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FB may deserve credit for growing Instagram. But WhatsApp growth was entirely on WhatsApp. It had become THE de facto chat app outside the US well before FB ac
by addicted 7y ago
FB may deserve credit for growing Instagram.
But WhatsApp growth was entirely on WhatsApp. It had become THE de facto chat app outside the US well before FB acquired it. And this was despite it being a paid app at the time (I remember paying a few dollars for lifetime access).
I suspect WhatsApp would have penetrated the US market much like it has now anyways, because it’s not like FB Has advertised WhatsApp at all. It’s growth has been nearly entirely organic.
- ma2rten 7y agoHard to say, my impression is that WhatsApp got a lot of publicity because of the high acquisition price. I think that contributed to its growth significantly.
- gruturo 7y agoThe people aware of the acquisition price (or that an acquisition even took place) are likely 3-4 orders of magnitude fewer than the amount of people by which it grew since. Also they were most likely either already users, or were already not using it consciously, and the news wouldn’t sway this. Actually I know of (quite) a few people who removed the app they day Facebook bought it, and now actively preach against it with their acquaintances. It’s actually mostly due to them that I now have Viber, Threema, Telegram and Signal too.
- hocuspocus 7y ago> And this was despite it being a paid app at the time (I remember paying a few dollars for lifetime access). In practice Android users would get their free trial period extended regularly. I'm not sure anyone but iPhone users (who are less price sensitive) actually paid for Whatsapp.
- belezera 7y agoThat's correct. Most people I knew really thought Whatsapp was free.