to take a more hands-on approach to shaping WhatsApp's future, particularly around monetization
Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2025 10:02 am
WhatsApp, the company’s leading messaging platform, is a key part of this ecosystem. Because WhatsApp has a distinct identity from Facebook and Messenger, it appeals to a wide range of users, especially those who prefer secure, private messaging rather than the public sharing of information common on Facebook. Meta-influence on WhatsApp's operations and leadership Although Meta kept WhatsApp semi-independent for several years after the acquisition, it gradually gained more influence over its development, leadership, and strategic direction.
Notably, WhatsApp founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton were outspoken advocates of user privacy and took bahamas mobile phone number list a firm stance against including ads on the platform. This led to tensions between the founders and Facebook’s leadership, who wanted to monetize the app to recoup its huge acquisition costs. Ultimately, these differences in vision led to both founders leaving WhatsApp: Acton left in 2017 and Koum followed in 2018.
Their departures cleared the way for Facebook efforts, which have generated controversy. WhatsApp's Place in Meta-Monetization Strategies One of the most significant changes following the acquisition is Meta's efforts to monetize WhatsApp , which was previously subscription-based before transitioning to a free model. While WhatsApp initially operated with little to no focus on monetization, Meta has since explored various ways to make the app profitable, primarily through the WhatsApp Business API, which allows businesses to communicate with customers through the platform.
Notably, WhatsApp founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton were outspoken advocates of user privacy and took bahamas mobile phone number list a firm stance against including ads on the platform. This led to tensions between the founders and Facebook’s leadership, who wanted to monetize the app to recoup its huge acquisition costs. Ultimately, these differences in vision led to both founders leaving WhatsApp: Acton left in 2017 and Koum followed in 2018.
Their departures cleared the way for Facebook efforts, which have generated controversy. WhatsApp's Place in Meta-Monetization Strategies One of the most significant changes following the acquisition is Meta's efforts to monetize WhatsApp , which was previously subscription-based before transitioning to a free model. While WhatsApp initially operated with little to no focus on monetization, Meta has since explored various ways to make the app profitable, primarily through the WhatsApp Business API, which allows businesses to communicate with customers through the platform.