Breaking: CDC tells employees to return to office by Sept. 15, internal email says
Business
Business

What is ‘WhatsApp’ and why did Facebook buy it?

By Omar Gallaga
March 8, 2014

Facebook recently surprised the tech world by acquiring WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, in a deal worth a stunning $19 billion. But what is WhatsApp, why did Facebook want it and why have so few people heard of it?

“WhatsApp Messenger” is a subscription-based app for sending messages — including photos, video and audio — that’s available for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and Symbian. Its availability on a wide range of platforms and its low cost — $1 a year without any extra texting charges — has made it popular, especially in other countries. The company that makes it was founded in 2009 and has 55 employees.

Why would Facebook pay so much for something similar to its own “Facebook Messenger?” Because “Messenger” is nowhere near as popular and Facebook has made its mobile apps and messaging a huge priority. Facebook has also been casting a wary eye on “Snapchat,” another very popular competitor in messaging.

About the Author

Omar Gallaga
More Stories

Keep Reading

The cotton jassid, an invasive insect native to India, is spreading in the state, posing a threat to multiple crops. The tiny green bugs can be distinguished by the single dark spots they have on each wing.(Courtesy of University of Georgia Extension Service)

Credit: Courtesy of University of Georgia Extension Service

New invasive pest spreading rapidly in Georgia, state officials warn

Georgia agriculture officials are warning farmers that an invasive pest is spreading rapidly in the state, posing a threat to cotton and other major crops.

Former AJC investigative editor recognized nationally for four-decade career

Lois Norder directed investigations exposing fraud and abuse in housing, health care, education and the prison system.

Tariff exemption’s end for small orders means higher costs, postal disruptions

The Trump administration is ending an exemption that has spared imports into the U.S. below the value of $800 from import duties.

The Latest

A long line of 2024 Bronco utility vehicles sit on display at Ford dealership in Denver. Automakers and dealerships can disguise price increases. (David Zalubowski/AP 2024)

Credit: AP

New car prices are going up, but you might not notice (yet)

OPINION

How to find car deals in times of tariffs

DATA SURGE

Data centers need a lot more juice. Georgia consumers fear being squeezed.

Featured

An aerial view captures a large area under construction for a new data center campus on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Developed by QTS, the data center campus near Fayetteville is one of the largest under construction in Georgia. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Georgia could restart regional energy, water reviews for data center proposals

Georgia is weighing rule changes to once again make certain data centers disclose information about their resource requirements to local planning authorities.

From Ponzi fallout to party power: Frost dynasty clings to Coweta GOP

By the end of the two-hour meeting, Brant Frost V had stepped down as Coweta County GOP chair. But in a show of his continued influence, he took on a new role.

After a decade of delays, $148M renovation to Cross Keys High begins

The $148 million project is expected to be completed in 2028. The school, which serves about 1,600 students, will remain open during construction.