WhatsApp's monetization strategy has been a key topic of discussion, particularly regarding its potential paths without Meta's involvement. Experts like Hemphill suggest that WhatsApp could have built its own competing social networking service, similar to successful models in other countries. However, internal resistance from the founders against such a pivot existed due to their commitment to maintaining the messaging service's integrity. Despite this, pressures from investors and employees for profit eventually led Meta to influence the founders to explore monetization opportunities within the app itself.
WhatsApp would have had to make money eventually. The most likely way to do this without Meta would be through a personal social networking service.
WhatsApp's founders were resistant to pivoting away from their core service, but faced pressure from investors and employees wanting a payout.
Hemphill emphasizes that while WhatsApp's founders had concerns, Meta eventually convinced them to find a way to monetize the app.
In other countries, messaging apps have successfully monetized by creating competing social networking services—an approach WhatsApp considered.
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