Overview
WhatsApp is a free, multiplatform messaging app that lets you make video and voice calls, send text messages, and more all with just a Wi-Fi connection.
With over 2 billion active users, WhatsApp is especially popular among friends and family who live in different countries and want to stay in touch.
WhatsApp's global popularity is due in large part to its accessibility, cross-platform functionality, and simple, straightforward features.
To understand WhatsApp's popularity, you need to understand it was one of the first mobile apps to offer free, internet-based messaging. Instead of sending texts using cellular-data networks, where fees may apply, WhatsApp primarily relies on a Wi-Fi connection to send and receive messages and calls for free.Not only is WhatsApp simple to use, it also offers far more features and customizations than traditional SMS messaging — all for free. If you're already familiar with the app, you may be interested in our favorite WhatsApp tips and tricks.The main draw of WhatsApp is it allows you to send and receive calls and messages using only an internet connection, which means it's virtually free to use and ideal for international calling. There are no fees to sign up, and no data plan allowances to worry about. While WhatsApp is similar to other messaging services like iMessage or Messages by Google, it still offers a few key advantages, the most significant being cross-platform functionality
WhatsApp's core features
- Voice and video calls
- Voice messaging
- Secure messaging
- Photos and video sharing
- Document sharing
- WhatsApp Business