Meta Platforms Inc.’s WhatsApp has reached a significant milestone by hitting 100 million monthly active users in the US. This growth in the daily audience by double digits indicates that the messaging app is starting to make its mark in a market that has long been dominated by Apple Inc.’s iMessage and traditional texting.
Since Meta acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014, the app has gained billions of users globally and has become a staple in countries like Brazil and India. However, its presence in the US has been slower to take off. Meta has been promoting WhatsApp as a unifier for “blue and green bubble” users in the US, referring to the different message displays on iPhone and Android phones. A recent television commercial featuring the cast of ABC’s Modern Family showcased how WhatsApp can bring together users with different types of phones in a single group chat.
Increasing the number of US users on WhatsApp would greatly benefit Meta’s efforts to expand the app’s business. The company has been working on building out WhatsApp’s business, which has been slower to grow than anticipated. As the US market is known to be the most lucrative for advertising, Meta sees potential in click-to-message ads that direct users from their Facebook or Instagram feeds to have direct message conversations with businesses. This segment is already a multibillion-dollar business for Meta.
Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared the news of reaching 100 million users in the US on his WhatsApp channel, highlighting the double-digit growth in the total number of messages sent by US users compared to the previous year. With Meta scheduled to report its second-quarter earnings on July 31, analysts are projecting a 20% increase in sales. The company’s shares have already seen a 30% gain this year.
In conclusion, the growth of WhatsApp’s user base in the US is a positive sign for Meta Platforms Inc. as it looks to expand the app’s business and capitalize on the advertising opportunities in the market. With the potential for further growth and innovation, WhatsApp could become an even more integral part of people’s daily communication in the US.
