Latest news with #monetisation
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
WhatsApp rolls out new features for businesses: How to benefit from them
Image credit: Getty Images WhatsApp has announced a suite of new features for its Updates tab, introducing monetisation options for Channel creators and new advertising tools aimed at businesses, while maintaining its focus on user privacy. Read- The Updates tab—home to both Status and Channels—has seen rapid adoption, with more than 1.5 billion users visiting it daily, according to the company. Meta-owned WhatsApp says the new features are designed to help users discover new content and enable organisations to grow their presence on the platform, 'We're encouraged by the enthusiasm for the Updates tab and want to help admins, organisations, and businesses grow on WhatsApp,' the company said in a statement. Three major additions The latest updates include three key features: Channel Subscriptions : Users will soon be able to subscribe to their favorite Channels for a monthly fee to receive exclusive content. Promoted Channels : A new discovery mechanism will allow Channel admins to pay for greater visibility in the directory, helping them reach a wider audience. Ads in Status : WhatsApp will introduce advertising in the Status section, enabling users to interact with businesses directly from the ad. WhatsApp emphasised that these features will be confined to the Updates tab, keeping users' personal messaging experience unchanged. 'If you only use WhatsApp to chat with friends and loved ones, there is no change to your experience at all,' the company noted. Privacy protections still in place WhatsApp reiterated its commitment to privacy, stating that all personal messages, calls, and statuses remain end-to-end encrypted. 'To show ads in Status or suggest Channels, we'll use limited information like your city, language, or which Channels you follow,' the company explained. 'For users who have linked their WhatsApp with Meta's Accounts Center, ad preferences and activity across Meta apps may also influence what is shown.' Importantly, WhatsApp stressed that it will never share or sell users' phone numbers to advertisers, nor will it use messages, calls, or group activity to target ads. New opportunities for businesses Businesses and Channel admins are being encouraged to take advantage of the new features. WhatsApp positions the Updates tab as a key area where brands can connect with users without intruding on private conversations. 'Over 1.5 billion users visit the Updates tab daily. That's a huge opportunity for businesses to be discovered and grow,' the company stated. Meanwhile, Promoted Channels will allow organisations to increase visibility within the Channels directory, which offers one-way broadcasts of text, media, stickers, and polls. Carefully calibrated move WhatsApp has long resisted introducing ads into its core messaging interface. With this rollout, the company is attempting to balance monetisation with user trust. 'We've been talking about our plans to build a business that does not interrupt your personal chats for years,' WhatsApp said. 'We believe the Updates tab is the right place for these features.'
Independent Singapore
3 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
WhatsApp to roll out 3 new monetisation features within its Updates tab over the next few months
- Advertisement - SAN FRANCISCO: WhatsApp is set to roll out three new monetisation features within its Updates tab, including paid channel subscriptions, promoted channels in the Discovery directory, and ads in Status, the app's version of Instagram stories, AFP reported. Meta's vice president of product management, Nikila Srinivasan, said the updates will be introduced slowly over the next few months, though no exact timeline was given. The new features include paid monthly subscriptions for users who want exclusive updates from their favourite channels, promoted placements to help channel admins boost visibility in the directory, and ads in Status that let users discover businesses and start conversations about the products or services being promoted. In a press release on Monday (June 16), the company said, 'We've been talking about our plans to build a business that does not interrupt your personal chats for years, and we believe the Updates tab is the right place for these new features to work.' - Advertisement - The Meta-owned company stressed that users who only use the app for personal messaging will not experience any changes, as the new features will only appear on the Updates tab. 'Your personal messages, calls, and statuses will remain end-to-end encrypted. This means no one, not even us, can see or hear them, and they cannot be used for ads,' Ms Srinivasan said. She noted that to show ads in Status or Channels, WhatsApp will rely only on basic details such as a user's country or city, device language, and activity within the Updates tab. 'We will never sell or share your phone number to advertisers. Your personal messages, calls, and groups you are in will not be used to determine the ads you may see,' the company said. - Advertisement - Users and regulators have been waiting to see how Meta would monetise the platform, mainly used for chatting with friends and family. Since acquiring WhatsApp in 2014, Meta has kept the app largely free of ads, unlike Facebook and Instagram. Until now, ads on the platform have been limited to WhatsApp Business promotional messages and some Status ad testing in certain markets. There are also no display ads in chat feeds or conversations. In 2023, the company denied reports that it was planning to bring ads into the app to boost revenue. /TISG Read also: Standard Chartered Bank boosts Bonus$aver maximum interest rate to 8.05%, bucking savings interest rate trend
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
WhatsApp wan monetize di app for users all ova di world?
