As of April 2022, Brazil presented the highest share of WhatsApp users, with around nine in 10 messaging app users in the country engaging with the social and instant messaging app. WhatsApp had a penetration rate of approximately 97 percent among messaging and chat app users in India and Italy. Phone messaging users in Australia presented the lowest usage share of WhatsApp, with only 33 percent of mobile phone messaging app users reporting engaging with the Meta-owned app.

The number of WhatsApp users in Europe was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 2.6 million users (+2.17 percent). After the ninth consecutive increasing year, the WhatsApp user base is estimated to reach 122.38 million users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of WhatsApp users of was continuously increasing over the past years.User figures, shown here regarding the platform whatsapp, have been estimated by taking into account company filings or press material, secondary research, app downloads and traffic data. They refer to the average monthly active users over the period.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to 150 countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the number of WhatsApp users in countries like Africa and South America.

As of March 2025, WhatsApp had three billion monthly active users, up from over 2 billion MAU in March 2020. The service is one of the most popular mobile messaging apps worldwide and was acquired by social network Facebook for 19 billion U.S. dollars in February 2014. WhatsAppWhatsApp is a cross-platform instant messaging service for smartphones that relies on the internet for the transmission of messages. Based on a low-cost subscription model, WhatsApp is a cheap alternative to carrier-billed text messaging via SMS, especially for international or group messaging. The mobile messaging app enables users to share text, image and video messages. In the United States, the WhatsApp audience amounted to 68.1 million users in 2019 and is set to grow to 85.8 million users in 2023. WhatsApp is especially popular in markets outside the United States while facing strong competition from Asia-based social messenger apps such as WeChat, LINE or Kakaotalk. WhatsApp’s popularity in emerging mobile markets is not only based on their low-cost business model but on many of its features.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Mobile Messaging Service market size will be USD 102584.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.20% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 41033.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 30775.26 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 23594.37 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 5129.21 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 2051.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.9% from 2024 to 2031.
The software category is the fastest growing segment of the Mobile Messaging Service industry

Market Dynamics of Mobile Messaging Service Market

Key Drivers for Mobile Messaging Service Market

Increased adoption of smartphones and mobile internet drives the market growth 

As more people around the world gain access to affordable smartphones and mobile data, they increasingly turn to mobile messaging apps (like WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, or Signal) for daily communication. These apps often offer free, instant, and multimedia-rich messaging, which is especially appealing in regions where traditional SMS or calling may be expensive or unreliable. For instance, in India, the rapid rise in smartphone usage and low-cost internet provided by companies like Reliance Jio led to an explosion in WhatsApp users. By 2023, WhatsApp had over 500 million users in India alone, becoming the country’s primary communication platform for personal, business, and even government messaging services.

The Global Proliferation of Smartphone Usage to Boost Market Growth

The market for mobile messaging services is expanding due in large part to the increase in smartphone adoption. Mobile messaging services are becoming more widely available to more people as cell phones are cheaper and easier to obtain, especially in developing nations. The increasing number of users on messaging apps like WeChat, Telegram, and WhatsApp is a result of their widespread acceptance, which raises user engagement. Additionally, smartphones have improved features like voice, video, and multimedia messaging, which boost communication in general. Furthermore, messaging apps are made more user-friendly and effective by the advancement of sophisticated smartphone technology like fast internet and potent CPUs. As a result, the market for mobile messaging is growing as a direct result of rising smartphone usage worldwide.

Growing Need for Instant Communication to Drive Market Growth

The mobile messaging service market is growing due in large part to consumer demand for instant communication. A growing number of people and businesses are turning to messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram because they need rapid, effective, and real-time communication solutions in today's hectic world. Instantaneous phone or video calls, message exchanges, and material sharing are all made possible by these technologies, which improve communication efficiency and speed. Instant messaging is being used more and more by organizations as a flexible means of communication since it offers an efficient avenue for teamwork, marketing, and customer service. More market expansion for mobile messaging services is being driven by consumers' desire for instant communication and the ease of being able to access them on their phones.

