As WhatsApp begins rolling out its advertising capabilities, marketers are eyeing a powerful new channel built on intimacy, scale, and real-time engagement. In a country where the platform is deeply ingrained in everyday communication, its evolution into a media space opens up new opportunities for both performance and brand marketing. This story explores how agencies and brand leaders are viewing WhatsApp’s potential—and what it could mean for the future of consumer connection.
Sahil Chopra, Founder & CEO, iCubeswire
WhatsApp making its move towards advertising is a game-changer for marketers. The platform already has people chatting there daily. What’s important for marketers to keep in mind is that the advertising done there should feel natural and not intrusive. From helpful updates, exclusive offers, to quick customer support, if brands can make the whole exchange feel like a friendly message instead of a sales pitch, they can certainly win big on this platform.
WhatsApp offers marketers direct access to users in a highly engaged, familiar, and personal space. For marketers to make the most out of it, their focus should be on relevance, now whether it’s sending timely updates, customer service messages, or limited-time offers. It isn’t about spreading awareness on this platform, it’s more about enhancing utility and context. However, the challenge remains to do all this while respecting the platform’s purpose, while still delivering value.
Rasika P., Chief Marketing Officer, Tata Consumer Soulfull
“WhatsApp’s move into advertising creates a unique opportunity for brands to engage with consumers in a more direct and personal way. It allows them to connect with their audience where they are most active and comfortable. At Tata Soulfull, we’re excited to explore this space as it can create two-way conversations that truly resonate.”
Nikhil Khatri, VP-Biddable Performance, LS Digital
“WhatsApp’s move into advertising marks a pivotal shift for marketers, especially in India. As the ads are now shown in updates tab and channels instead of private chats, brands can reach more than 500 million Indian users within a trusted, highly engaging space.
This space can be utilized by the marketers to create visually appealing and contextually relevant campaigns. These campaigns can blend seamlessly into users’ daily habits, with the use of automation and AI to personalize at scale. Another important factor will be respecting user privacy and delivering authentic, value-driven content; following this approach brands can then ensure success the campaigns for the brands.”
Shweta Sharma, CEO of Hakuhodo Data Labs India and CBO at AdGlobal360
“WhatsApp is shaping up to be the most personal media channel, especially for brands operating in fast-moving retail channels like Q-commerce. It’s where urgency meets intimacy, with intent turning into action in the same scroll. Think: back-in-stock nudges, price drops, or limited-time offers — all in real time. But scale needs agility, and that’s where AI-powered creativity and automation will play a big role. If brands treat it like a broadcast tool, they’ll miss the point. The real win lies in being helpful, timely, and native to the conversation.”
Vishal Patankar, Executive Director, Client Services, Landor India
WhatsApp’s entry into advertising marks a shift toward more personal, intent-led brand engagement. It opens the door for real-time, trust-building conversations that go beyond traditional broadcast messaging. Marketers can tap into CRM integration, tailored commerce journeys, and service-driven storytelling. Success will hinge on delivering value while respecting user privacy. Brands that prioritise usefulness over interruption will stand out, driving deeper engagement and long-term loyalty in this emerging conversational media landscape.
