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Decide if the popular social app is right for you
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IN THIS ARTICLE
1WhatsApp can be used internationally.
2End-to-end encryption.
3Cellular data is not required.
4WhatsApp is free.
5WhatsApp offers larger group conversations than texting.
6You can broadcast messages easily.
7Audio and video calls at no extra charge.
8WhatsApp allows you to see your message status.
9You can create a unique bio and profile.
10WhatsApp Statuses keep everybody in the loop.
11Business owners use WhatsApp Business.
12WhatsApp Web allows you to chat on your computer.
13You can unsend messages.
14Backups and recovery are easy.
15Custom formatting in messages.
16Fast and easy document sharing.
17Attach polls, locations, and more.
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Written byCory Stillman
Last Updated: February 5, 2024Fact Checked
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WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, but it may not seem that way to everyone. It's not quite as popular in the U.S., although its presence is growing rapidly. So why do people use WhatsApp, and is there any benefit to using it instead of your normal texting app? This wikiHow article will run through everything you need to know about WhatsApp and why someone would choose to use it.
Things You Should Know
- WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption makes it more secure than texting and other messaging apps.
- Many people use WhatsApp internationally, as it's a free way to send messages to people all over the world.
- WhatsApp can be used without a data connection, as calls and texts can be sent over Wi-Fi.
1
WhatsApp can be used internationally.
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WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging apps in the world. It is especially prominent in Europe, India, and other parts of the globe. While WhatsApp may not be as omnipresent in the U.S., it's a vital app for anybody who wants to text or call family and friends abroad without paying international charges.
- Likewise, if you are traveling abroad, WhatsApp is a great way to keep communicating with your contacts your home country while avoiding the international charges that come with most mobile plans.
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3
Cellular data is not required.
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4
WhatsApp is free.
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Take advantage of everything WhatsApp has to offer at no cost. WhatsApp is completely free, which is partly why it is so popular all around the world. You can use WhatsApp to text, voice chat, and video chat without paying hefty fees.
5
WhatsApp offers larger group conversations than texting.
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WhatsApp group chats can include more people than most texting plans. SMS group chats can include up to 10 people, and even iMessage can only support up to 32. WhatsApp supports a whopping 256 members in a single group chat.
- This feature allows many users to create mass groups revolving around common interests or identities. You can build a group chat with you and your entire extended family, or one dedicated to fans of a sports team!
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6
You can broadcast messages easily.
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7
Audio and video calls at no extra charge.
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WhatsApp is more than just a reliable texting app. WhatsApp may be primarily used for text messaging, but its features could replace even more of your phone's core functions! With WhatsApp, you can make audio and video calls to any of your WhatsApp contacts.
- WhatsApp is owned by Meta (Facebook), so the same technology powers video calls on both WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
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8
WhatsApp allows you to see your message status.
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9
You can create a unique bio and profile.
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Express yourself to your contacts with a unique WhatsApp profile. WhatsApp users can write a fun bio and add a profile picture that will be visible to their contacts. The app therefore sits somewhere between a messaging and a social media app, making it a more welcoming environment for its users.
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10
WhatsApp Statuses keep everybody in the loop.
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11
Business owners use WhatsApp Business.
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WhatsApp Business offers unique metrics for business owners. Many small businesses use WhatsApp Business to communicate with their customers. A WhatsApp Business account also provides insights for these businesses, allowing them to track their communications and growth.
- WhatsApp Business users can also carry out e-commerce transactions directly via the app.
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12
WhatsApp Web allows you to chat on your computer.
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13
You can unsend messages.
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14
Backups and recovery are easy.
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15
Custom formatting in messages.
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16
Fast and easy document sharing.
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You can attach documents to WhatsApp messages. WhatsApp allows you to attach photos and videos like you can with most messaging services, but it sets itself apart by making the attachment of files just as easy! Share documents with your contacts without having to rely on email or other document sharing systems.
17
Attach polls, locations, and more.
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About This Article
Written by:
Cory Stillman
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Cory Stillman. Cory Stillman is a Technology Writer for wikiHow. Cory has experience writing about Film and TV for several online publications, including Screen Rant and Film Cred. He earned a degree in Film and Media Studies with a minor in Creative Writing and certificates in Global Studies and Children’s Literature from the University of Pittsburgh. This article has been viewed 211,456 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: February 5, 2024
Views:211,456
Categories: WhatsApp
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