Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook Inc., owns some of the world’s most popular social media and communication apps. These apps connect billions of users globally and offer a variety of features for social networking, messaging, photo sharing, and more. Below is a detailed overview of the main apps Meta owns and how they fit into the digital ecosystem.
Facebook is the original social networking platform launched in 2004. It remains one of the most widely used apps worldwide, allowing users to create profiles, share photos and videos, post updates, join groups, and follow pages. Facebook also offers features like Marketplace for buying and selling goods, Events for organizing gatherings, and Watch for video content.
Key features:
- News Feed to stay updated on friends’ posts.
- Groups and Pages for communities and businesses.
- Marketplace for buying and selling locally.
- Live video streaming and Stories.
Acquired by Meta in 2012, Instagram is a photo and video sharing app popular among younger audiences and influencers. Instagram emphasizes visual content, offering users ways to post photos, videos, and Stories (temporary content that disappears after 24 hours). More recently, Instagram added Reels, short-form videos designed to compete with TikTok.
Key features:
- Feed for sharing photos and videos.
- Stories for temporary, 24-hour content.
- Reels for short, engaging video clips.
- Instagram Direct for private messaging.
- Shopping features integrated with posts and Stories.
WhatsApp is a messaging app acquired by Meta in 2014. It is known for its end-to-end encryption, which keeps messages private between users. WhatsApp supports text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and multimedia sharing. It’s especially popular outside the U.S., with billions of users worldwide.
Key features:
- Encrypted text and voice/video messaging.
- Group chats with up to thousands of members.
- Voice and video calls.
- Status updates (similar to Stories).
- WhatsApp Business for company communication.
Messenger
Messenger originally started as the chat feature within Facebook but became a standalone app in 2011. It allows Facebook users to send messages, make voice/video calls, play games, and interact with businesses through chatbots.
Key features:
- Text messaging and group chats.
- Voice and video calling.
- Chatbots and customer service tools.
- Fun features like stickers, GIFs, and games.
- Cross-platform support with Facebook and Instagram.
Threads
Threads is a newer app launched by Meta in 2023, designed as a companion to Instagram. It focuses on text-based conversations and microblogging, similar to Twitter. Threads allows users to share quick updates, engage in conversations, and connect with their Instagram followers in a more casual way.
Key features:
- Text posts and conversations.
- Integration with Instagram profiles and followers.
- Designed for quick and easy sharing.
- Emphasis on community and engagement.
Why Does Meta Own Multiple Apps?
Meta’s strategy involves owning a diverse set of apps that cover different aspects of social interaction:
- Facebook focuses on broad social networking and community building.
- Instagram centers on visual storytelling and influencer culture.
- WhatsApp provides private and secure messaging worldwide.
- Messenger connects Facebook users through rich chat features.
- Threads offers a fresh way to share text-based updates.
By owning these apps, Meta creates an ecosystem where users can seamlessly communicate, share content, and engage with friends, family, and businesses across multiple platforms.
Final Thoughts
Meta owns some of the biggest and most influential apps in the world today. Together, these apps serve billions of people by offering tools for connection, communication, and content sharing across different formats and preferences. Whether you’re sharing a photo, sending a secure message, or catching up with friends, Meta’s apps play a major role in how people interact online.
