In a major milestone for Meta, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Thursday that WhatsApp now has over 100 million monthly active users in the United States.

This announcement marks the first time the company has released data specific to the U.S. market, highlighting the app’s growing popularity in a country where SMS/text messaging has long been a dominant mode of communication.

Zuckerberg shared the news on his personal channel, noting that WhatsApp has become increasingly popular among U.S. users, with more than 50 percent of its American user base accessing the app via iPhones. This aligns with the broader trend of iOS holding a majority market share in the country.

Globally, WhatsApp continues to lead the messaging app market with over 2 billion monthly active users. The platform has traditionally focused on international markets, particularly in countries like India, where it boasts over 500 million monthly active users, making it the largest user base for WhatsApp. Other significant markets include Brazil and Indonesia, where the app has also seen substantial growth.

In recent years, WhatsApp has intensified its marketing efforts in the U.S. to increase its footprint. The company has launched high-profile ad campaigns, including placements in Times Square and television spots that emphasize the app’s commitment to privacy and its end-to-end encryption features. The latest campaign even features the cast of the popular TV show “Modern Family,” aiming to connect with a broad audience.

Meta has also been highlighting the distinctions between WhatsApp and Apple’s iMessage, particularly in terms of cross-platform functionality. Despite Apple adopting Rich Communication Services (RCS) to enhance messaging capabilities for Android users, WhatsApp remains ahead with its ability to seamlessly connect users across different platforms. Additionally, WhatsApp offers a range of features such as polls, high-quality video calling, and message reactions, which further enhance the user experience.

To cap off this significant milestone, Meta is launching a creative marketing campaign featuring a 200-foot bubble installation between the Apple and Samsung stores at The Americana Mall in Los Angeles. This bold move is designed to draw attention to WhatsApp’s unique features and its growing popularity among American users.

Mark Zuckerberg‘s announcement underscores WhatsApp’s increasing relevance in the U.S. messaging landscape. With a strong emphasis on privacy, user-friendly features, and dynamic marketing strategies, WhatsApp is poised to continue its expansion in a market that has traditionally relied on SMS. This milestone not only reflects WhatsApp’s success in gaining a foothold in the U.S. but also its potential to reshape the way Americans communicate.