While WhatsApp was initially free and ad-free, Meta has been strategically building out its monetization avenues, primarily through the WhatsApp Business Platform.
WhatsApp Business App: Used by over 200 million SMBs monthly.
WhatsApp Business API: A rapidly growing service for larger enterprises to connect with customers. This platform is generating significant revenue for Meta, with projected spending reaching $3.6 billion.
Future Monetization: Meta continues to explore additional revenue denmark phone number list streams, such as in-app payment features (WhatsApp Pay in select markets), advertising within "Channels" or "Status" sections (though carefully implemented to avoid alienating users), and expanded services for businesses. Discontinuing WhatsApp would eliminate this massive and growing revenue opportunity.