When was WhatsApp founded - briefly?
WhatsApp was founded in February 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton.
When was WhatsApp founded - in detail?
WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging applications globally, was founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum. The idea for WhatsApp emerged when Koum, a former Yahoo employee, was on a break from work after being turned down by Facebook for a job opportunity. During this period, he noticed the growing trend of smartphone usage and the need for an efficient messaging platform that could replace traditional SMS services.
Acton and Koum launched WhatsApp on February 24, 2009, initially as a simple messaging application available only on the iPhone. The app's name was inspired by the phrase "What's up?" which is commonly used to ask someone how they are doing. Within a short period, WhatsApp gained significant traction due to its user-friendly interface and the ability to send messages without incurring SMS costs.
In 2010, Apple released the iPhone 4, which included front-facing cameras. Recognizing the opportunity, Acton and Koum updated WhatsApp to include photo sharing capabilities. This feature further enhanced the app's appeal and contributed to its rapid growth in user base. By the end of 2011, WhatsApp had over 250 million users worldwide.
In February 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for approximately $19 billion, making it one of the largest acquisitions in Silicon Valley history. Despite the acquisition, WhatsApp maintained its independence and continued to operate under Koum's leadership until he stepped down from his role as CEO in April 2018.
Today, WhatsApp is used by over 2 billion people globally, offering not just messaging services but also voice and video calls, group chats, and business solutions. Its founding story serves as a testament to the power of innovation and the ability to capitalize on emerging trends in technology.