Why Do People Use WhatsApp? Everything You Need to Know

PDF download Download Article
Decide if the popular social app is right for you
PDF download Download Article

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, but it may not seem that way to everyone. It's not quite as popular in the U.S., although its presence is growing rapidly. So why do people use WhatsApp, and is there any benefit to using it instead of your normal texting app? This wikiHow article will run through everything you need to know about WhatsApp and why someone would choose to use it.

Things You Should Know

  • WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption makes it more secure than texting and other messaging apps.
  • Many people use WhatsApp internationally, as it's a free way to send messages to people all over the world.
  • WhatsApp can be used without a data connection, as calls and texts can be sent over Wi-Fi.
1

WhatsApp can be used internationally.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It is especially prominent in Europe, India, and other parts of the globe. While WhatsApp may not be as omnipresent in the U.S., it's a vital app for anybody who wants to text or call family and friends abroad without paying international charges.
    • Likewise, if you are traveling abroad, WhatsApp is a great way to keep communicating with your contacts your home country while avoiding the international charges that come with most mobile plans.
    2. Advertisement
2

End-to-end encryption.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption is one of its most noteworthy features, as many people trust it over traditional SMS. Only a few other apps (Signal being one of them) can offer similar online safety to its users.
3

Cellular data is not required.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Making a traditional phone call often requires a data plan, but with WhatsApp, you can call and message others without any data connection at all. A simple Wi-Fi connection will suffice.
    2. Advertisement
4

WhatsApp is free.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    WhatsApp is completely free, which is partly why it is so popular all around the world. You can use WhatsApp to text, voice chat , and video chat without paying hefty fees.
5

WhatsApp offers larger group conversations than texting.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    SMS group chats can include up to 10 people, and even iMessage can only support up to 32. WhatsApp supports a whopping 256 members in a single group chat.
    • This feature allows many users to create mass groups revolving around common interests or identities. You can build a group chat with you and your entire extended family, or one dedicated to fans of a sports team!
    2. Advertisement
6

You can broadcast messages easily.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The Broadcast feature on WhatsApp allows you to blast a message out to as many of your contacts as you would like all at once.
7

Audio and video calls at no extra charge.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    WhatsApp may be primarily used for text messaging , but its features could replace even more of your phone's core functions! With WhatsApp, you can make audio and video calls to any of your WhatsApp contacts.
    • WhatsApp is owned by Meta (Facebook), so the same technology powers video calls on both WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
    2. Advertisement
8

WhatsApp allows you to see your message status.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Unlike SMS texting, which doesn't allow you to see whether your text has been read, WhatsApp displays the status of your messages for each of your conversations.
9

You can create a unique bio and profile.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/58\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    WhatsApp users can write a fun bio and add a profile picture that will be visible to their contacts. The app therefore sits somewhere between a messaging and a social media app, making it a more welcoming environment for its users.
    2. Advertisement
10

WhatsApp Statuses keep everybody in the loop.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Update your WhatsApp status to keep your contacts in the loop. WhatsApp statuses allow users to communicate their thoughts to their contacts, or to let their contacts know if they are busy/unavailable.
11

Business owners use WhatsApp Business.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many small businesses use WhatsApp Business to communicate with their customers. A WhatsApp Business account also provides insights for these businesses, allowing them to track their communications and growth.
    • WhatsApp Business users can also carry out e-commerce transactions directly via the app.
    2. Advertisement
12

WhatsApp Web allows you to chat on your computer.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open WhatsApp Web in a tab in your internet browser, and start texting directly from your computer. All you have to do is quickly link your devices.
13

You can unsend messages.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you send a text on WhatsApp by mistake, or simply want to correct a typo, you can easily unsend messages in the app. It is impossible to unsend SMS texts.
    2. Advertisement
14

Backups and recovery are easy.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    WhatsApp automatically backs up your texts for you, and you can access these text logs with any file manager app.
    • You can also disable this feature in the app's Settings if you are not interested in a backup. [1]
15

Custom formatting in messages.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    WhatsApp users can more fully express themselves by customizing the appearance of their text and stylizing it as needed.
    2. Advertisement
16

Fast and easy document sharing.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can attach documents to WhatsApp messages. WhatsApp allows you to attach photos and videos like you can with most messaging services, but it sets itself apart by making the attachment of files just as easy! Share documents with your contacts without having to rely on email or other document sharing systems.
17

Attach polls, locations, and more.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Why-Do-People-Use-WhatsApp-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use a poll to gauge a group's interest in various options or share your live location with someone who is trying to find where you are.
    • You can also send a static location if you do not want someone to be able to track you.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Easy Ways to Know Someone Blocked You on WhatsApp
      4 Ways to Use Two WhatsApp Accounts on One Phone
      2 Easy Ways to Share Your Live Location on WhatsApp
      Simple Ways to Get a Fake Number for WhatsApp
      How to
      Disable the "Message Seen" Blue Ticks in WhatsApp
      How to Use WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp on Your Computer
      How to
      Access Someone Else's WhatsApp Account
      How to
      Install WhatsApp
      How to
      Activate WhatsApp Without a Verification Code
      How to
      Know Who Has Viewed Your Status on WhatsApp
      Are You Blocked on WhatsApp? 4 Easy Ways to Find Out.
      How to Impress a Girl on WhatsApp
      How to Save Photos from WhatsApp to Your Android Gallery
      How to Hide Your Phone Number on WhatsApp
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/1180414079177245/?cms_platform=android

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 186,994 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement