The WhatsApp application began as an alternative to SMS and is now a free messaging service with more than 2 billion users across 180 countries. It is owned by Meta Group, which also operates Facebook and Instagram, and has become the preferred platform for Argentinians: nearly 95% of web users in the country use it.
Originally designed for mobile phones, WhatsApp launched two very similar desktop versions a few years ago, allowing the service to function on PCs as well. This has proven very useful, as there’s no longer a need to switch devices to send or receive messages, documents, or photos.
WhatsApp’s ability to send a variety of content—including audio, images, and documents—makes it competitive even with native mobile messaging apps. Furthermore, its group chat function, whether for work or shared interests, has turned it into a kind of social network in itself.
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When It Comes to User Rankings, Population Matters
The ranking of countries with the highest number of users, of course, depends heavily on population. Notably absent from this list is China, the most populous country in the world—and the reason is simple: WhatsApp is blocked there. Instead, Chinese users rely on WeChat.
1) India
In 2024, 853.8 million people in India used WhatsApp, up from 487.5 million in 2021. The app is used more frequently than Facebook Messenger in the country, outperforming it by a staggering 732 million users. This may be due to the fact that WhatsApp is linked to a phone number, while Messenger requires a Facebook account or connection.
2) Brazil
In South America’s largest country, 148 million people used WhatsApp in 2024—accounting for 98% of those who have it installed on their smartphones. This marks an increase from the 118.5 million users reported in 2021. Instagram was the second most-used app in Brazil in 2024, followed by Facebook Messenger.
3) United States
With 98 million registered users in 2024, the U.S. has also seen an increase since 2021, when there were 79.6 million users. In the third quarter of 2024, 50% of Americans used WhatsApp daily, 78% weekly, and 91% monthly. It appears to be especially popular among the 26-to-35 age group, both in the U.S. and globally. These percentages have remained relatively stable over the past four years.
4) Indonesia
In this Southeast Asian nation, 112 million people used WhatsApp in 2024—an increase from 84.8 million in 2021. As in many other countries, WhatsApp surpasses Facebook Messenger in popularity here.
5) Mexico
According to World Population Review’s 2024 data, 74 million people used WhatsApp in Mexico, a notable rise from the 60 million reported in 2021. The country continues to rank among the top six for WhatsApp usage worldwide.
6) Russia
Since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, WhatsApp has maintained strong popularity in Russia, with over 66 million users in 2024. However, the government has tightened usage regulations and added WhatsApp to a list of platforms required to store user data and hand it over to law enforcement. If WhatsApp fails to comply with these directives, it could be blocked in 2025.
7) Pakistan
In India’s neighboring country, WhatsApp was virtually everywhere in 2024, with around 52 million users. That same year, Pakistan even ranked third globally in WhatsApp downloads. Despite some disruptions during political protests, the app remains the country’s top messaging choice.
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