Worlds most popular messaging app, WhatsApp is now free for everyone. Earlier, the app charged $0.99 per year from its users but from now the fee is has gone away. The company announced this in their blog post today and is getting rid of the already-tiny yearly subscription cost.
It also promises it’s not replacing the fee with ads, either. Instead, WhatsApp is experimenting with ways to partner with businesses to deliver messages to users in the app itself. For example, if your bank already texts you notifications about a recent transaction, WhatsApp wants to handle this directly.
It’s unclear if this method of monetizing the app will work, but given that the company is owned by Facebook, they likely have some room to experiment. In the meantime, all users can now use WhatsApp without limitations for free. Not bad for a Monday.