WhatsApp dey launch three new ad features inside one global roll-out across di messaging app. Meta say di new ads no go show for pipo private chats, and for di contents of dia messages wey dey coded. WhatsApp instead go use di kontri, city and language of di user, plus how dem dey interact wit oda ads and which channel dem dey follow, to increase suggested content. But pipo wey don choose to link dia WhatsApp account to Facebook or Instagram go see more personalised ads. Di new ad features go appear for one section dem call Updates, wey be one separate tab for di bottom of di app. How di Update section go work WhatsApp claim say dem get 1.5 billion users globally. Businesses wey get channels go fit choose to promote ads for di Updates section to attract new followers, and dem go fit also charge subscription to access extra contents. WhatsApp go take 10% commission from dat money, dem fit also charge extra money for di app store level depending on di size of di business. Companies go also fit advertise dia products for di form status update, wey dey similar to Instagram story and e go link through to start chat if dem click on am. Social media expert Matt Navarra tell BBC say Meta dey "lay di foundation for WhatsApp to finally become a monetisable platform at scale". But "monetising part of" WhatsApp, while keeping personal chats private, no go dey without risk for di company, e add. Dis particularly go be di case for markets like UK and Europe, e tok, wia dem see di app primarily as a messaging tool, wey no too send for content feeds or adverts. "Any perception say di app dey become noisy or Facebook-ified go spark backlash," e tok. 'Natural extension' No be coincidence say di new features bring WhatsApp more in line wit Meta oda platforms Facebook and Instagram. "Obviously all join togeda," WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart tok. "We get stories on Instagram and stories on WhatsApp, and now we get way for businesses to promote themselves in both, and we think say dat na good thing." E say im believe say di move na "natural extension of messaging services" and di features no different from rival apps like Snapchat and Telegram. For Oga Navarra, e also reflect a wider shift for di social media landscape. "Di feed dey die, public sharing dey down, pipo dey retreat into DMs and Stories in small groups," e tok. "Meta dey try turn WhatsApp to platform without users realising it and if dem move too fast or e begin dey look like anoda ad network, pipo fit stop to dey use di app or worse, distrust di app." WhatsApp make users vex recently wen di introduce permanent button for Meta AI tool, wey users no fit deactivate or delete, and Oga Cathcart say users wey no wan see di ads or follow channels no go dey forced to. "I want to stress this won't affect your inbox," he said. "If na only messaging you dey use WhatsApp for, you no go see am." "I wan make am very clear, dis no go affect your inbox," e tok. "If you dey use your WhatsApp only for messaging, you no go see di ads." E say di Update section of di app "no dey popular" for UK but dem dey use am more for oda parts of di world, and di firm go "look di feedback" about di unremovable AI tool - but many other features dey for di app wey also be permanent. "You no fit delete di channels button, you fit delete di Updates button, you no go fit delete di calls button," e tok. "I mean, we also no wan get service wey get plenty settings….e go dey too complex"
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Uganda: Govt Unveils Shs72.3 Trillion Budget to Drive Full Monetisation of Economy
The Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development has unveiled a Shs72.136 trillion national budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, setting its sights on transforming every corner of the country into a hub of commercial activity. Presented by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, 12 June, 2025, the budget signals a strong shift towards full monetisation of Uganda's economy, underpinned by commercial agriculture, industrialisation, digital transformation, and expanded access to markets. Speaking against the backdrop of a rapidly growing economy, Kasaija painted a picture of a Uganda ready to transition from resilience to acceleration. 'The budget for next financial year, and over the medium term, is focused on people and wealth creation,' he said. Consequently, the theme of the financial year 2025/26 is: 'Full Monetisation of Uganda's Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.'' The Shs72.3 trillion resource envelope represents one of the largest in Uganda's history, with domestic revenue expected to contribute Shs37.2 trillion, roughly 60 percent of the total. The rest will be financed through borrowing and grants. The budget deficit is estimated at 7.6 percent of GDP. But Kasaija reassured Ugandans, stating that the government had a clear strategy to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, widen the tax base, and strengthen tax administration. 'Government plans to collect Shs37.2 trillion in domestic revenue next financial year,' he said, adding that focus would be placed on tackling smuggling, corruption at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and leveraging digital tools like the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System to plug leakages. Priority sectors such as health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism received large shares of the allocation. Healthcare emerged as a major beneficiary, with Shs5.87 trillion earmarked for next year. Kasaija detailed plans to functionalise Health Centre IVs, scale up e-health systems, and expand emergency medical services. He said the government had already delivered 20 digital X-ray machines and installed CT scanners in 14 out of 16 regional referral hospitals. 'We are strengthening the National Ambulance and Emergency Care System,' he added. In education, the Minister allocated Shs5.04 trillion to support Universal Primary and Secondary Education, student loans, the construction of new seed schools, and improvements in teacher recruitment and digital inspections. Kasaija also confirmed the upcoming operationalisation of Bunyoro and Busoga universities, as well as continued investment in sports infrastructure ahead of African Champions Cup (CHAN) and African Cup of Nation (AFCON 2027). 