How do messengers earn?

Question

Monetization

How do modern messengers make money? There is no advertising, at the same time there is a staff of expensive employees and a server equipment park.
There is only one way to make money - to sell to bigdata.

Answer 1

When no money is taken from the user, the product is himself. The option you asked for is correct.

Answer 2

Differently. If you take WhatsUp, for example, then they make money by selling stickers, etc. In addition, selling business accounts, showing ads, etc.

Answer 3

WhatUp analyzes your correspondence, processes it, and later on Facebook / Instagram you see targeted advertising, which, oddly enough, seems interesting to you.
As for Telegram, it's more complicated. But Durov will never do anything for free, without a return on investment. This means that there is or will be some sense in the future, to sell, etc.

Answer 4

the investments collected at the last ICO alone will last for many years.