Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed this week that WhatsApp has surpassed 100 million monthly active users in the United States. The messaging app has seen rapid growth in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Seattle. Additionally, WhatsApp reports substantial growth in Southern states, with Texas boasting over 10 million users.
Sheena Vasani for The Verge:
“This is the first time data pertaining to users has been released since Meta’s acquisition of the messaging app and demonstrates how the messaging platform, already the biggest messaging app in the world, has experienced tremendous growth in the U.S.,” WhatsApp spokesperson Ashley O’Reilly wrote in a press release.
Since purchasing WhatsApp for $16 billion in 2014, Meta has put a lot of effort into making the app as popular in the US as it is internationally. One such way is by advertising WhatsApp’s availability on iOS and Android, particularly how easy it is to message users across platforms.
Yet, while WhatsApp now boasts more than 2 billion users in over 180 countries, it’s still less popular in the US than rivals like Apple’s iMessage.
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MacDailyNews Take: With the release of iOS 18 this fall, Whatsapp will have a much tougher sell as Apple’s Messages app will support RCS when messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device for richer media and more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS.
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This milestone for WhatsApp is impressive and highlights its growing adoption in the U.S., especially in regions like Texas with over 10 million users! One key factor in its success is WhatsApp’s ability to provide seamless cross-platform messaging, which has been a game-changer compared to traditional SMS and even some app-specific messaging platforms.
While iMessage’s RCS support might pose a challenge, WhatsApp’s extensive features, such as end-to-end encryption, business integrations, and global reach, make it a strong contender. For businesses, using WhatsApp for customer engagement and support—particularly through its Business API—offers immense potential.
Also, with WhatsApp’s global popularity, it’s a valuable tool for connecting with international contacts or even leveraging it for quick discussions about tech topics like this one. Its ubiquity ensures that it remains a go-to communication platform, both socially and professionally.
What’s your take on how RCS might impact WhatsApp’s future growth in the U.S.?