WhatsApp Banks on Business Messaging Over Ads for Revenue
- Parent Facebook has tried for years to monetize messaging apps
- WhatsApp will also include payments for products in the app
This article is for subscribers only.
Facebook Inc. makes almost all of its money through advertising. But it’s trying a different approach with its WhatsApp unit.
The world’s most popular messaging service is pushing more aggressively into customer service features, including a pay-to-message option for businesses, and says it’s focusing on enterprise tools, not advertising. WhatsApp paused plans for targeted advertising late last year, surprising those who thought it would follow in line with its parent company.