These Charts Perfectly Explain Why Companies Are Going Crazy Spending Billions On Messaging Apps

Facebook just bought WhatsApp for $19 billion, which is its biggest competitor in social messaging. WhatsApp is used by 450 million people to send a variety of texts, photos, videos and more to friends all over the world for free.

Messaging apps have become a threat to companies like Facebook since it prevents them from expanding overseas and obtaining access from coveted demographics in emerging markets.

$4 explain why messaging apps have hurt Facebook and why Facebook spent billions buying WhatsApp.