Pay for WhatsApp use? This is on the cards

Facebook has started a new scheme, where it connects business with customers via WhatsApp. The social media platform will make money out of it. According to Facebook, it has been testing the WhatsApp Business tool with more than 90 companies including Uber and Singapore Airlines for months. 

"We're introducing a solution for businesses that require more powerful tools to chat on WhatsApp and a new way for people to quickly start a WhatsApp conversation from an ad on Facebook," the social network said in an online post.

With WhatsApp business, companies can send non-promotional content such as shipping information, charging for confirmed deliveries. The companies will be able to revert free of cost to questions or comments sent to them on WhatsApp, within 24 hours. Tardy responses by businesses will incur costs. Some Facebook ads will also feature an easy way to initiate WhatsApp conversations with the businesses, according to a report by AFP.

"Facebook Ads that click to WhatsApp help people discover your business, help you engage with them to explain your product or service and grow a relationship," the social network's team said, as cited in the report. Facebook has long been testing ways to make money from WhatsApp, which it bought in early 2014 in a deal valued at $19 billion. Growth has been the priority at WhatsApp, which now boasts some 1.5 billion users around the world.

"You will continue to have full control over the messages you receive," Facebook promised WhatsApp users. "Businesses will pay to send certain messages so they are selective and your chats don't get cluttered."

Watch this Zee Business video here:

Messages will remain encrypted end-to-end, with people able to block businesses if they wish. The new tool will be available to more business, as facebook has planned, which will focus first on companies with strong need to manage customer communications. Facebook shares plummeted last week on disappointing results.