2023 • The 50 Fascinating ‘Did You Know’ Facts about WhatsApp

Did You Know? The concept of messaging dates back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, for instance, used hieroglyphics on papyrus scrolls to convey messages.

Behind the Green Bubble: 50 Fun and Startling WhatsApp Truths!

1. Journey to America: Jan Koum, one of the founders of WhatsApp, was born in the turbulent setting of Ukraine. Jan Koum’s journey to America was a quest for a better life. Together with his mother, he braved the challenges of immigration, facing economic hardships that sometimes meant relying on food stamps.

2. Before WhatsApp: Picture Jan Koum, working in a grocery store, and Brian Acton grappling with rejections from both Facebook and Twitter. Who could have predicted they’d soon revolutionize the digital world with WhatsApp?

3. Self-taught Programmers: The tales of Koum and Acton are ones of determination. Both of them are predominantly self-taught programmers. Koum, for instance, honed his coding skills by meticulously studying second-hand books.

4. Birthdate Significance: Consider the uniqueness of aligning two life events on one day! Jan Koum did just that. He marked WhatsApp’s incorporation on his birthday, February 24th, thereby founding WhatsApp on February 24th, 2009.

5. Low Profile: There was an intriguing aura around the founders. Stepping into their headquarters, you wouldn’t encounter ostentatious branding. Merely a sign reading “WhatsApp Inc.” with no accompanying logos. Simple, but commanding.

6. Name Origin: Have you ever casually thrown out a “What’s up?” to someone? Give it a playful twist, and there you have it: the iconic name “WhatsApp”. A playful jest encapsulated in two words.

7. WhatsApp Logo: Creating an app’s essence delves into intricate details. Delve deeper, and one uncovers Koum’s distinct imprint: he personally crafted that recognizable call icon in WhatsApp.

8. Green Icon: Across numerous nations, when one thinks WhatsApp, the color green comes to mind. Symbolizing growth and prosperity, this hue was chosen deliberately, encapsulating the essence and ambition of the app.

9. First Iteration: Before evolving into our go-to messaging buddy, WhatsApp had a different identity. Its inception was as a status-updating tool, allowing individuals to broadcast their current status to contacts.

10. First Investment: Did you know that WhatsApp’s first outside investment of $250,000 came from one of Yahoo’s co-founders? This initial investment was crucial for the app’s early development.

11. Recruitment Style: During WhatsApp’s infancy, the founders had a unique approach to recruitment. Bypassing the typical hiring processes, they leaned heavily on their personal networks, often bringing onboard engineers with whom they had previous professional rapport.

12. Growth Strategy: Unlike many startups, WhatsApp didn’t spend money on marketing or user acquisition. Its growth was largely organic, driven by its user-friendly interface and word of mouth.

13. Facebook Acquisition: The same Facebook that had once rejected Brian Acton bought his creation, WhatsApp, in a landmark 2014 deal for a staggering $19 billion. This acquisition remains etched in history as one of the most substantial tech buyouts ever.

14. Jan’s Note: In the early days of WhatsApp, Jan Koum kept a clear and direct note next to his desk. It read: “No Ads! No Games! No Gimmicks!”, reflecting his unwavering focus on delivering a pure messaging experience.

15. Tiny Team: One of the most intriguing aspects of WhatsApp’s story is its operational efficiency. Despite having a user base in the hundreds of millions, the company was run by a surprisingly small team of merely 55 members.

16. Privacy Advocate: Jan Koum’s commitment to user privacy isn’t just professional; it’s personal. His disdain for Soviet surveillance during his youth transformed into an unwavering stance on privacy in his digital creation.

17. Home Server: Koum’s commitment to seamless service was palpable. In the formative years, he kept a server in his bedroom. A crash would trigger an audible alert, prompting him to instantly address the issue.

18. Subscription Model: In its early model, WhatsApp levied a nominal yearly charge. Users, especially those outside the US, were asked to pay a $1 fee. However, in a strategic move to expand its user base, the company decided to forgo this fee in 2016 and opted for a free-to-use model.

19. Most Used Emoji: Amidst the plethora of emojis at one’s fingertips, the ‘Face with Tears of Joy’ 😂 stands out. It reigns supreme as one of the most frequently used emojis on WhatsApp.

20. Billions of Messages: The sheer volume of communication on WhatsApp is staggering. Every day, users exchange over 100 billion messages, attesting to the platform’s ubiquity. Beyond texts, WhatsApp serves as a hub for photo sharing, with an impressive 5 billion photos shared daily.

21. Blue Ticks: Prior to 2014, WhatsApp users lived in suspense, never truly knowing if their messages were read. Then came the introduction of the blue ticks, signaling that a message had been seen and read, bringing clarity to many conversations.

22. Airplane Mode Trick: A nifty trick for the privacy-conscious! Did you know you can read a WhatsApp message without being “seen” by turning on airplane mode first?

23. Voice Calls: Fast forward to 2015, and WhatsApp introduced voice calling to its platform. This feature further cemented its position as a comprehensive communication tool. Today, hundreds of millions of voice calls are made every day.

24. Crash on New Year’s: As 2015 came to a close, WhatsApp encountered a hiccup. The sheer volume of New Year’s Eve messages overwhelmed the system, causing a significant WhatsApp crash.

25. Complete Encryption: By 2016, WhatsApp took a bold step towards ensuring user privacy. It implemented end-to-end encryption across the board, ensuring that all communications, be it texts or calls, remained only between the sender and recipient.

