WhatsApp: how it is built

Company United States

WhatsApp is a company in social networks and media platforms founded in 2009-02-24 (incorporated); app launched May 2009^[1] and based in the United States. Its parent organization is Meta Platforms^[1].

“Use WhatsApp Messenger to stay in touch with friends and family. WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world.”^[2]

Founded: 2009-02-24 (incorporated); app launched May 2009
Employees: 1000+
Sources: 1210 sites

Similar organizations4

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Each with its fit to WhatsApp, from 0 to 100%: how close it is in what it does, its industry, the distinctive parts both public maps hold, and size and region. 85% and above is a direct peer, 70 to 85 close, 60 to 70 related; under 65 is left out, so there may be few. Open a row for its breakdown.

91%
Direct peer
TelegramCompany · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers
Company · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers
Instant messaging service

Very close in what it does · Same industry · 13 distinctive shared partsWhy 91%

Component	Match	Weight	Adds
What it doesHow close what it says it does reads to WhatsApp's, against an ordinary organization.	100%	60%	+60.0
IndustrySame industry	88%	30%	+26.4
Shared parts13 distinctive parts on both public maps.	100%	5%	+5.0
Size & regionCountry not known for both · size different · model different.	0%	5%	+0.0
Fit			91%

Fit = Σ weight × match over the components known for both, the weights re-scaled to 100%. Unknown is left out, never counted as a difference.

74%

DiscordCompany · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers · United States

Company · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers · United States

Discord is great for playing games and chilling with friends, or even building a worldwide community. Customize your own space to talk, play, and hang out.

Close in what it does · Same industry · 13 distinctive shared parts · Same country and sizeWhy 74%

Component	Match	Weight	Adds
What it doesHow close what it says it does reads to WhatsApp's, against an ordinary organization.	67%	60%	+40.2
IndustrySame industry	88%	30%	+26.4
Shared parts13 distinctive parts on both public maps.	100%	5%	+5.0
Size & regionCountry same · size similar · model different.	56%	5%	+2.8
Fit			74%

Fit = Σ weight × match over the components known for both, the weights re-scaled to 100%. Unknown is left out, never counted as a difference.

People: 501 (2025)
Parts: 28

70%

KuaishouCompany · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers · China

Company · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers · China

Short-video platform

Close in what it does · Same industry · 10 distinctive shared partsWhy 70%

Component	Match	Weight	Adds
What it doesHow close what it says it does reads to WhatsApp's, against an ordinary organization.	62%	60%	+37.2
IndustrySame industry	88%	30%	+26.4
Shared parts10 distinctive parts on both public maps.	97%	5%	+4.9
Size & regionCountry different · size similar · model different.	33%	5%	+1.7
Fit			70%

Fit = Σ weight × match over the components known for both, the weights re-scaled to 100%. Unknown is left out, never counted as a difference.

People: 1000+
Parts: 22

68%

SignalCompany · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers · United States

Company · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers · United States

Say "hello" to a different messaging experience. An unexpected focus on privacy, combined with all of the features you expect.

Same industry · 11 distinctive shared parts · Same countryWhy 68%

Component	Match	Weight	Adds
What it doesHow close what it says it does reads to WhatsApp's, against an ordinary organization.	57%	60%	+34.4
IndustrySame industry	88%	30%	+26.4
Shared parts11 distinctive parts on both public maps.	86%	5%	+4.3
Size & regionCountry same · size not known for both · model different.	50%	5%	+2.5
Fit			68%

Fit = Σ weight × match over the components known for both, the weights re-scaled to 100%. Unknown is left out, never counted as a difference.

Parts: 27

Similar organizations4

TelegramCompany · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers

DiscordCompany · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers · United States

KuaishouCompany · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers · China

SignalCompany · Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers · United States