Both Snapchat and WhatsApp are popular messaging apps, but which one is more widely used? In this article, we’ll compare the user statistics and features of Snapchat and WhatsApp to see which platform comes out on top.
Snapchat User Statistics
Snapchat is a messaging app that was launched in 2011. It allows users to send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. Here are some key stats about Snapchat’s user base:
- Daily active users: 347 million (as of Q2 2022)
- Monthly active users: 363 million (as of Q2 2022)
- Over 90% of Snapchat users are between the ages of 13 and 24
- Over 65% of daily active users create Snapchat content every day
- Time spent per user per day: Over 30 minutes (as of Q1 2020)
Snapchat has a very large and engaged user base, especially among younger demographics. The app’s popularity originally stemmed from its disappearing message features. Over time, Snapchat has added more ways for users to communicate and express themselves through images and videos.
WhatsApp User Statistics
WhatsApp is a messaging app launched in 2009. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, audio recordings and files for free. WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook in 2014. Here are some stats on WhatsApp’s global user base:
- Daily active users: 2 billion (as of 2022)
- Monthly active users: Over 2 billion (as of 2022)
- User base across over 180 countries
- Over 65 billion messages sent daily
- Over 100 billion messages sent daily (as of 2016)
WhatsApp has an exceptionally large international user base spanning age groups and demographics. Although WhatsApp does not have disappearing messages like Snapchat, its massive user base is a key advantage. WhatsApp experienced rapid growth by positioning itself as a free alternative to SMS. Today, it is the most globally popular messaging app.
| App | Daily Active Users | Monthly Active Users |
|---|---|---|
| Snapchat | 347 million | 363 million |
| 2 billion | Over 2 billion |
Snapchat vs. WhatsApp: Features Comparison
Beyond basic messaging, Snapchat and WhatsApp offer different features and capabilities:
Snapchat Features
- Stories – Share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours
- Filters and Lenses – Augmented reality lenses and filters for photos/videos
- Snap Map – Share your location with friends on a map
- Snap Originals – Professionally produced shows and content
- Memories – Save your sent photos to memories or upload from camera roll
- Snapchat Discover – Shows from brands and publishers
WhatsApp Features
- Voice and Video Calls – Make voice and video calls over WiFi or cellular data
- WhatsApp Web – Access chats from desktop
- Groups – Create groups with up to 256 participants
- WhatsApp Business – Business account tools
- WhatsApp Pay – P2P payments in supported markets
- Broadcast Lists – Send messages to multiple contacts at once
As you can see, Snapchat is focused more on fun, ephemeral photo/video sharing and creative tools. WhatsApp has a broader suite of messaging, calling and utility features.
Popularity by Country
Snapchat and WhatsApp usage varies significantly by country and region. Here is an overview of where each app is most popular:
Where Snapchat is Most Popular
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- Sweden
- Norway
Snapchat has its largest user base in North America and certain European countries. It has not gained as much traction in Asia and developing countries.
Where WhatsApp is Most Popular
- India
- Brazil
- Indonesia
- Mexico
- Germany
WhatsApp dominates in rapidly growing countries like India, Brazil and Indonesia. It’s also extremely popular across Europe. WhatsApp’s international reach is far greater than Snapchat’s.
User Demographics
Snapchat and WhatsApp also attract different age demographics:
Snapchat User Demographics
- Over 50% of users are between 18-24 years old
- Another 25% are between 25-34 years old
- Just 11% of users are 35 years or older
Snapchat is overwhelmingly popular with teens and young adults. Relatively few users fall outside the core 13-34 demographic.
WhatsApp User Demographics
- 42% of users are between 18-34 years old
- 29% of users are between 35-54 years old
- 23% of users are 55 years or older
Compared to Snapchat, WhatsApp has much broader age distribution. While still popular with 18-34 year olds, a significant portion of WhatsApp’s user base is 35 and up.
Revenue and Valuation
In terms of finances, Snapchat parent Snap Inc. generates significantly less revenue than Facebook’s WhatsApp:
| Company | Annual Revenue (Billions) | Market Value (Billions) |
|---|---|---|
| Snap Inc. | $4.1 (2021) | $16 (October 2023) |
| WhatsApp (Facebook) | $7+ (est. 2020) | $500+ (Facebook market cap) |
WhatsApp likely generates over $7 billion in annual revenue for Facebook through optional paid business features. Snap’s revenue primarily comes from advertising and promotions within Snapchat.
Conclusion
In summary:
– WhatsApp has significantly more monthly active users than Snapchat, over 2 billion compared to 363 million for Snapchat. WhatsApp’s user base dwarfs Snapchat’s.
– Both apps have over 300 million daily active users, showing strong engagement. Snapchat edges out WhatsApp slightly for daily users.
– Snapchat is more popular in North America and certain European countries. WhatsApp dominates globally across India, Asia, South America and other regions.
– Snapchat users heavily skews young, with 75% between 13-34 years old. WhatsApp has broader age distribution.
– WhatsApp likely generates over $7 billion in annual revenue compared to $4 billion for Snapchat’s parent company.
Overall, while Snapchat surpasses WhatsApp in some areas like daily engagement and popularity among teens, WhatsApp is the clear global winner in terms of total users, international reach, and revenue. WhatsApp’s over 2 billion monthly active users make it the most widely used messaging platform worldwide. Both apps have proven they can coexist and connect people in different ways.