ELI5: whatsapp

// eli5

What is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is a free app that lets you send messages and make phone calls to your friends and family over the internet, just like texting but without paying for text messages [1][2]. It's available on phones all around the world and works on both Android and iPhones [1][2].

Why do people use it?

Instead of paying your phone company for text messages and calls, WhatsApp lets you do both things for free as long as you have internet connection [1][2]. It's simple and works reliably, so billions of people use it [2].

How do you send messages?

You just open the app, pick someone from your contacts, type your message, and hit send—it travels through the internet to their phone instead of through your phone company [1][4].

Can you use it on a computer?

Yes! WhatsApp Web lets you use WhatsApp on your computer to send messages and files the same way you do on your phone [4].