

Since instant messaging started, the text bubble has been the most common way to symbolize a sent or received message. The first of these elements is a text bubble.

To do this, two separate elements of the design were used. WhatsApp serves as a platform for instant messaging and audio/video calls, and the logo is needed to effectively communicate those functions. The WhatsApp logo and Icon features a few interesting design elements that can clearly communicate the app’s function within a relatively simplistic design. This speaks to the design’s longevity and effectiveness and is a testament to the fact that a logo doesn’t necessarily have to have a long and interesting history to serve its purpose just fine. Of course, the logo’s design could have easily been outsourced to a third-party designer as well-the programming of the app itself was outsourced, after all.Īt the end of the day, though, we know that the Whats App logo’s basic design hasn’t changed over the years, even after the company itself changed hands. The design appears to have been around since the launch of the app itself, suggesting that it was designed by Koum and Acton themselves during the initial stages of the app’s development and launch. Not a lot is known about the origins of the WhatsApp logo. But what role did the WhatsApp logo play in the app’s success, and what is the history of this iconic design? The WhatsApp Logo There’s no arguing WhatsApp’s success with usage numbers like these combined with the app’s historic buyout. Shortly after that, Facebook bought out the app for a staggering $19 billion-a number that stands as the largest acquisition in the world to date.Īccording to the company’s blog, WhatsApp still logs over 100 million voice calls a day. By February of 2013, WhatsApp boasted 50 staff members and 200 million users. Luckily for both of them, the duo did indeed stick it out and saw the app through to its eventual success. Acton encouraged Koum to stick it out “a few more months” each time the duo hit a setback.

After numerous crashes and failures, Koum grew frustrated with the app’s development and reportedly considered giving it up entirely. It was a bit of a rocky start for WhatsApp, though. Teaming up with Brian Acton, Koum managed to persuade five associates from Yahoo! to fund the app with $250,000, and in 2009 WhatsApp was launched.

Looking to capitalize on this up-and-coming industry, Koum began to explore the possibility of creating an app that would let mobile users better interact and engage with their friends, family, and business contacts. In 2009, though, after purchasing an iPhone, Koum had the vision to see that an entire industry was about to form based around mobile apps. At the time, Koum was living off his savings from Yahoo!, with little direction as to where his next career path would take him. Shortly after that, they both applied for jobs at Facebook-jobs that had they been accepted to would have likely left them unable to start WhatsApp-but were turned down. In this article, we’ll look at how WhatsApp got its start and how its recognizable logo played a role in its success.īrian Acton and Jan Koum, the founders of WhatsApp, both worked as employees of Yahoo! before leaving the company. From humble beginnings to widespread adaptation, the WhatsApp Logo history and the company is the quintessential example of a small tech startup turned wildly successful company. WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging platforms in the age of the internet, is, without a doubt, a modern-day success story. The Whatsapp Logo and the history behind the business.
