messaging
Signal vs WhatsApp
WhatsApp started first, in 2009, 5 years before Signal.
Why Signal lasted
- The protocol is the gold standard. WhatsApp and others borrowed it. That is a weird kind of win.
- A nonprofit that does one app. The constraint is the pitch.
Why WhatsApp lasted
- It is the SMS of half the planet. Network effects at that scale do not care about your new app.
- Facebook bought it and was not allowed to fully melt it into Facebook. The brand stayed the brand.
Questions
Which is older, Signal or WhatsApp?
WhatsApp started first, in 2009, 5 years before Signal.
How long has WhatsApp been running?
WhatsApp has been up 17 years 205 days, since 2009-02-24.
How long has Signal been running?
Signal has been up 12 years 50 days, since 2014-07-29.
More messaging comparisons
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Dates are founding dates from the written entries. Play which is older, or see the oldest messaging still running.