- Have you begun looking for alternatives to WhatsApp Messenger as yet? I have. Telegram is one I would recommend. Any others?
- Why, you ask?
- Simply because of the new WhatsApp update I’ve heard about.
Over the years, everyone across the globe has become accustomed to using WhatsApp Messenger, with plenty of smartphone companies offering it as a pre-installed app, as almost everyone ends up downloading it anyway. Back in the day, WhatsApp promised its users that they would always have a free-to-use platform and that they would never have to pay to use it or see ads on the app. Ever.
However, when Facebook purchased WhatsApp, we knew things were going to change. And as it turns out, we were proved right. The social network has implemented Facebook changes on WhatsApp, with the latter soon going to feature targetted advertisements on its platform, which will be visible in the ‘Status’ tab of the application.
Latest update
As per the latest WhatsApp update, WhatsApp is going to implement featured ads in the Status tab of the app, which is something they have never done before. Business wise, this is a brilliant move, as the app has over 1.5 billion active users, making it one of the most used apps in technological history.
Facebook knew that it has reached a stage where people can’t do without WhatsApp, but it may backfire ultimately, as many users have started searching and even switching to ad-free messengers. Gone are the days where people eagerly awaited for WhatsApp updates which would roll out something new and awesome every time. Now comes the day when WhatsApp has introduced its most annoying feature yet. ADS!
The status function allows users to post photo or video updates that disappear after a period of 24 hours. According to sources, over 400 million users actively use this function and the new ‘Status Ads’ will play in between status updates. The ad update has not just made users unhappy, but several senior members of staff as well.
WhatsApp founders Brian Acton and Jan Koum were the first to leave, with Acton openly blaming the ad system for his departure. He said, “Targeted advertising is what makes me unhappy. You build it once, it runs everywhere in every country. You don’t need a sophisticated sales force. It’s a very simple business.”
WhatsApp Business Chief Neeraj Arora was the next to abandon the ship, saying, “I am deeply indebted to Jan and Brian, who entrusted me to be their business companion for so many years and I am thankful to each one of you who has supported me along the way and made this exciting journey possible.”
Even WABetaInfo, the great WhatsApp follower, that is the fist to bring to us WhatsApp updates, has criticized this new development. They ran a poll on Twitter asking users whether they will continue to use WhatsApp even after the ad update rolls out worldwide. See here:
Will you continue to use WhatsApp after the activation of the Status Ads feature?
Ads will appear between status updates, like Instagram. NEVER in chats.— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) November 26, 2018
So all I can say is thank you, Facebook. Looks like the consensus is that most people will continue using WhatsApp even after ads roll in. Will they be as happy as they’ve been about the app for so many years? I highly doubt. Keep reading ReadScoops.com for more technology updates from around the world.
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