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Strategystretch
How should WhatsApp make money without showing ads in chats?
How to approach it
WhatsApp already earns outside chats, from business messaging and from ads and paid channels in its Updates tab. Look at who else gets value: businesses that talk to customers, and payments where money moves.
How a strong answer opens
“WhatsApp already earns from business messaging and from ads in its Updates tab, so the question is how to earn more without touching chats. I'd look at businesses and payments first.”
Outline of a strong answer
Try answering out loud for a few minutes before you open this.
- Acknowledge what exists: business messaging fees, plus ads and paid channels in the Updates tab, never in chats
- Clarify the goal: revenue without harming trust
- Business messaging: fees for customer support and notifications
- Payments: small fees or partner revenue where allowed
- Premium features for businesses or heavy users
- Assess privacy and trust risks
- Recommend a priority order and metrics
Where this question usually goes wrong
Proposing ads in chats anyway, or ignoring the privacy promise that makes people trust the app.
Learn the method
Monetization and pricing in Module 5, Product strategy.
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