BBM vs. WhatsApp — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on February 7, 2024
BBM, originally BlackBerry Messenger, is a proprietary messaging service for BlackBerry devices, while WhatsApp is a widely-used, cross-platform messaging app offering end-to-end encryption.
Difference Between BBM and WhatsApp
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
BBM, once the premier messaging service for BlackBerry users, offered unique features like PINs for added privacy. WhatsApp, in contrast, quickly rose to prominence by offering a user-friendly, cross-platform solution, making it accessible to a broader audience. While BBM was restricted to BlackBerry devices, WhatsApp’s universal compatibility contributed to its rapid growth.
Security was a significant selling point for BBM, with its encrypted messages appealing to corporate users. WhatsApp, recognizing the importance of security, also implemented end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages could only be read by the sender and recipient. This move helped WhatsApp gain trust among users who valued privacy.
BBM's features, such as group chats, voice notes, and file sharing, set a standard for instant messaging. However, WhatsApp took these features further, offering a more streamlined, user-friendly interface, along with additional capabilities like voice and video calls, which were not available in the initial versions of BBM.
BBM’s decline began as BlackBerry's market share waned, and cross-platform messaging apps like WhatsApp gained momentum. While BBM tried to expand its availability to other platforms, WhatsApp's already established presence and continuous innovation made it difficult for BBM to regain its lost ground.
In the end, the reach and accessibility of WhatsApp overshadowed BBM's initial advantages. WhatsApp's constant updates, introduction of new features, and a vast, active user base led to its dominance in the messaging app market, while BBM, despite its early successes, couldn't keep up with the evolving digital landscape.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Full Form
BlackBerry Messenger
WhatsApp does not have a full form.
Platform Dependency
Originally exclusive to BlackBerry.
Cross-platform (iOS, Android, etc.).
User Identification
Uses PINs for user identification.
Uses phone numbers for identification.
Initial Release Date
2005
2009
Current Status
Discontinued in 2019.
Actively maintained and updated.
Compare with Definitions
BBM
BBM, or BlackBerry Messenger, was a proprietary instant messaging service.
She sent a meeting update via BBM to her team.
WhatsApp is free to use and operates over the internet.
Save your SMS charges; let's chat on WhatsApp instead.
BBM
BBM used a unique PIN system for adding contacts.
Please send me your BBM PIN so I can add you to my contact list.
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to secure communications.
Our conversation is safe; it's encrypted by WhatsApp.
BBM
BBM was initially exclusive to BlackBerry devices.
I miss the BBM days on my old BlackBerry phone.
WhatsApp allows the sending of text messages, voice calls, and media files.
She sent the photos via WhatsApp.
BBM
BBM offered features like group chat, voice notes, and file sharing.
He shared the report with his supervisor through a BBM file transfer.
WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP service.
We organized the event details through a WhatsApp group.
BBM
BBM was known for its security and encryption.
Our company prefers BBM for secure internal communication.
WhatsApp is compatible with multiple operating systems, including iOS and Android.
WhatsApp works seamlessly across my devices.
Common Curiosities
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging app that allows text, voice, and video communication.
What makes WhatsApp popular?
Its user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, and features like end-to-end encryption contribute to its popularity.
Could BBM be used on non-BlackBerry devices?
Initially, no, but later versions of BBM were made available for other platforms before it was discontinued.
Were there any privacy concerns with BBM?
While BBM was considered secure, like any messaging app, privacy concerns could arise depending on user behavior and settings.
What was BBM?
BBM was a proprietary instant messaging service exclusive to BlackBerry devices.
What happened to BlackBerry as a company?
BlackBerry shifted its focus away from smartphones and pivoted towards software and services.
Can you send multimedia files through WhatsApp?
Yes, you can send photos, videos, documents, and audio messages through WhatsApp.
What was the final version of BBM before its discontinuation?
The final version of BBM was BBM Enterprise, designed for secure business communication.
Did BBM have a social networking feature?
Yes, BBM included a social networking feature called BBM Channels, allowing users to follow and interact with businesses and celebrities.
Did BBM have a subscription-based service?
Yes, BBM offered a subscription plan called "BBM Enterprise" for secure communication in business settings.
Can you still access old BBM chats and contacts?
No, after BBM's discontinuation, users could no longer access their old chats and contacts.
Can you use WhatsApp on a computer?
Yes, WhatsApp offers a web version and desktop application that sync with your mobile account, allowing you to message from your computer.
Are group chats possible on WhatsApp?
Yes, WhatsApp supports group chats with multiple participants, making it easy to communicate with friends, family, or colleagues.
Is there any way to retrieve BBM data after its shutdown?
Unfortunately, after the shutdown of BBM, there was no official way to retrieve BBM data.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Comparable in Java vs. Comparator in Java
Next Comparison
Cool-Mist Humidifier vs. Warm-Mist HumidifierAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