Restraint Factor for the Mobile Messaging Service Market

Data Privacy and Security Concerns Will Limit Market Growth

The market for mobile messaging services is being held back by serious worries about security and privacy. Users are becoming more and more concerned about data breaches, unlawful access, and the exploitation of their data as messaging platforms handle sensitive personal and corporate ...

The instant messaging (IM) tool market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones, affordable data plans, and the rising demand for real-time communication. The market, estimated at $100 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $300 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key trends, including the integration of IM functionalities into various platforms (e.g., social media, e-commerce), the rise of business messaging applications, and the increasing adoption of encrypted messaging services prioritizing user privacy. The market is segmented by various factors such as platform (mobile, desktop, web), messaging type (text, voice, video), and user base (consumer, enterprise). Leading players like Facebook (WhatsApp), Apple (iMessage), Google (Google Chat), and others are constantly innovating to enhance features, improve security, and expand their user base, leading to a highly competitive landscape. Market restraints include concerns around data privacy and security breaches, the prevalence of misinformation and fake news spread through IM platforms, and regulatory challenges related to content moderation. Despite these challenges, the market's growth trajectory remains positive, driven by continued technological advancements, the increasing adoption of cloud-based messaging solutions, and the expanding global internet penetration. The emergence of new features like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) integration within IM platforms will further drive market expansion in the coming years. The regional distribution shows a strong presence in North America and Asia-Pacific, with developing economies witnessing rapid growth due to rising smartphone adoption and internet accessibility. Companies are also focusing on developing niche applications for specific industries and sectors, further diversifying the market landscape.

The instant messaging (IM) market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a market size of $22,550 million in 2025, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2019 to 2033. This substantial growth is driven by several factors. The increasing penetration of smartphones and mobile internet access globally fuels the adoption of IM platforms, offering convenient and immediate communication. The rise of enterprise-grade IM solutions enhances collaboration and productivity within businesses, further stimulating demand. Furthermore, the integration of IM with other communication tools and platforms, such as video conferencing and file sharing, creates a seamless and versatile communication ecosystem. The evolving landscape of social media and online communities also plays a significant role, with many IM platforms acting as crucial hubs for social interaction and information dissemination. However, the market also faces challenges. Security concerns related to data privacy and the potential for misuse remain a persistent issue, influencing user trust and platform adoption. Competition amongst numerous established and emerging IM providers is intense, leading to price wars and impacting profitability for some players. Furthermore, regulatory changes concerning data protection and user consent in different regions could impose additional constraints on market growth. Nevertheless, continuous innovation in features, such as enhanced encryption and AI-powered functionalities, coupled with increasing demand for seamless cross-platform communication, is expected to mitigate these challenges and sustain the long-term growth of the instant messaging market. The market is segmented by device type (PC, Mobile) and application (Personal, Enterprise, Other), offering various opportunities for tailored product development and market penetration across geographical regions.

The global instant messaging software market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $22,550 million in 2025 and maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. The increasing penetration of smartphones and mobile internet access globally fuels the adoption of instant messaging apps for personal and professional communication. Businesses are increasingly leveraging instant messaging platforms for internal collaboration, customer service, and marketing, contributing significantly to market growth. Furthermore, the continuous innovation in features such as enhanced security, integration with other business tools, and the rise of AI-powered chatbots are further propelling market expansion. The market is segmented by device type (PC and Mobile) and application (Personal, Enterprise, and Other), with mobile applications dominating the market share due to their convenience and accessibility. The competitive landscape is highly fragmented, with established players like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Skype alongside newer entrants constantly vying for market share through feature enhancements and strategic partnerships. Geographical expansion, particularly in emerging markets with rapidly growing internet penetration, presents significant opportunities for market players. However, challenges remain. Data privacy concerns and regulatory scrutiny around data handling continue to be significant hurdles. Maintaining user engagement in a highly competitive landscape requires continuous innovation and the ability to adapt to evolving user preferences. Furthermore, ensuring the security and reliability of instant messaging platforms is crucial to maintaining user trust and preventing the misuse of these platforms. The market's future growth trajectory hinges on the ability of companies to address these challenges and effectively leverage technological advancements while prioritizing user privacy and security. The market's sustained growth will depend on continuing innovation, adept adaptation to changing user needs, and consistent focus on data security.

