Whatsapp recorded a total of 30% growth in the last 24 months out-pacing Facebook as the most popular Facebook-owned app. Whatsapp messenger app crossed Facebook when it came to monthly active users in September 2018, according to App Annie’s The State of Mobile 2019 report.
Compared to a 30% growth from Whatsapp messenger, Facebook and Facebook messenger could only score 20% and 15% growth respectively over the last two years. While Instagram–the photo sharing app from Facebook, saw a global growth of 35% from January 2017 to December 2018.
The report also mentions that the total time spent on Social and Communication category app in 2018 saw an increase of 35% over the past 24 months. This data suggests an increased interest in mobile phones and social networking. The popularity of video sharing apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok was emphasized.
Whatsapp messenger was the top Social and Communication app in terms of user engagement in 2018 in most countries including India, Germany, Brazil, UK, and Canada. The data was recovered by measuring average monthly sessions per user.
In India, Whatsapp maintaining its first position as the most popular social app was followed by Instagram and Facebook for the second and third spot, respectively. While the fourth and fifth positions were acquired by Facebook Messenger and IMO, respectively. In the U.S, however, Snapchat held the first place.
The reason behind the decline in Facebook’s popularity can be attributed to recent privacy issues concerning user data. Facebook has been taking a lot of criticism lately from all over the world for its irresponsibility in handling user privacy and the way the company managed the Cambridge Analytica data scandal.
Whatsapp, on the other hand, offers end-to-end encryption and the service benefits from “a simple users interface, ease of use to add contacts and interest in encrypted messaging,” the report notes. The free calls and messages on the app have also helped Whatsapp grow rapidly.
Also read:
Facebook tightens ad rules for political advertising ahead of general elections