26. WhatsApp Status: Borrowing a leaf from Snapchat’s playbook in 2017, WhatsApp introduced the ‘Status’ feature. Echoing the ephemeral nature of Snapchat Stories, it allowed users to share fleeting moments with their contacts.

27. Most Popular: WhatsApp’s global footprint is undeniable. Dominating the chat space in over 104 countries, it enjoys immense popularity. With India leading the charge, the app boasts a user base exceeding 400 million in just that country.

28. Low Data Usage: One of WhatsApp’s ace cards is its data efficiency. Thanks to proficient coding, the app uses minimal data, making it a favorite in regions with pricey data plans. Impressively, a minute-long call on WhatsApp consumes as little as 740 kilobytes.

29. Record Downloads: Setting benchmarks in the App Store, WhatsApp clinched the record for the highest number of downloads in a single day. A testament to its unparalleled appeal and reach.

30. Various Languages: Embracing diversity, WhatsApp extends its linguistic support beyond borders. Users can choose from more than 60 languages, fostering communication in the vernacular.

31. Delete For Everyone: Ever regretted a message right after sending? WhatsApp’s ‘Delete For Everyone’ feature offers reprieve. However, there’s a catch: the deletion is only permitted within a short window post sending.

32. Fingerprint Lock: To bolster security, WhatsApp introduced a fingerprint authentication feature. This allows users to lock their app, granting access only after a successful fingerprint match, ensuring an added layer of privacy.

33. Changing Numbers: Switching phone numbers doesn’t mean starting over on WhatsApp. The platform has a built-in feature that facilitates users in informing their contacts about the number change, streamlining the transition process.

34. Mute That Chat: Ever been overwhelmed by an overly active group? WhatsApp’s ‘Mute’ feature comes to the rescue. It offers users a break by quieting group notifications with the option to mute them “always”. While many celebrate this indefinite peace, a few might still yearn for additional customization!

35. No Usernames: Unlike many other platforms, WhatsApp simplifies identification. Shunning traditional usernames, it relies on phone numbers as the primary identifiers, making user interactions more straightforward.

36. Image Editor: Not just a messaging platform, WhatsApp boasts an integrated image editor. This feature allows users to tweak and personalize photos before sending, adding a touch of creativity to their conversations.

37. WhatsApp Plus: This third-party iteration of WhatsApp wasn’t an official release. Although it offered some unique features, it was eventually shut down due to various concerns.

38. WhatsApp in Education: The app’s versatility extends to the realm of education. Across various nations, educators and learners have harnessed the power of WhatsApp groups. These virtual classrooms facilitate learning, discussions, and timely communication.

39. Country Restrictions: Not all features of WhatsApp are globally accessible. In countries such as China and the UAE, there exist limitations on the platform’s voice and video call functionalities, curbing its full range of services.

40. WhatsApp Pay: In 2020, WhatsApp achieved a notable landmark in India. With the required approvals in hand, the app unveiled its payment service, venturing into the world of financial exchanges. WhatsApp plans to introduce WhatsApp Pay in other countries soon.

41. Picture-in-Picture Mode: Elevating the user experience, WhatsApp rolled out the Picture-in-Picture mode. This feature allows users to play videos from platforms like YouTube directly within the chat window, ensuring seamless multimedia consumption.

42. New Emoji: WhatsApp has a knack for staying ahead of the curve. Frequently, the app rolls out new emojis even before they become mainstream on many devices, keeping users engaged with fresh and expressive icons.

43. Backup Loophole: While WhatsApp champions end-to-end encryption, there’s a chink in the armor. Chats backed up to the cloud aren’t afforded the same encryption protection, making them potentially vulnerable.

44. End-to-End Encryption Controversy: Encryption continues to be a sensitive topic. Numerous governments have pressured WhatsApp to create surveillance backdoors. However, unwavering in its commitment to user privacy, the company has consistently resisted these demands.

45. Economic Power: Beyond casual chats, WhatsApp’s influence extends significantly into the business world. In some regions, businesses rely so heavily on WhatsApp that any downtime can lead to notable economic slowdowns.

46. WhatsApp Research Awards: WhatsApp actively promotes and funds research to combat the spread of misinformation. They offer awards to individuals and teams delving deep into this challenge, emphasizing the app’s commitment to authentic communication.

47. Post-WhatsApp: Both founders eventually left Facebook due to differences in vision, especially around advertising and user data. Jan Koum left in 2018, while Brian Acton left earlier in 2017.

48. Acton’s Donations: Brian Acton’s philanthropic gesture post-Facebook acquisition was commendable. He generously contributed $50 million to the Signal Foundation, the backbone of the privacy-focused messaging app, Signal.

49. Anonymity Preference: Despite their massive success, both founders preferred to keep a low profile and remained relatively anonymous. They rarely gave interviews and chose to let their product speak for itself.

50. Inactive Account Deletion: Out of sight for too long? WhatsApp follows a policy where if an account remains dormant for 120 days, it’s deemed inactive. And in such cases, the account stands at risk of deletion.

The Final Ding

Wrapping up our journey into WhatsApp’s secrets, it’s clear this is more than just an app. It’s full of hidden gems and surprises that spice up our chats. Every message we send ties us to a rich story of digital evolution.

We often overlook the depth in things we use daily. Our deep dive into WhatsApp has revealed layers of stories and cool facts. So when you get that next message ding, know there’s more to it than meets the eye.

As we end this exploration, remember to stay curious. The ordinary often hides the extraordinary. Here’s to discovering more wonders in the tech we use every day. A big cheer for the surprises WhatsApp keeps bringing!