During the third quarter of 2024, Spain was the European country with the highest WhatsApp penetration rate, with approximately 91 percent of its digital population using the over-the-top messaging service. Portugal and Ireland followed with a penetration rate of more than 90 percent. Italy ranked fourth, with 89.8 percent of the internet users in the country using the Meta-owned service.

The global texting software market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of smartphones, the rising need for efficient business communication, and the expanding use of SMS for marketing and customer engagement. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $15 billion, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key trends, including the integration of texting software with CRM systems for improved customer relationship management, the increasing demand for secure and reliable messaging solutions, particularly in enterprise settings, and the development of sophisticated features like automated messaging and analytics dashboards. The cloud-based segment is expected to dominate the market due to its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. While on-premises solutions still hold a share, especially among businesses with stringent data security requirements, the cloud's flexibility is driving a significant shift. The enterprise application segment is showing particularly strong growth due to its utility in streamlining workflows, enhancing customer service, and driving sales conversions. However, regulatory hurdles regarding data privacy and security, as well as concerns surrounding the potential for misuse (e.g., spam messaging), present challenges to market expansion. Competition is intense, with established players like Google, WhatsApp, and Facebook competing with specialized providers offering tailored solutions for businesses. The market's regional distribution is geographically diverse, with North America and Europe currently leading, although rapid growth is anticipated in the Asia-Pacific region due to increasing smartphone penetration and digitalization. The forecast period (2025-2033) indicates sustained growth, with the market size projected to exceed $45 billion by 2033. This expansion will be influenced by ongoing technological advancements, such as the rise of AI-powered chatbots integrated with texting platforms, the increasing adoption of omnichannel communication strategies that incorporate SMS alongside other channels, and the expansion of the market into new sectors, including healthcare and education. Challenges remain, including the need for continuous innovation to stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences and technological disruptions, the imperative for ensuring robust data security and privacy measures, and the ongoing need to address potential misuse of texting technology for malicious purposes. The continued focus on enhancing user experience, integrating advanced features, and providing tailored solutions for diverse industry verticals will be crucial to the sustained growth of the texting software market.

The global mobile messaging apps market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones, affordable data plans, and the rising demand for instant communication solutions. The market, estimated at $50 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $150 billion by 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the continuous innovation in features, such as enhanced security, multimedia sharing, and integration with other platforms, is attracting a wider user base. Secondly, the emergence of business-oriented messaging solutions is driving adoption among enterprises for communication, customer service, and marketing purposes. Finally, the growing popularity of social commerce and integrated payment gateways within messaging apps is further boosting market revenue. However, regulatory challenges related to data privacy and security, along with the intense competition among established players and emerging startups, pose significant restraints to market growth. The market is segmented by application (primarily focusing on users aged 50 and above, reflecting a growing segment of tech-savvy older adults), and deployment type (on-premise and cloud-based). The cloud-based segment dominates due to its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. Geographic distribution shows strong growth across regions, with North America and Asia-Pacific leading the market due to high smartphone penetration and tech-savviness of their populations. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established tech giants (Tencent, Facebook, etc.) and specialized players catering to niche markets. While established players benefit from substantial user bases and brand recognition, smaller companies are innovating with specialized features and tailored user experiences. The market's future hinges on the evolution of messaging functionalities, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for personalized experiences, improved security protocols to address data breaches, and the expansion into new verticals such as healthcare and education. Successful players will need to adapt rapidly to changing user preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory environments, maintaining a delicate balance between innovation and user privacy.

The global mobile messaging market size is set to reach US$ 101.41 billion in 2023. Overall sales of mobile messaging are likely to surge at 15.9% CAGR, taking the forecasted market valuation to US$ 443.53 billion by the end of 2033.

