signals a major shift in its long-standing monetization model, Meta-owned WhatsApp has announced plans to introduce advertisements and premium subscription features in the coming months. The changes are expected to roll out gradually, impacting both individual users and businesses using the platform.

This strategic decision marks the most significant evolution in WhatsApp’s business approach since its acquisition by Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2014.

What’s Changing?

WhatsApp, which has long prided itself on being ad-free and user-centric, will now begin to test and deploy:

  • 📢 In-app advertisements: Expected to appear in the Status section and possibly within Channels, allowing brands to promote content without interrupting private chats.
  • 💼 Subscription plans: Aimed at business users, offering advanced tools, analytics, and enhanced reach on the WhatsApp Business platform.
  • 🔒 Core messaging will remain ad-free, according to initial statements, ensuring that personal and group chats stay private and uninterrupted.

Meta’s Monetization Strategy

The move aligns with Meta’s broader push to monetize its suite of apps amid slowing ad revenue from its core platforms. While Facebook and Instagram already run robust ad ecosystems, WhatsApp has remained mostly untapped in terms of revenue generation.

A Meta spokesperson said:

“As WhatsApp continues to grow globally, we’re exploring new ways to support businesses and enhance user experiences. These monetization features are designed to be optional, transparent, and privacy-conscious.”

Business Users to See the Biggest Impact

The WhatsApp Business platform, used by over 200 million businesses worldwide, will see enhanced offerings under new paid tiers. These may include:

  • Advanced automation tools
  • Expanded multi-device support
  • Verified business badges
  • Custom promotional features

This could position WhatsApp more directly against platforms like Telegram Premium and Apple Business Chat.

Reactions Mixed Among Users

While some welcome the expanded business tools and free service sustainability, many users have expressed concern over the potential erosion of WhatsApp’s ad-free promise and the creeping commercialization of a previously simple platform.

Privacy advocates are also watching closely, given WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption model. Meta has reassured users that no ads will appear inside private chats, and user data will not be shared for ad targeting purposes without consent.

What to Expect Next

  • 📅 Rollout Timeline: Ads and subscriptions will be introduced in phases starting later in 2025.
  • 🌍 Initial Rollout Regions: Business-heavy markets like India, Brazil, and parts of Europe may see the first features.
  • 🤝 User Control: Users will have control over ad preferences and subscription upgrades.

As the world’s most-used messaging app with over 2.5 billion users, WhatsApp’s pivot to monetization is a defining moment not just for Meta, but for the future of digital communication.

Stay tuned for updates as new features are rolled out in beta testing.