WhatsApp has reached 100 million monthly active users in the United States, as announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, July 25th. This milestone, while impressive, represents only a small fraction of the app’s global user base, which exceeds 2 billion.
In the United States, WhatsApp has seen significant growth in key markets such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Seattle. The Southern states, particularly Texas, have also experienced notable increases, with over 10 million users reported in Texas alone. This marks the first detailed release of user data since Meta’s $16 billion acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014, underscoring the platform’s continued expansion in a competitive market.
Meta has been actively promoting WhatsApp’s cross-platform messaging capabilities, highlighting the app’s ease of use for both iOS and Android users. This feature was emphasized in a June ad campaign featuring former cast members of Modern Family, which showcased the common frustrations of mixed-device households.
To further celebrate the 100 million user milestone, Meta orchestrated a unique PR stunt by installing a 200-foot bubble between the Apple and Samsung stores at The Americana Mall in Los Angeles. This symbolic gesture aimed to highlight the messaging barriers between the two platforms.
Zuckerberg has been vocal about his company’s rivalry with Apple, previously expressing a desire to “inflict pain” on the tech giant and asserting the superiority of Meta’s products.
Despite WhatsApp’s growth, it remains less popular in the US compared to Apple’s iMessage. The upcoming introduction of Rich Communication Services (RCS) as the standard communication protocol between Android and iOS devices with iOS 18 could present new challenges for WhatsApp.
This development may reduce the need for iPhone users to switch to WhatsApp for group chats, potentially prompting Meta to rethink its marketing strategy.
Featured Image courtesy of Photo by Phil Barker/Future Publishing via Getty Images
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