Will Facebookâs Acquisition Make WhatsApp Stay Free?
No, I did not think so.
Advertising vs. Subscription Charges
WhatsApp can generate revenue through advertising, but recently Zuckerberg has stated that they have no plans to implement this strategy. Therefore, the only viable option for generating revenue would be to introduce a subscription charge. Many users are weary of seeing irrelevant advertisements every time they use an app, desiring minimal and efficient applications. While a small fee might be acceptable, it is unlikely that users would embrace constant ads.
Alternative Messaging Apps
Other messaging apps offer alternative features that WhatsApp does not, such as Hike, which allows users to set preferred last-seen times, and Telegram, which supports the sending of various file types including PDFs and C files. The primary reason for WhatsApp's popularity is its free service and accessibility across all platforms. This unique advantage makes it less likely that WhatsApp will become a paid app.
Facebook's Policy and User Base
Facebook currently has sufficient funds to sustain its market position without changing its policies. They might introduce in-app purchases for additional features or themes, but advertising or direct charges for using the app seem unlikely. First, according to the founder of WhatsApp, they had a deal to keep the app free, at least for the near future. Therefore, any attempt to charge users for WhatsApp would likely result in a decline in user engagement, particularly in India where many users are young and do not wish to pay for additional services.
Conclusion: Given these factors, it seems unlikely that Facebook will make WhatsApp a paid app. Instead, they might look at enhancing the app with new features or introducing in-app purchases to generate revenue. However, any move towards charging would harm their user base and tarnish their brand reputation, which they are loath to do.