WhatsApp is a leading free Voice over IP and instant messaging app that support all platforms. It allows its users to make voice and video calls, share texts, images, videos, and funny emojis among others. The brand has over 2 billion users and still growing. WhatsApp has every need for a SWOT analysis to take advantage of opportunities in the market, turn its weaknesses around to strengths, and avert possible threats. Here is SWOT for WhatsApp.
In this article, we cover the SWOT analysis of WhatsApp consisting of the detailed analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. So let get started!
WhatsApp – At a Glance
| Name | WhatsApp LLC |
| Website | www.whatsapp.com |
| Founders | Brian Acton and Jan Koum |
| Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) | Will Cathcart (Mar 2019–) |
| Headquarters | Menlo Park, California, United States |
| Type of Corporation | Public |
| Year Founded | 2009 |
| Key Products/Services | freeware, cross-platform centralized instant messaging (IM) and voice-over-IP (VoIP) |
| Key Competitors | Grab Holdings Inc., Gojek, and Deliveroo Plc |
Strengths of WhatsApp
Massive Customer Base; Most Popular Messaging App Globally
WhatsApp has a customer base of more than 2 billion people globally, with a presence in more than 180 countries. This makes it a leading messenger app globally. The brand is sure to reap from network effects, where increased numbers of people using a service improve the value of the app.
The App facilitates group activities and communications in an easy manner, therefore, gaining more ripple effects in growth. With particular regards to the increase in telecom services, the app has created a cascading effect with regard to installations.
Superior Technology and High Up-Time
WhatsApp operates on a superior technological platform. This could explain why the brand is able to handle more than 2 billion users without any bugs or technological failures. Individuals and business users can count on WhatsApp for its great connectivity.
This is a huge advantage as users are able to enjoy a problem-free and constant up-time experience on the app for all the days of their using the app. The brand has built customer confidence in the app and therefore built customer loyalty.
Operates on all Platforms
WhatsApp supports all platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Android. This widens its scope of reach to many consumers all over the platforms.
Pioneer in the Industry
At the point of WhatsApp creation in 2009, there were hardly any other similar apps in the market. Many other apps have been introduced in the market with a similar model since 2009, but WhatsApp had the advantage of being the first entrant in the market.
Easy and Convenient for Use
WhatsApp is very easy and convenient to use, even for those with basic smartphones or any other gadget. It is easy, safe, and free to download all over the world. The brand’s move to add more features to the App has resulted in even more convenience of use. Users today can use the app for all their communication needs. Users not only use it to stay in touch but also for business needs, among other uses.
It is Ad-free
Ads have become a great nuisance for many users in the world of apps. The creators and founders of WhatsApp had this as one of their core identifications and purposes for the product; they wanted it to be add-free. This gives great satisfaction to many users who get annoyed.
Statistics indicate that the conversion rate for pop-up ads stands at 3.09%, meaning a minimal percentage of app users truly appreciate the advertisements in the apps.
A Huge Brand Name
Within a period of 11 years, the company has been able to build a remarkable brand for itself. The company has revolutionized messaging for users of smartphones in an industry that is highly competitive. So many other apps that started off with WhatsApp have no such achievement. This gives it more visibility online and more brand awareness globally.
Fully Free
WhatsApp is 100% free, a fact that has greatly endeared the app to many users. Users can call, send text, voice, documents, and images without paying any dime.
Weaknesses of WhatsApp
Fear of Data Privacy Issues
There is a huge amount of personal data that is shared on WhatsApp. And while the founders of the app were categorical that they had no interest in their users’ personal data, the fact that it is stored on the cloud elicits fear for leakage of data due to hacking, among other reasons.
Complete Reliance on Internet Connectivity
Unlike the use of SMS, one can only use WhatsApp when connected to the internet. If a user does not have access to mobile data or wifi, they will not send or receive any messages. This locks out any potential customers who cannot access the internet.
WhatsApp doesn’t have an option for Group Calls
Unlike other apps like Google hangout and Skype, WhatsApp doesn’t have the option for group calls. A user cannot call employees or multiple friends through voice or video. This gives the other applications that offer group calls an advantage over WhatsApp.
Opportunities of WhatsApp
New Revenue Streams
With such a huge customer base, WhatsApp has a great opportunity to make huge revenue streams from its customer base. This, however, needs a great deal of creativity to avoid apathy from the current customer base that is used to a 100% free service.
New Innovative Features
Technological innovation offers app developers unlimited opportunities for the creation of new features. The addition of new features to the product would meet more customer needs leading to more customer satisfaction and even the creation of new revenue streams. Innovations for new product features have transformed companies to greater heights with new revenue streams.
Threats of WhatsApp
Technological Innovations
WhatsApp is technological innovation. It is therefore susceptible to being rendered redundant by a single new business idea. Any other app developer that would create a similar product but with more powerful features or a novel idea would render WhatsApp out of the market.
Additionally, the technological world has few barriers to entry, with not-so-heavy investment requirements. It is therefore critical that WhatsApp invests heavily in innovations that would meet customers’ changing needs and make it more unique.
Policy Changes Regarding Privacy
Changes in regulations and policies regarding technology, privacy, and data pose a great threat to WhatsApp. An example in case is Australia’s ban on encrypted software. This means WhatsApp cannot operate in Australia.
Security Breaches
The modern world is facing cyber security threats every day, with major organizations suffering from attacks by hackers. And while WhatsApp is keen on safety, the threat still exists and could heavily cost WhatsApp in case of a breach.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is a leading app in the industry with a huge customer base, ease of use, and 100% free. However, the app needs to continuously work on its innovation agenda to eliminate chances of competition and remain relevant in the market.
