Is Facebook Crazy for Buying WhatsApp?

 By 
Armand Valdes
 on 
Is Facebook Crazy for Buying WhatsApp?
Credit: Mashable

Facebook announced this week that they will be acquiring mobile messenger app WhatsApp for a staggering $19 billion in stock and cash.

Nineteen. BILLION. Dollars.

The founders of WhatsApp right now. (cc: @MikeIsaac) pic.twitter.com/8CzbbZpAoK— Nick Bilton (@nickbilton) February 19, 2014

Many people in the tech world were scratching their heads at these numbers, however a closer look at WhatsApp engagement may prove that Facebook made the right move.

Mashable Image
Credit: Facebook

"WhatsApp is the only widely used app we've ever seen that has more engagement and a higher percent of people using it daily than Facebook itself," said Mark Zuckerberg this week.

Still, can you imagine all of the things that $19 billion can buy nowadays?

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