Meta, previously known as Facebook, is one of the largest technology and social media companies in the world. Since its founding in 2004, Meta has acquired dozens of companies and apps, expanding its reach across multiple platforms and services.
Meta’s Major Acquisitions
Some of Meta’s most notable acquisitions include:
- WhatsApp (acquired in 2014 for $19 billion)
- Oculus VR (acquired in 2014 for $2 billion)
- Instagram (acquired in 2012 for $1 billion)
Through these and other strategic acquisitions, Meta has assembled a diverse portfolio of apps and services. Here is a closer look at some of the major apps that now fall under Meta’s umbrella.
WhatsApp is a hugely popular messaging app with over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide. Since its acquisition by Meta in 2014, WhatsApp has continued to operate as a standalone app while benefitting from Meta’s resources and expertise. WhatsApp offers end-to-end encrypted messaging and is particularly popular internationally as an alternative to SMS texting.
Key WhatsApp Features
- End-to-end encrypted chats and calls
- Group chats with up to 256 participants
- Ability to share photos, videos, documents
- Free messaging internationally
Instagram is Meta’s photo and video sharing app with over 1 billion monthly active users. Since its acquisition in 2012 for $1 billion, Instagram has grown enormously while remaining a somewhat independent platform within Meta’s broader ecosystem.
Instagram is used by individuals, artists, brands, and influencers to share visual content with followers. The app popularized innovations like Stories and Reels. Instagram also includes direct messaging, shopping features, and a growing slate of video offerings.
Key Instagram Features
- Photo and video sharing feed
- Stories and Reels for short-form video content
- IGTV for longer-form vertical video
- Live video broadcasting
- Shopping and ecommerce tools
Oculus
Oculus is Meta’s virtual reality brand, acquired in 2014 for $2 billion. Oculus produces a line of industry-leading VR headsets like the Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest. It has played a pivotal role in advancing Meta’s vision for the metaverse.
Since its acquisition, Oculus has released breakthrough virtual reality devices and platforms. It remains focused on pushing VR technology forward through innovative hardware and software.
Key Oculus Products
- Oculus Rift (PC-powered VR headset)
- Oculus Quest (standalone wireless VR headset)
- Oculus Quest 2 (updated standalone wireless VR headset)
- Oculus Go (mobile 3DOF VR headset)
Other Meta Apps
In addition to its major platforms, Meta has acquired and developed numerous other apps and services:
- Facebook Messenger
- Workplace by Facebook
- Portal video calling devices
- Mojang and Minecraft
- Giphy
- Mapillary computer vision dataset
- GrokStyle visual shopping app
- OttoBer Robotics AI platform
- AND MANY MORE
Meta’s App Ecosystem
Taken together, Meta has assembled an interconnected ecosystem of apps. While many operate as independent platforms, increasing integration is unlocking synergies between Meta’s properties.
For example, Meta has united the technical infrastructure and advertising systems behind apps like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This enables new cross-app features like cross-posting Stories and synergistic ads. Similarly, Meta’s VR headsets integrate with Facebook social features and Horizon Worlds.
Meta is likely to pursue further integration between its apps and services as it builds out the metaverse. The company views this interconnected virtual world as the next frontier to link its platforms.
App Statistics
Here is a snapshot of key statistics for Meta’s major apps and platforms:
| App | MAUs | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| 2.9 billion | Largest social media platform | |
| 2 billion | Most popular messaging app | |
| 1.4 billion | Largest photo sharing app | |
| Messenger | 1.3 billion | 2nd most popular messaging app |
| Oculus | N/A | Dominant player in VR headsets |
Conclusion
Through major acquisitions and in-house development, Meta has assembled a diverse collection of apps and services. WhatsApp, Instagram, Oculus, and Facebook itself are now core platforms under Meta’s umbrella, each with over 1 billion monthly active users. Hundreds of millions more use apps like Messenger and WhatsApp.
While operating semi-independently, these apps increasingly integrate and connect as Meta pursues its vision for an immersive virtual world. With its apps reaching billions of users worldwide, Meta has built one of the most powerful app ecosystems in technology.