WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging app, with over 3 billion users across more than 180 countries. The platform allows users to send texts, voice notes, and video messages, make calls, and share files, photos, and documents, all for free.

Beyond its cost-free communication, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption ensures that messages remain private, making it one of the most secure ways to connect with people globally.

Since its launch in August 2010, WhatsApp’s growth has been massive. In its first two months, the app reached 10 million users, according to Backlinko. By the time Meta Platforms  (META)  acquired it in February 2014 for $19 billion, the user base had grown to 465 million, a 545% increase.

WhatsApp’s growth has been accelerated by Meta’s network, which includes prominent social media channels Facebook and Instagram, as well as the company’s technological capabilities. 

Now, WhatsApp is rolling out another upgrade designed to tackle language barriers, one of its biggest global challenges.

WhatsApp introduces Message Translations.

WhatsApp launches Message Translations

Image Source: Shutterstock WhatsApp is introducing Message Translations, a new feature that allows users to translate messages into different languages, making global communication easier than ever.

“We understand that sometimes language can be a barrier to getting things done or expressing how you truly feel. That’s why we’re excited to bring message translations to WhatsApp, so you can more easily communicate across languages,” said WhatsApp in a blog post.

How WhatsApp Message Translations works

  • Open the WhatsApp app and select a chat.
  • Long-press the message you want to translate and tap Translate. 
  • Select the language you want the message to be translated from or to.
  • Download the translation to save it for future use.

Where WhatsApp’s new Message Translation feature is available

Message Translations will initially be available on mobile devices, but like most other features, it will eventually expand to other platforms, such as laptops and iPads. 

Android  (GOOGL)  users can translate messages in six languages and enable automatic translations for entire chats, while iPhone  (AAPL)  users can translate messages in 19 languages. This feature works across one-on-one chats, group messages, and Channel updates.

Languages available for Android users

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Hindi
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Arabic

Languages available for iPhone users

  • Arabic
  • Dutch
  • English (UK & U.S.)
  • French
  • German
  • Hindi
  • Indonesian
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Mandarin Chinese (China and Taiwan)
  • Polish
  • Portuguese (Brazil)
  • Russian
  • Spanish (Spain)
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Ukrainian
  • Vietnamese

WhatsApp’s lucrative business model

While WhatsApp is free for users, it generates revenue primarily through its WhatsApp Business Application Programming Interface (API), enabling businesses to interact with customers for a fee. It also earns from users clicking on ads to open WhatsApp.

In some countries, WhatsApp Pay allows users to send money digitally and charges businesses for receiving payments.

Though these may seem like minor revenue streams, WhatsApp has become a key driver of Meta’s growth. 

In the second quarter of 2025, Meta’s revenue rose 22% year-over-year to $47.52 billion, with WhatsApp contributing significantly to the $583 million growth in Family of Apps revenue, which increased 50%.

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