In the world of mobile cross-platform IM apps, there is absolutely no denying the ever-growing popularity of WhatsApp messenger. It’s quick, reliable, and for the most part free (the BlackBerry version must be paid for after the first year). But, have you ever wondered just how popular the app really is? According to the WhatsApp team, their servers deliver over 1 billion messages each day. Here is a quote from the WhatsApp directly:

” The mobile messaging market is moving, choices around platforms and their pricing and how they provide an amazing customer experience are the hot topics at hand. As a leader in the messaging space and with our network now handling over one billion messages a day, we see that the power is with the consumer.”

In case you were unsure of what WhatsApp actually is, at its core, it’s a more cost efficient alternative to text messaging. Similar to BBM, it allows its users’ to message each other over their data plan (or WiFi) for free globally; the difference being that WhatsApp is connected via your phone number, whereas BBM is pin generated.

WhatsApp is currently available for iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Symbian devices.

[via BGR]