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It's simple. It's instant. Not everyone (especially in Asia) has a Facebook account or even wants on. SMS was already what was powering communications in Asia.
by statictype 13y ago
It's simple. It's instant. Not everyone (especially in Asia) has a Facebook account or even wants on. SMS was already what was powering communications in Asia. Whatsapp took SMS , added images, group chat and removed the cost.
Also, it was free and works on Android (Very important in South Asia).
Many older people get smartphones just to use whatsapp to communicate with others. I'm not joking. I upgraded my mom to a smartphone against her will so that she can use whatsapp to communicate with friends and family more easily.
- anigbrowl 13y agoI guess I'm confused because there are lots of messaging apps, eg http://personalweb.about.com/od/mobile-messaging/tp/8-Mobile-Messaging-Apps.htm http://personalweb.about.com/od/mobile-messaging/tp/8-Mobile... and indeed Android's built-in messaging. I'm not trying to dismiss whatsapp, just having a hard time seeing what makes it distinctive.
- jey 13y agoSupposedly they have a huge install base in many (non-US) markets. The idea is probably that network effects will make it so that they'll continue to be the dominant player for a long time.