Posted by Before you know how WhatsApp works, you need to know about WhatsApp.
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is the most popular and busy social messaging app owned by Facebook Corp. WhatsApp is a free, messaging app. By using this App, you can make video and voice calls, send text messages, and more — all with just an internet connection.
With over 2 billion active users, WhatsApp is mainly popular among friends, family, and relatives who live far away from one another and want to stay in touch. WhatsApp’s globally popular because of its accessibility, cross-platform functionality, and simple, straightforward features.
In the US, WhatsApp might be an unfamous messaging app, but in many parts of the world, it’s an essential part of people’s day-to-day life. The Facebook-owned app became one of the most popular messaging services in the world within a short time.
Why is WhatsApp so popular?
When WhatsApp was first introduced in 2009, it was the first of its kind to offer free, internet-based messaging. Where sending texts using cellular-data networks may apply fees, WhatsApp normally uses a Wi-Fi connection to send and receive messages and calls for free.
Though at that time there was Skype, which provided voice and video calling, Skype was for the PC and was not available for mobile phone users. WhatsApp was provided free messaging and Skype was for free calling. Other mobile messaging apps, such as Viber and Kik, came out later, but WhatsApp remained at the top.
WhatsApp also offers lots of features and customizations than traditional SMS messaging and it’s all for free. If you already know about the app, you may be interested in our popular WhatsApp tips and tricks.
But if you are new, check out our guide below. From how to get started by signing up to WhatsApp’s best features, here’s everything you need to know to get started
How does WhatsApp work?
Mainly WhatsApp allows you to send and receive calls and messages by using only an internet connection, which means it’s free to use and suitable for international calling. You don’t need to pay fees to sign up, and no data plan payment to worry about.
Although WhatsApp is similar to other messaging services, it still offers some key advantages, among them the most significant being cross-platform functionality (between Android and iOS, for example).
WhatsApp’s core features
WhatsApp may seem like just only a text messaging app, but it can do much more. Some of WhatsApp’s core features are:
Voice and video calls: Along with voice calls, WhatsApp also provides video calls, including a group video call function, which allows up to eight members in one call.
Voice messaging: You can record and send voice messages to a person or group chats.
Secure messaging: By using end-to-end encryption, which is a secure communication standard where only the people who are sharing messages can read the messages.
Photos and video sharing: You can send videos, photos, and GIFs to anyone and it will not be pixelated and it will be downloadable.
Document sharing: You can send all kinds of documents through WhatsApp, such as PDFs, spreadsheets, and slideshows without using email or separate document-sharing apps.
Desktop access: WhatsApp has a desktop version for PC and for Mac.
WhatsApp Business: WhatsApp’s business account is dedicated and designed properly. So that entrepreneurs can show their products and connect with their customers on a convenient and familiar platform.
How to use WhatsApp
Getting started
To use WhatsApp, first of all, you’ll need to download the app (for iOS or Android) and create an account.
How to create WhatsApp account on iPhone or Android
After downloading the app, you’ll need your phone number to create your WhatsApp account.WhatsApp identifies people by their number and WhatsApp doesn’t have an option to use special usernames. This means people who use WhatsApp are automatically added to your contact list, which makes things a lot easier for the user.
Once you’re done, you’ll get lots of facilities from WhatsApp, from making international calls to sending voice messages. Also, you can send text and voice messages to family, friends, and others from the “Chats” screen.
After setting up your WhatsApp account, you can start sending messages through the platform to individuals, or to groups.
How to send messages and make calls
From the menu at the bottom of the screen select the “Chats” icon, then select the “New Chat” icon in the top right corner. Then just select a contact.
Making voice and video calls
In addition to text messaging, you can place video and audio calls on WhatsApp and it’s free.
There are different ways to make calls on WhatsApp, you can only place a call from the mobile app version of WhatsApp, this service is not available in the desktop version. You can place personal or group audio or video calls on WhatsApp for free.
Making free international calls
You can make international calls using only a Wi-Fi connection. WhatsApp’s most popular feature is free worldwide calling to family and friends. If you have access to Wi-Fi, you’ll never have to think about the restrictions or fees.
Even if you don’t have a Wi-Fi connection, you simply just use your data, rather than accumulating SMS or cellular charges.
Sharing photos and other media
You can send all types of media, including photos and videos on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp is a free way to send all kinds of media to your friends and family. You can send photos and videos with their original resolution and quality to individual or group chat.
The bottom line
WhatsApp helped modern communications very effectively. And it continues to bring updates to improve the experience. As Facebook’s second-biggest platform with billions of users, it doesn’t look like WhatsApp is going to survive and not going anywhere any time soon.