Decline in WhatsApp Downloads
Meta’s WhatsApp messenger, a communication lifeline for many governments outside the US, experienced a substantial drop in downloads over the past few years. The app’s pre-installation on numerous Android devices and its already extensive user base have contributed to this trend.
Competition from Telegram and Signal
While WhatsApp‘s dominance seemed unshakeable, competition from Telegram and Signal, created by WhatsApp’s co-founder, emerged as a significant challenge in 2020 and 2021. Despite being smaller overall, both rivals experienced growth during WhatsApp’s decline, indicating a significant shift in user preference.
Recent Growth and Regional Differences
After a slump in downloads, all three messenger apps, including WhatsApp, observed a resurgence in summer, notes NIX Solutions. WhatsApp’s downloads surged by 34% since April, while Telegram recorded a 14% increase. Signal also experienced growth, though on a smaller scale. Notably, WhatsApp’s popularity varies across regions, with the US driving downloads on the App Store, while India dominates on Google Play with five times more downloads.