WhatsApp

Global chat service

WhatsApp is a messaging application for smartphones that allows users to send text messages, photos, videos, and voice recordings over the internet rather than through traditional cellular networks.

Owned by Meta, it became the dominant messaging platform in much of the world outside the United States and China.

The name plays on "what's up." Used as a verb: WhatsApp me when you land.

messaging

text

Written or printed words

videoRecorded moving imagery
photoCaptured still image
documentWritten or electronic file

sticker · emoji · GIF · broadcast · forward · reply · quote · disappearing · starred · pinned

group

chat

Informal verbal exchange

adminSystem supervisor, briefly
participantOne who takes part
descriptionAccount of characteristics

add · remove · announcement · community · family · work · class · notification · mention · poll

call

voice

Sound from throat

videoRecorded moving imagery
ringtonePhone's incoming call sound
muteWithout voice or sound

speakerphone · end-to-end · Wi-Fi · data · international · missed · callback · waiting · decline

app

download

Remote-to-local data transfer

updateNew version or information
installPut into service
AndroidGoogle's phone platform

iOS · notification · storage · backup · restore · settings · wallpaper

privacy

encryption

Converting data into code

end-to-endSpanning the full sequence
aboutConcerning or approximately
statusOne's relative position

blocked · disappearing · backup · report

status

story

Account of events

photoCaptured still image
videoRecorded moving imagery
textWritten or printed words

viewed · update · 24-hour · contacts · muted · reply · reaction · disappearing