- WhatsApp is installed in 99% of Brazilian smartphones, while Facebook and Instagram are present in a little over 80% of devices;
- The rate of video calls made on WhatsApp increased from 55% to 63% since the last survey round, in February.
A survey conducted by Mobile Time and Opinion Box revealed that two thirds of Brazilian WhatsApp users would like to use the messaging app to make payments. Last June, Facebook-owned WhatsApp announced the launch of a payments service in Brazil – in partnership with Cielo, Visa, Mastercard, Banco do Brasil, Nubank and Sicredi. However, the initiative was temporarily suspended by the Central Bank.
The survey also showed an increase in the sending of voice messages and videos on WhatsApp, which is installed in 99% of Brazilian smartphones. The rate of video calls increased from 55% to 63% since the last survey round, in February. In addition, the number of users who make calls through the app has increased from 67% to 70% between February and August.
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On the other hand, there is a concern about the spread of fake news on the platform. The majority of Brazilian WhatsApp users (88%) say they have already received fake news on the app. One in three users admits to having shared news without checking its veracity.
The latest Panorama de Mensageria (“Messaging Overview”) study revealed Instagram overtook Facebook Messenger and is now present in 81% of Brazilian smartphones, reaching the position of third most popular app in the country, behind only Facebook and Whatsapp.
