Definition: 
WhatsApp is an instant messaging application for smartphones. The application allows sending not only texts but also images, videos, audios, audio recordings (voice memos), documents, locations, contacts, gifs, stickers, as well as calls and video calls with several participants at the same time, among other functions….
In the application, the contact book is automatically integrated. In this way, it is possible to know immediately all the contacts who are using the application and those who are not.
Unlike other applications it is not necessary to integrate any type of password to access the service.
Facts about WhatspApp
WhatsApp was founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, former Yahoo employees, with the goal of creating a messaging application that would allow people to communicate easily and free of charge. Over the years, WhatsApp has seen significant growth and evolution. Here are some key milestones in its history:
- 2009: Launch of WhatsApp as a messaging application for iPhone. The application quickly gains popularity for its simple interface and the ability to send messages at no cost.
- 2010: Introduction of the group messaging feature, which allows users to communicate with multiple contacts at the same time.
- 2011: WhatsApp expands to other platforms, including Android and BlackBerry, increasing its user base.
- 2013: The possibility of sending images and videos is introduced, expanding the capabilities of the application beyond just text.
- 2014: Facebook acquires WhatsApp for approximately $19 billion, marking an important milestone in the history of the app and its integration into the Facebook ecosystem.
- 2016: WhatsApp launches the video calling feature, allowing users to make high-quality video calls.
- 2017: WhatsApp Business is introduced, a version of the application aimed at small and medium-sized companies, facilitating communication with customers.
- 2020: WhatsApp implements additional security measures, such as two-step authentication, to improve user account protection.
- 2021: WhatsApp reaches 2 billion active users worldwide, consolidating its position as one of the most widely used messaging applications globally.
- 2024: 2.78 billion users are reached with an average usage of 17 hours per month per user.
How to use WhatspApp
Using WhatsApp is very simple. You only need to know a person’s cell phone number to communicate with them. Here are the basic steps to start communicating with other users:
- Adding a contact: To start a conversation, you need to know the phone number of the person you want to communicate with. You can add the number directly in the application or make sure it is saved in the contact list.
- Start the conversation: Once the contact is saved, open WhatsApp and search for the person’s name in the contact list. Select their profile to open the chat.
- Send a message: Write the message in the text field and press the send button. If the person has WhatsApp installed, he/she will receive the message immediately.
- Message approval: It is important to note that, on some occasions, the recipient may need to approve receipt of messages from new contacts before communication can be established.
Is WhatspApp free?
Despite all the rumors that have been generated around this question, Whatsapp is still a totally free application. All functions remain so and the application continues to be funded through the information it obtains from the data it handles anonymously and applying it to Big Data.
WhatspApp Business
WhatsApp Business is a free application designed specifically to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Its main objective is to facilitate communication between companies and their customers, offering digital marketing tools that optimize interaction and improve the user experience. Among the advantages of WhatsApp Business for businesses we can highlight:
- Effective communication: Facilitates direct communication with customers, allowing you to respond quickly to their questions and queries.
- Presentation of products and services: The application allows to clearly and attractively display the products and services offered, helping customers to make informed decisions.
- Product catalog: You can create a digital catalog to showcase your products and services, making it easy for customers to explore what you offer.
- Message organization: WhatsApp Business includes special tools that allow you to organize and respond to messages efficiently, improving communication management.
In addition, WhatsApp Business is not only useful for small and medium-sized businesses, but can also be used by medium and large companies to provide customer support and send important notifications. This versatility makes WhatsApp Business a valuable tool for any type of business looking to improve its relationship with customers.
Where to download WhatsApp
WhatsApp is available for a variety of mobile devices and can be downloaded for free. Below are the main platforms where you can get the application:
- For Android devices: WhatsApp can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Just search for “WhatsApp” in the app store, select the official application and press the “Install” button.
- For iOS devices: iPhone users can download WhatsApp from the App Store. One has to search for “WhatsApp” in the app store, select the official app and press “Get” to start the download.
- For PC: WhatsApp also offers a desktop version called WhatsApp Web. To use it, you can access web.whatsapp.com from a browser, or download the desktop application from the official WhatsApp site. Scanning a QR code with the mobile app is required to link the two versions.
- For other operating systems: WhatsApp offers versions for some additional devices, such as Windows Phone. However, it is important to check availability in the respective app store.
Once the application has been downloaded and installed, the registration process must be followed to start using WhatsApp.