The global mobile voice social application market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of smartphones, readily available high-speed internet, and the ever-growing demand for instant and convenient communication. The market, estimated at $150 billion in 2025, is projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $500 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors, including the rising popularity of voice-based social interactions, the integration of advanced features like voice-to-text and real-time translation, and the emergence of innovative applications catering to niche user groups. The market is highly competitive, with established players like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat dominating the landscape alongside emerging players constantly innovating to gain market share. The integration of AI-powered features like voice assistants and personalized recommendations is further enhancing user experience and driving market expansion. Regional variations exist, with North America and Asia-Pacific currently leading the market due to high smartphone penetration and digital literacy. Significant market trends include the increasing preference for encrypted messaging, the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) features for enhanced social interactions, and the growing demand for voice-based social commerce. However, challenges such as data privacy concerns, the potential for misuse of voice technology, and the need to overcome language barriers continue to influence market dynamics. Furthermore, regulatory hurdles in certain regions and the potential for technological disruptions from newer platforms pose restraints on overall growth. Market segmentation is primarily based on application type (text-based, voice-based, video-based), operating system (Android, iOS), and user demographics (age, location, interests). The competitive landscape necessitates continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and aggressive marketing efforts to maintain a competitive edge.

The Customer Communication Messaging Platform (CCMP) market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach $1587.4 million in 2025, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2025 to 2033. This significant growth is fueled by several key drivers. The increasing adoption of cloud-based solutions offers scalability and cost-effectiveness for businesses of all sizes, driving market expansion. Furthermore, the rising demand for seamless and personalized customer experiences across various channels is pushing enterprises to adopt sophisticated CCMPs that integrate messaging, voice, and other communication modes. The prevalence of mobile devices and the widespread use of messaging apps have created a fertile ground for CCMPs to thrive, streamlining communication and enhancing customer engagement. Market segmentation reveals a strong demand from both large enterprises and SMEs, with cloud-based solutions witnessing faster adoption rates compared to on-premise deployments. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with established players like Meta (WhatsApp), Tencent (WeChat), and Microsoft (Teams) vying for market share alongside emerging innovative solutions. Geographic distribution shows strong growth across North America and Asia Pacific, driven by high internet penetration and technological advancements. The continued expansion of the CCMP market is expected to be influenced by several factors. Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are enabling CCMPs to offer automated responses, personalized messaging, and predictive analytics, thereby improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The increasing regulatory focus on data privacy and security will necessitate the development of more robust and compliant CCMP solutions. However, challenges such as integration complexities with existing systems and the need for skilled personnel to manage these platforms might pose some restraints. Nevertheless, the overall outlook for the CCMP market remains positive, with continuous innovation and growing demand driving expansion throughout the forecast period. The market is poised for further growth, especially as businesses increasingly recognize the value of optimized communication for improved customer engagement and business outcomes.

The global mobile voice social application market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of smartphones, rising internet penetration, and the escalating demand for convenient and engaging communication platforms. The market, estimated at $50 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This significant expansion is fueled by several key factors, including the growing popularity of real-time voice communication features, the increasing integration of voice technology into social media platforms, and the emergence of innovative applications leveraging voice-based interactions for relationship management. The preference for voice communication over text-based interactions, particularly amongst younger demographics, further bolsters market growth. Furthermore, the continuous advancements in voice recognition technology, improved network infrastructure, and the development of sophisticated voice-based features are contributing significantly to the market's expansion. Despite this positive trajectory, certain challenges restrain market growth. These include concerns regarding data privacy and security, the potential for misuse of voice-based communication, and the need for continuous improvements in voice recognition accuracy across diverse languages and accents. Nevertheless, the ongoing innovation in voice technology, coupled with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced user experience, is expected to offset these challenges and fuel further expansion. The market is segmented by application type (real-time voice, asynchronous voice, others) and application area (communication, relationship management, others). Key players, including Line, Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Snapchat, Clubhouse, WeChat, and others, are constantly innovating to maintain a competitive edge and cater to the evolving needs of users. Regional market variations exist, with North America and Asia Pacific expected to dominate, reflecting the high smartphone penetration and internet usage in these regions.

