Why did WhatsApp become free - briefly?
WhatsApp became free due to the desire of its creators, Brian Acton and Jan Koum, to eliminate barriers that prevented people from communicating freely. The founders aimed to make messaging accessible to everyone regardless of their location or financial status.
Why did WhatsApp become free - in detail?
WhatsApp became free in a strategic move by its founders, Jan Koum and Brian Acton, to maximize user base and create a sustainable business model. Initially launched as a paid application in 2009, WhatsApp charged users an annual subscription fee of $1. After Facebook's acquisition of the messaging platform for $19 billion in 2014, the decision was made to eliminate the subscription cost entirely. This shift aimed to enhance user experience and attract a broader audience globally. By removing financial barriers, WhatsApp sought to democratize communication, making it accessible to users regardless of their economic status. Furthermore, the free model allowed WhatsApp to gather valuable data on user behavior and preferences, which could be leveraged for targeted advertising and other monetization strategies without directly charging users. This approach has proven successful, as WhatsApp's user base has grown exponentially, solidifying its position as one of the most widely used messaging applications worldwide.