WhatsApp to Adopt New Advertisement-Based Monetization Model

• Facebook is finally taking steps towards integrating WhatsApp and its own social network platform with advertisements.
• Facebook will be displaying ads on the social media platform that link to WhatsApp message threads of companies.
• Users will be able to use these links to access real-time support or connect with businesses, and the service will cost businesses money while being free for users.

WhatsApp is one of the few social messaging apps that has stayed devoid of any advertising up until now with parent company Facebook set to monetize the app with ads. Users can be connected to businesses using links and ads on Facebook which redirect to WhatsApp conversations. The chats can either be used for support or making general queries directly to a business.

If businesses respond to users within the first 24 hours, the service is completely free. However, if businesses want to respond after 24 hours, a small fee will be incurred. The new service can also be used to send tickets or boarding passes for services or relay any important information to customers as well. The WhatsApp links on Facebook can be used to redirect users to already loaded chat windows with promotional content.

Image Courtesy of Facebook

WhatsApp has already been partnering with businesses since September 2017, but the number of businesses partnered with the messaging app is unknown. Some of the most popular services that are working with the app include Uber, Netflix, Singapore Airlines and Wish.

It is not the first time Facebook has tried implementing business conversations. Messenger was the first platform to get access to the feature, but it failed to have desirable levels of impact. With real-time support being optional to businesses, it is not guaranteed that you will hear from businesses fast enough to resolve your queries.

With recent WhatsApp earnings reports failing to impress investors, Facebook is getting serious about monetizing its social messaging app. It can potentially help the app’s stagnating profits through the monetization efforts. The app also introduced Group Voice and Video calls recently in an attempt to attract more users to the platform. With the new features coming to the platform, it may see a financial turnaround after all.

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