The A2P SMS messaging market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of mobile devices and the expanding need for two-way communication between businesses and consumers. The market, estimated at $15 billion in 2025, is projected to maintain a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 12% through 2033, reaching an estimated market value of $45 billion. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the rise of e-commerce and the consequent need for transactional SMS, such as order confirmations and delivery updates, significantly contributes to the market's expansion. Secondly, the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector relies heavily on A2P SMS for secure authentication, fraud alerts, and promotional offers, driving substantial demand. Thirdly, the increasing use of A2P SMS for marketing campaigns, loyalty programs, and customer engagement initiatives across various sectors like retail, entertainment, and healthcare, continues to propel market growth. While regulatory hurdles and the emergence of competing communication channels like WhatsApp Business pose challenges, the overall market trajectory remains positive. The segment encompassing CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and promotional SMS holds the largest market share, reflecting the enduring value of targeted and personalized messaging. The geographical distribution of the A2P SMS market shows strong presence in North America and Europe, with these regions accounting for a combined 60% of the market share in 2025. However, rapidly developing economies in Asia Pacific, particularly India and China, are witnessing significant growth, fueled by increasing smartphone penetration and digital adoption. This presents substantial opportunities for market expansion in these regions. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players like CLX Communications and Infobip, and newer entrants offering innovative solutions. The continuous evolution of technologies, including AI-powered chatbots integrated with SMS platforms, promises to further enhance the functionality and efficiency of A2P SMS services, ensuring its continued relevance in the ever-evolving digital communication landscape. The market segmentation across application areas (BFSI, entertainment, tourism, etc.) and message types (CRM, promotional, interactive, etc.) provides diverse avenues for growth and specialization for market participants.

In 2024, iFood was hands-down the favorite food and drink ordering app in Brazil, according to a survey conducted in July, taking up to over ** percent of traffic share when compared to others. Even the second placed, Carrefour, is far behind the leader's numbers, at a little over *** percent. Weathering challenging times Established in 2011, iFood boasts a market value of *** billion U.S. dollars. By 2023, the Brazilian startup had reached a user base exceeding ** million, collaborating with ******* partner restaurants and counting approximately ******* delivery drivers. However, the challenging global economic scenario forced the company to reduce its workforce, with *** employees laid off in March 2023. Despite this setback, the Brazilian platform maintains a near-monopoly in the market, a position further fortified by the exit of Rappi from the country. WhatsApp: easing the shopping experience Although initially envisioned as a messaging app, WhatsApp swiftly evolved into a prominent online shopping and ordering tool. The quick adoption of WhatsApp for commerce spurred the Silicon Valley-based company to create WhatsApp Business. Launched in Brazil in 2019, this platform is specifically designed to enhance communication between small businesses and their customers.

In 2021, WhatsApp's user base in India amounts to approximately ****** million users. The number of WhatsApp users in India is projected to reach ****** million users by 2025. User figures have been estimated by taking into account company filings or press material, secondary research, app downloads and traffic data. They refer to the average monthly active users over the period.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to *** countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).

WhatsApp and Facebook were the most used social media in the Netherlands, both having the highest overall number of users but also seeing much daily use. WhatsApp had over ** million Dutch users, whereas Facebook had around ** million users. The daily active users (DAU) of social media in the Netherlands like WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat increased in recent years. As of 2023, roughly *** million individuals in the Netherlands used Instagram every day. Most popular social media among Millennials in the Netherlands WhatsApp and Facebook ranked as the most popular apps for 22-to-36-year-olds. 90 percent of the Millennials said they used the messaging app, whereas the social network reached a usage rate of ** percent. Instagram and Snapchat, however, were more popular among respondents aged **************** Is social media use expected to increase or decrease? Estimates from Statista’s Digital Market Outlook indicate that social media use in the Netherlands is believed to increase until 2024. The social media user penetration was projected roughly ** percent that year, compared to ** percent in 2018.