What if Mark Zuckerberg Did Not Buy WhatsApp and Instagram?

Author: A H Joel Sharon

Published on: April 16, 2025

Introduction

Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to acquire WhatsApp in 2014 and Instagram in 2012 dramatically reshaped the social media landscape. But what if he hadn’t made those acquisitions? How would the tech world look today? Let’s dive deep into an alternate reality where Meta (formerly Facebook) didn’t own two of the biggest platforms of our time.

Background

Instagram and WhatsApp were already growing at a rapid pace before Zuckerberg stepped in. Instagram had just launched in 2010, and WhatsApp was quickly becoming the go-to messaging app worldwide. Their potential was undeniable, and Zuckerberg saw that early. But let’s imagine he missed the chance or chose not to buy them.

Impact on Meta (Facebook)

• Less Dominance in Social Media: Without Instagram and WhatsApp, Meta’s reach would be much smaller. Facebook alone might not have kept younger users interested.
• Struggles Competing with Visual Content: Instagram became Facebook’s way to stay cool. Without it, Facebook could have lost its younger audience even faster.
• Loss of Messaging Power: WhatsApp is the top messaging app globally. Without owning it, Meta would have had less global influence, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Impact on Instagram and WhatsApp

• Independent Innovation: As independent companies, both platforms may have followed very different paths. WhatsApp might have remained completely ad-free and subscription-based. Instagram might not have pushed Reels or shopping features so aggressively.
• Different Owners: If Meta didn’t buy them, maybe Google, Microsoft, or even Apple would have stepped in.
• Privacy Concerns: Without being under Meta’s umbrella, WhatsApp could have taken a stronger stance on encryption and user data.

Impact on Competitors

• Snapchat Might Have Thrived: Instagram’s cloning of Stories and Reels hurt Snapchat. Without Meta owning Instagram, Snapchat could have been far more successful.
• Telegram and Signal Growth: If WhatsApp stayed independent, competitors like Telegram and Signal might have gained more users quicker, especially after Meta’s privacy controversies.
• YouTube Shorts May Not Exist: Reels pushed YouTube to react with Shorts. If Instagram didn’t evolve under Meta, YouTube might’ve taken a different path too.

Changes in Monetization & User Experience

Meta has aggressively monetized both Instagram and WhatsApp. Without that influence:

• No ads between Stories or Reels on Instagram
• No business accounts or Catalogs on WhatsApp
• Possibly fewer algorithm-driven content recommendations

Broader Industry Shifts

The tech industry could have seen a more diverse playing field:

• Smaller startups might’ve grown stronger without the monopolistic hold Meta has now.
• Regulators may have less reason to pursue anti-trust actions without these big mergers.
• Users might trust platforms more due to fewer data-sharing concerns.

Conclusion

Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to buy WhatsApp and Instagram changed the digital world forever. If those acquisitions hadn’t happened, we’d likely see a more open and varied internet ecosystem today—with more room for innovation, competition, and privacy. While we can’t go back, it’s always fascinating to imagine the road not taken.

What Do You Think?

Do you think Instagram and WhatsApp would be better today if they stayed independent? Would Meta still dominate the internet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!