The popularity of WhatsApp continues to grow at an astonishing rate, although its user base has reached one billion since 2014. How did this simple instant messenger app from Mark Zuckerberg turn into a household name? And what are some of its best-hidden features that you can use to improve your experience with the service?
This article will explore how WhatsApp became so successful in just seven years.
What is WhatsApp?
It's an SMS application designed by Brian Acton back when he worked as a product manager at Facebook Inc. The idea behind creating the app came after his friend suggested they should talk about something but couldn't figure out what. The result was a chat platform that allows two or more users who don't know each other to send text messages, images, videos, voice notes, and more between their devices without using mobile data.
It uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) protocol to protect all communications sent via the app. This means only the sender and receiver can read them. No third party, including government agencies, can access these conversations. In addition, it offers a self-destructing message feature called "Delete After Reading." If you delete a conversation thread before someone reads it, there won't be any record. You cannot recover deleted chats.
You may already know that WhatsApp lets you create groups of friends or colleagues within the app and share media files like photos, documents, audio recordings, and video clips. But it goes further than that.
Many advanced features are available inside WhatsApp, like sticker packs, custom backgrounds, GIF stickers, live location sharing, a high-resolution photo uploader, and more. These tools make chatting easier and faster while providing fun and entertainment.
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Why is WhatsApp so popular?
Since it started operating in 2009, millions of people around the globe have begun downloading and installing WhatsApp onto their mobiles. Its popularity stemmed from several factors ranging from privacy concerns to design innovation. Let us now take a closer look at some of those reasons:
- Privacy concerns - a significant reason why WhatsApp has gained widespread acceptance amongst the general population was its strong emphasis on privacy.
- Design innovations - another big factor contributing to the success of WhatsApp comes down to its innovative UI/UX designs. People love the way things work on it, unlike traditional platforms where users often complain about slow speeds and glitches. For example, suppose you want to add someone new to your group. In that case, you'll find yourself tapping on that person's profile picture instead of typing their name manually.
Top features of WhatsApp
- Voice chats – it is one of the most unique features where users can type words using their voice rather than writing on their screen. There are three ways to initiate voice chats. First, you can say "send voice note" followed by the content you wish to convey. Second, you can start a voice chat either directly from your contact list or by clicking on the blue microphone icon present beside every contact entry. Lastly, you can do both simultaneously.
- Audio recording and transcription - by default, whenever you try recording anything on your smartphone, WhatsApp automatically converts the recorded sound file into MP3 format. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about losing quality during transcription. On top of that, it supports multiple languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, and more. You can also download and install the WhatsApp Desktop client if you're looking forward to transcribing audio files in real-time. Apart from that, it also supports image transcriptions.
- Multiple device sync - thanks to the WhatsApp Web browser extension, you can sync your texts across different computers and tablets. So whether you're traveling or taking a rest, WhatsApp helps you stay connected with family members and loved ones. Besides that, it also works perfectly fine with Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows 10, Linux, and more.
- Data saving mode - it allows you to block background updates and notifications temporarily. That said, you can enable it anytime you wish. You can enjoy uninterrupted internet usage while keeping the option open to resume downloads later.
- Auto delete messages - do you frequently come across messages that keep popping up repeatedly on your feed? Thanks to the WhatsApp Auto Delete feature, you can get rid of those annoying messages forever. When enabled, it automatically deletes old messages after 24 hours.
- Live location sharing - while sending pictures, you might wonder where the recipient is currently. Fortunately, you can quickly check their current whereabouts by enabling the Live Location Sharing feature. Whenever the target receives your request, they would instantly reply with their GPS coordinates.
- Group messaging - you can organize everyone you care about under specific categories. They can join your group individually if they aren't interested in hearing about your ongoing discussions. Once they are opt-in, they'd receive alerts whenever a new conversation begins.
Privacy problems of WhatsApp
Many critics believe that WhatsApp isn't secure enough to handle private communications. Although this platform claims otherwise, many studies indicate that the platform likely shares your data with various outside entities.
For instance, earlier this year, researchers discovered evidence showing that WhatsApp forwards your contacts' status updates to Twitter clients. Furthermore, plenty of rumors claim that WhatsApp sends detailed logs containing metadata about your usage habits to advertisers. Some even say that it stores your location history, allowing marketers to target ads based on your preferences. These allegations remain unproven but raise serious concerns regarding privacy issues related to WhatsApp.
Here are three useful tips you can implement to safeguard your privacy while communicating over WhatsApp.
First, check if your country blocks this platform before downloading it onto your phone. Second, enable end-to-end encryption to ensure nobody except you can read your messages. Third, consider creating additional secret WhatsApp profiles for different purposes.
How to bypass the WhatsApp SMS verification process
You can WhatsApp SMS verification bypass easily. The process is very simple; you only have to hire the service of a company that offers Non-VoIP virtual numbers. Among them are Major Phones LLC and Textverified Inc.
The virtual number must be entered when WhatsApp asks you for a phone number to create the account, then, you will receive a text message to confirm the account.
And that’s it! Do you see how easy it is to protect your privacy while you communicate freely through this incredible app? Go ahead and try it yourself. Sign up now!