'In order to improve compliance with quality standards, Government digitised school inspections in all public schools and TVET institutions,' he said. Wealth creation programmes, a lifeline for millions of Ugandans received renewed commitment, with Shs2.43 trillion directed towards the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), and other grassroots economic empowerment initiatives. Kasaija said the PDM alone would receive Shs .059 trillion in FY2025/2026, ensuring every parish continues to receive Shs100 million annually. 'These investments are changing the lives of Ugandans by boosting household incomes, enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities,' he noted. He revealed that over 2.6 million Ugandans have already benefited from PDM funds, with investments spanning food crops, livestock, poultry, and microenterprises. To enhance efficiency and eliminate corruption, PDM operations have been fully digitised, using systems such as the WENDI and ZAIDI apps. On the industrial and agricultural front, the government committed Shs1.86 trillion to agro-industrialisation. This includes funding for agricultural research, irrigation schemes, fertilisers, extension services, and value addition. Kasaija highlighted the completion of 145 solar-powered irrigation schemes and the ongoing construction of 157 more. He singled out the Agricultural Credit Facility, now worth over Shs1 trillion in disbursements, as a key driver of agricultural transformation. 'I have provided additional capital of Shs50 billion to the Agricultural Credit Facility next financial year, in addition to insurance that benefits all farmers including PDM beneficiaries.' Uganda's industrial and energy ambitions were also prominently featured, with Kasaija announcing an allocation of Shs875.8 billion for mineral-based industrial development and oil and gas. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline is now 58 percent complete, and an agreement has been signed for the construction of a 60,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery. Once oil production starts in 2026, government expects annual revenues of US$1 to 2.5 billion. 'Uganda currently saves up to US$72.8 million annually on fuel imports,' Kasaija said, citing the impact of the Uganda National Oil Company's direct importation of petroleum products, which eliminated middlemen and reduced speculative pricing. Tourism, another pillar of the economy, was allocated Shs430 billion, with an additional Shs2.2 trillion indirectly supporting tourism infrastructure such as roads, ICT, and security. The government aims to position Uganda as a competitive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in Africa, following recent successes. 'Uganda now ranks 7th in Africa in MICE tourism,' Kasaija stated. Even as he celebrated Uganda's achievements, such as coffee exports surging past US$1.83 billion and tourism earnings reaching US$1.52 billion, Kasaija called on Ugandans to embrace value addition and export diversification. 'While it took the country more than a century to reach US$1 billion in annual coffee export earnings, it has taken just one year to double these earnings,' he said. 'I therefore implore Ugandans to grow more coffee and, most importantly, add value to our coffee before we export it.' AUDIO: Minister Kasaija Kasaija expressed confidence in the direction the country is taking. With projected economic growth of 7 percent in FY2025/2026 and a GDP per capita increase to US$1,324, Uganda is moving steadily towards middle-income status. 'The necessary foundation has already been established, the speed of economic transformation is destined to be faster in the medium term.' Kasaija concluded. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Finextra
29-05-2025
- Business
- Finextra
TrueLayer enters the gaming market
TrueLayer, Europe's leading Pay by Bank network, today announced a landmark partnership with Tebex, the growth and monetisation platform for game studios and private game servers. 0 The agreement marks TrueLayer's first client in the video gaming industry, opening a new growth channel for Pay by Bank and an indicator of the future of game monetisation. With over 30,000 creators and more than $1 billion in global sales processed, Tebex is the infrastructure behind the microtransaction economies of some of the world's most successful gaming companies, including highly-popular Minecraft game servers Wynncraft, Hypixel and Rockstar Studio through their FiveM role playing servers. By integrating TrueLayer's Pay by Bank solution into its platform, Tebex will offer gamers a fast, safe, and convenient way to pay, while ensuring studios and creators get paid faster and more securely. 'We're here to give creators the infrastructure they need to scale sustainably, and payments are a huge part of that. With TrueLayer's Pay by Bank, we're removing friction, slashing fees, and helping studios and creators get paid faster and more securely. It's a win for players too, because it means fewer steps, no redirects, and a checkout experience that simply works,' commented Liam Wiltshire, Head of Payments & Compliance (Tebex), Overwolf. Tebex has added Truelayer's Pay by Bank technology to its checkout in UK, Germany, France, Belgium and Spain, giving studios and server hosts in these markets a high-converting, low-cost payment option for their web stores. With TrueLayer's Pay by Bank solution, players can pay directly from their bank in a few taps, with no card fees, chargebacks, or redirects. Powering the Next Evolution in Game Monetisation In 2024 alone, the global gaming industry spent $187.7 billion, and is expected to reach $213.3 billion in 2027 [1]. Yet traditional payment methods struggle to keep up. Cards can fail, chargebacks are a constant threat to creators and studios, and hidden fees eat into margins for both studios and server owners. By contrast, TrueLayer's Pay by Bank brings: • A digital-native payment experience: An instant and digital experience - with no need for a physical card - meets the UX expectation of modern gamers. • Lower fees: No card networks, no intermediaries, no surprises. • Reduced fraud: Every payment is bank-authenticated and SCA-compliant by design. 'Gaming is a cultural force and a commerce juggernaut — and it's a perfect fit for Pay by Bank,' said Ben Morris, TrueLayer's Commercial Lead. 'Tebex is the gold standard for game monetisation, and we're thrilled to help power the next chapter of growth for their creators.
