You open WhatsApp this morning, and suddenly your Updates tab looks different—with ads! Just when you thought WhatsApp would remain forever ad-free, Meta threw us a curveball that has Nigerians buzzing. From ads in the app, to private guest chats, and anti-scam tools—this update has shocked users across the country.
Let’s dive into what’s changed, how it affects you in Nigeria, and how to adapt to these new WhatsApp features seamlessly.
1. Ads Appear in the “Updates” Tab – Not in Chats
What’s Happened:
As of June 2025, Meta began rolling out ads within WhatsApp’s Updates tab—the section where users browse Status updates and follow Channels—but personal chats remain ad-free.
Why It Matters for Nigerians:
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More than half of WhatsApp’s users visit this tab daily.
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Local businesses marketing CDs, tech gadgets, or even WhatsApp-savvy services can now pay to reach more Nigerians.
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You may spot promo channels or ads while catching up on friends’ Status stories.
2. Introducing “Guest Chats”—Chat with Non-WhatsApp Users
New Feature Alert:
WhatsApp is testing a “Guest Chats” feature, enabling you to converse with people who don’t have an account. It’s still in the beta phase.
Why Nigerians Will Love It:
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No more forced downloads—call centers, informal vendors, artisans, and even rural contacts can now message you easily.
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This makes WhatsApp more inclusive, especially in communities where smartphone ownership is growing but app adoption isn’t universal.
3. Safety Overview: Shielding Users From Scams
What’s New:
When you’re added to a group chat by someone not in your contacts, you’ll now see a Safety Overview—with details like who invited you, group size, creation date, and scam warnings. Then you can choose to view or exit the group.
Anti-Scam Enforcement:
WhatsApp has also banned over 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam operations in the first half of 2025.
Why This Matters in Nigeria:
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Scams remain a big threat: fake jobs, investment schemes, and pyramid lures.
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This feature acts as a digital gatekeeper—saving users from group chat scams and risky invites.
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Adds a layer of confidence to WhatsApp’s safety features across Nigeria.
4. What These Updates Mean for You (Nigerian Audience)
Pros
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Ads stay off personal chats—you won’t be interrupted during private convos.
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Guest Chat expands your reach and convenience.
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Safety tool protects thousands from scams at every level.
Cons
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Your Updates feed may now show promotions—so don’t miss important messages!
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Adoption of guest chats might be slow depending on beta enrollment.
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Some users may feel less secure with ads creeping into WhatsApp’s clean interface.
5. How to Stay Smart With These Changes
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Be selective with Updates | Mute channels or advertisers you’re not interested in. |
| 2. Explore Guest Chats tinkering | If you see it, test it: message a relative without forcing them to register. |
| 3. Check safety overviews carefully | Exit any inviting group that feels unfamiliar—no FOMO required. |
| 4. Keep your app updated | These features are still rolling out, so keeping your app current ensures you don’t miss enhancements. |
| 5. Don’t overreact to ads | Remember—they’re only in Updates, not in your chats or calls. |
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s newest update may have shocked users, but it’s also a reflection of how the app is evolving. From monetizing the Updates tab, introducing guest chat access, to rolling out scam defenses—Meta is reshaping WhatsApp for 2025 and beyond.
For Nigerians, especially small bloggers, creators, or everyday users, the changes bring opportunity—but also a call to stay alert and informed.
Let me know: what do you think about ads in WhatsApp? Are you excited about guest chats? Sound off in the comments!
