WhatsApp web was created to allow users to access WhatsApp on their computers in addition to their phones. The web version uses a companion app on the phone to sync messages between the devices. This allows users to continue conversations on a bigger screen and with a keyboard without having to frequently pick up their phones.
Why was WhatsApp web created?
WhatsApp web was created in early 2015 to address user demand for accessing WhatsApp on platforms other than smartphones. At the time, WhatsApp was only available as a mobile app. Users wanted the convenience of seamlessly continuing conversations from their computer screens. WhatsApp founder Jan Koum had also expressed interest in expanding WhatsApp to other platforms prior to the web version launching.
Additionally, competing messaging services already offered web access. Platforms like Viber, Line, and KakaoTalk had browser-based versions. Creating a WhatsApp web client allowed the service to match those capabilities.
How does WhatsApp web work?
WhatsApp web works through pairing with the mobile app on the user’s phone. To use WhatsApp web, users need to:
- Open https://web.whatsapp.com in their browser
- Open WhatsApp on their phone and tap “Menu” or “Settings” and select “WhatsApp Web”
- Use the phone’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on the web browser
This process connects the user’s account and messages across both platforms. New messages will appear in real time on both the phone and web. Users can seamlessly respond from either device. The phone needs to remain connected to the internet for WhatsApp web to function.
Key technical details
WhatsApp web relies on a constant live internet connection between the user’s phone and browser. Here are some key technical details on how it achieves this syncing:
- Uses WebRTC protocol to manage audio/video calls on web
- Encrypts all communication between phone and browser for security
- Syncs message history from phone to provide seamless messaging thread
- Optimized to work well on low-bandwidth connections
- Uses Push API to send real time notifications to browser
Main features
WhatsApp web provides almost full parity with the mobile experience. Here are some of the main features available:
- Send and receive messages
- See full message history threaded by chats
- Share photos, videos, documents
- Make voice and video calls
- Set away messages like on mobile
- Desktop notifications for new messages
- Group chat support
- End-to-end encryption
Some features that are not yet supported on WhatsApp web include checking locations, recording voice messages, and changing profile photos. But the vast majority of core messaging capabilities are available.
Browser compatibility
WhatsApp web is compatible with most modern desktop web browsers. Here is a table showing what’s supported:
| Browser | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Chrome | Supported |
| Firefox | Supported |
| Safari | Supported |
| Edge | Supported |
| Internet Explorer | Version 11+ |
| Opera | Supported |
WhatsApp provides desktop apps for Windows and Mac that have the same capabilities as WhatsApp web built-in. The desktop apps also get automatically updated when new versions are released.
Development process
WhatsApp web was developed over the course of 6 months in 2014 and early 2015. It was the company’s first major product release after being acquired by Facebook in 2014. Here’s an overview of the development process:
- Engineering team was assembled in mid 2014 to work on desktop version
- Spent several months experimenting with technology like XUL and Mozilla technology
- First prototype was created by November 2014
- rigorously tested web client for bugs, speed, reliability
- Announced the launch of WhatsApp web in January 2015
- Continued improving syncing, notifications after public release
WhatsApp took care to make sure the web client lived up to the reliability and performance of the mobile app before releasing it publicly. There were many challenges around scaling to such a large userbase and building for low-powered devices.
Prototyping and experimentation
Early prototypes focused on finding a communication protocol between the mobile app and browser that was fast, reliable and secure. The engineering team experimented with multiple technologies before settling on WebRTC. They originally built a prototype using XUL and Mozilla technology.
Early user testing was done internally at WhatsApp offices. This helped catch bugs and UX issues before the public launch. Load testing was done to ensure servers could handle scale.
Handling unsupported browsers
Special consideration was given for guiding users on unsupported browsers to upgrade or install a supported option. The WhatsApp web page automatically detects the browser and displays a message if unable to connect. This aims to provide a smooth experience across desktop platforms.
Individuals involved
WhatsApp web was primarily developed by a small engineering team at WhatsApp. Here are some of the key individuals involved:
- Jan Koum – WhatsApp founder and CEO at the time. Oversaw project direction and resourcing.
- Brian Acton – WhatsApp co-founder. Provided guidance on aligning with WhatsApp’s core values.
- Neeraj Arora – Former WhatsApp business development lead. Helped drive strategy around the web client launch.
- Chris Daniels – WhatsApp software engineer. Led core engineering efforts on the project.
- Romain Huet – WhatsApp senior software engineer. Worked on mobile and web client integration.
Supporting team members spanned web engineering, quality assurance, operations, marketing and design. Staffing ramped up slowly over the course of development and after launch to handle growth.
Company motivation
WhatsApp’s main motivation behind developing the web version was fulfilling user demand. The founders were keenly aware that users wanted the flexibility to seamlessly communicate across devices.
Some additional motivations included:
- Matching capabilities offered by competitor platforms
- Catering to power users wanting larger keyboards and screens
- Increase engagement and daily active users
- Provide alternative to users with limited data plans
- Lay groundwork for future cross-platform experiences
The web client aligned well with WhatsApp’s core values around speed, reliability, and simplicity. It provided utility without bloating the experience.
Major challenges
WhatsApp engineers faced several major technical and product challenges building the web version, including:
- Real-time syncing – Developing a communication protocol fast and reliable enough to mirror conversations across devices.
- Cross-browser support – Making sure the experience worked flawlessly across all major desktop browsers.
- Mobile performance – Optimizing mobile data and battery usage since phones facilitate the connection.
- Scaling – Having infrastructure to smoothly handle hundreds of millions of users.
- Encryption – Extending end-to-end encryption across the web version.
These were non-trivial engineering challenges, particularly with limited resources pre-Facebook acquisition. The team conducted extensive testing and iteration to meet their standards.
Reception and impact
WhatsApp web was positively received upon launch. It fulfilled strong demand from WhatsApp’s existing userbase and solved real communication needs. Some key metrics on its reception:
- Over 1 million users connected in first 2 days after launch
- Accounted for 15% of total WhatsApp users after 1 week
- Boosted daily active users by ~50 million within 3 months
- High user satisfaction ratings and engagement on desktop
The impact was both enabling more convenient messaging as well as increasing WhatsApp’s lock-in and network effects. It created a path for future innovation like WhatsApp for desktop OSs.
User benefits
Key benefits provided to users included:
- Seamless messaging across mobile and desktop
- More comfortable typing on full keyboards
- Larger screens for media sharing and video calls
- Easy multi-tasking while chatting
- Use WhatsApp without draining phone battery
Competitive impact
The launch of WhatsApp web cemented it as a leader in desktop messaging. Competitors were forced to innovate and improve their own web offerings to keep pace. It raised the bar for seamless cross-device experiences.
Conclusion
The creation of WhatsApp web significantly expanded the messaging platform’s reach and convenience. It enabled truly ubiquitous messaging across screens for its growing user base. WhatsApp was able to skillfully execute on both the product and technical challenges involved.
Delivering on the promise of real-time syncing across mobile and desktop was no small feat. The web client’s positive reception validated WhatsApp’s development efforts. It set the stage for even bolder innovations after being acquired by Facebook.
WhatsApp web brought the core mobile messaging experience to the desktop in a user-friendly way. This accessibility and flexibility fundamentally improved how people communicate and connect across devices.