By Arinze Uzo
Business News Correspondent
‘The Trumpet’ Blows Loud: WhatsApp Rolls Out New Monetization Tools
WhatsApp Enters the Monetization Arena in Nigeria
In a bold move that could reshape Nigeria’s digital economy, WhatsApp has introduced “The Trumpet”, a groundbreaking monetization feature aimed at empowering Nigerian creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners to earn directly through the messaging platform.
With over 95 million active users in Nigeria alone, WhatsApp has long served as a vital communication tool across the country — from family chats to market transactions. But now, with The Trumpet, Meta is taking WhatsApp beyond messaging, transforming it into a revenue-generating platform tailored to the Nigerian market.
The Trumpet allows individuals and businesses to create monetized broadcast channels within the app. These channels enable creators to share exclusive content, promote products, and interact with their audience — all while earning an income. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg described the feature as a way to “give people more control over their voice and more value for the community they build.”
Nigeria is among the first wave of countries to gain access to The Trumpet due to its booming digital economy, large youth population, and vibrant social media culture. From content creators in Lagos to online vendors in Aba, Nigerians now have a tool that brings e-commerce, influence, and community engagement under one roof.
What is ‘The Trumpet’ and How Does It Work?
The Trumpet is designed as a monetized broadcast feature — similar to a newsletter or Telegram channel — where the creator sends updates, content, or promotional material, and followers can subscribe to get regular posts. But unlike traditional broadcast lists, The Trumpet comes with features tailored for earning money directly:
Key Features for Nigerian Users:
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Paid Access Channels: Creators can charge followers to subscribe to their Trumpet Channel. Whether you’re a motivational speaker in Abuja or a makeup artist in Port Harcourt, you can now earn monthly from your audience.
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Tipping and Gifts: Supporters can send appreciation through in-app tips. This is great for musicians, comedians, pastors, and lifestyle coaches.
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Product Listings with WhatsApp Pay Integration: SMEs can sell goods and services directly through The Trumpet feed. Integration with WhatsApp Pay and local payment platforms like Paystack and Flutterwave is expected to enhance this functionality.
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Ad Revenue Share: Meta will introduce targeted ads within Trumpet Channels, giving creators a percentage of the ad revenue — a welcome move for Nigeria’s growing influencer economy.
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Smart Notifications: Trumpet content won’t disrupt your personal chats. It’s organized in a separate tab, maintaining WhatsApp’s clean design.
For Nigeria, where internet users are mobile-first and data-sensitive, The Trumpet is optimized to consume low data and support offline-first interactions where possible — making it ideal for rural and semi-urban communities as well.
Transforming Nigeria’s Creator and SME Economy
With millions of young Nigerians hustling through digital tools, The Trumpet couldn’t have arrived at a better time. It promises to be a game-changer for creators, small businesses, freelancers, and even traditional institutions.
Real-World Impact in Nigeria:
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Content Creators: From skit makers to motivational speakers and language tutors, creators can now monetize directly without needing a website or YouTube channel.
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Religious Leaders and NGOs: Pastors, imams, and community leaders can deliver value-driven content through subscription channels while receiving donations transparently.
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Small Businesses and Traders: Local fashion designers, food vendors, and importers can promote flash sales, offer VIP deals, and sell to loyal customers without building a separate e-commerce site.
Challenges and Considerations:
While the feature offers enormous potential, Meta must work to combat fraud, misinformation, and abuse. The company has assured users that content moderation tools, identity verification, and community guidelines will be strictly enforced to protect both creators and followers.
Looking Ahead
WhatsApp’s Trumpet feature has the potential to democratize income for millions of Nigerians, turning daily digital interactions into real-world earnings. Analysts predict that by 2026, WhatsApp could become Nigeria’s largest digital revenue channel for non-traditional workers — outpacing even Instagram and TikTok in direct creator earnings.
In a country where youth unemployment remains high but creativity abounds, The Trumpet could be the digital megaphone that finally helps Nigerians turn their talents, influence, and hustle into sustainable livelihoods.
As the trumpet sounds across Nigeria, one message rings loud and clear: It’s time to earn from what you already do on WhatsApp.
