WhatsApp crosses one billion users globally

Facebook-owned popular messaging service WhatsApp has hit one billion monthly active users. In September last year, WhatsApp had 900 million users, and over the last four months, the service has added 100 million new users.

Facebook acquired WhatsApp in 2014 for around $22 billion and the user number has more than doubled since the acquisition. WhatsApp had 450 million monthly active users before that.

WhatsApp Co-Founder and CEO Jan Koum shared some insights about WhatsApp - The service has over 42 billion messages, 1.6 billion pictures and 250 million videos shared in 53 languages per day. It also features one billion user groups.

Last month, WhatApp went completely free by dropping its yearly subscription. For generating revenue, WhatsApp is testing tools that will allow users to use the service to communicate with businesses and organizations. Recent reports suggest that WhatsApp could also bring end-to-end encryption for enhanced security and Facebook integration. It is also working on video calling feature.

Via