The popular messaging platform WhatsApp is celebrating its 15th anniversary this weekend, solidifying its position as the world‘s most used communication tool with over 2 billion users worldwide. What started as a project by former Yahoo employees Jan Koum and Brian Acton in 2009 is now part of Meta, following a $19 billion acquisition by Mark Zuckerberg in 2014.
According to the latest IAB Spain Social Networks Study, WhatsApp continues to dominate as the most popular messaging app, especially among younger generations. With 2 billion users globally, it outshines competitors like WeChat, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram by a significant margin.
Over the years, WhatsApp has introduced a range of new features, from video calls to group messaging options. The platform has also integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, allowing users to generate emoticons, images, and even chat with an assistant within certain limits. Despite these advancements, WhatsApp ensures that user privacy remains a top priority, with end-to-end encryption for all messages.
While Meta does not disclose specific revenue figures for WhatsApp, some analysts estimate its contribution to be around 1% of the company’s total revenue. The potential for monetization was a point of contention for WhatsApp’s founders, leading them to depart from Meta after the acquisition. However, the introduction of the WhatsApp Business platform in 2018 has provided a potential solution for profitability, with millions of users willing to pay for corporate communication services.
Internationally, WhatsApp has seen the highest penetration rates in countries like Spain, Italy, and Argentina, while facing slower adoption in regions like the United States where traditional SMS messaging remains prevalent. As the platform continues to evolve and expand its features, the future of WhatsApp as a communication powerhouse remains strong.