Whisper is a social networking app that allows users to share their thoughts, opinions, and secrets anonymously. Launched in 2012, the app quickly gained popularity, especially among younger users, as a platform for expressing themselves without the fear of being judged or identified.
The app’s main feature is the ability to post “whispers” – text overlaid on images that can be selected from Whisper’s database or uploaded by the user. These whispers are posted anonymously, and other users can respond to them publicly or privately through the app’s chat feature.
Contents
How Whisper Works
When a user posts a whisper, it appears in the app’s feed along with other whispers from users in their area or from around the world. Users can browse whispers by location, join groups based on interests, or even add their school to see posts from classmates.
Whisper uses an algorithm to suggest images for the user’s text based on keywords, but users can also upload their own images. The app automatically assigns a random username to each user to maintain anonymity.
While Whisper promotes itself as a safe space for honest expression, the app has faced criticism for the prevalence of inappropriate content, especially of a sexual nature. The app’s anonymity has also raised concerns about bullying and the potential for predators to target young users.
How to Download Whisper App
The process of downloading Whisper on Android smartphone is very easy as it is available on Google Play Store:
- Go to Google Play Store and search for Whisper App.
- Tap on the Download button and get it on your phone.
This is how you can get Whisper app on your Android smartphone. Apple has removed Whisper app from the App Store.
Removal from the Apple App Store
In 2017, Whisper was removed from the Apple App Store for unknown reasons. The app was later reinstated but was removed again in November 2023. The exact reasons for these removals have not been disclosed by either Whisper or Apple but some users speculate that the app was removed from Apple in November 2023 due to the confirmation of child illicit content being shared openly on the platform.
Speculation about the reasons for the app’s removal includes violations of Apple’s guidelines regarding user-generated content and privacy concerns. In 2014, Whisper faced allegations from The Guardian that the app was tracking users’ locations and sharing data with the US Department of Defense, despite claiming to be anonymous. Whisper denied these allegations, stating that it does not collect or store any personally identifiable information.
How to Sideload Whisper on iPhone
Despite its removal from the App Store, it is still possible to install Whisper on an iPhone using a process called sideloading. Sideloading involves installing an app on a device without going through the official app store.
One popular tool for sideloading apps is Sideloadly, a free, open-source alternative to Cydia Impactor. Sideloadly allows users to install IPA files (the file format for iOS apps) on their devices without the need for a jailbreak.
To sideload Whisper using Sideloadly, users need to follow these steps:
- Download and install Sideloadly on a computer
- Get iTunes and iCloud from the link available on Sideloadly’s website.
- Download the Whisper IPA file from a trusted source
- Connect the iPhone to the computer and trust the computer in iTunes
- Open Sideloadly and select the IPA file
- Enter an Apple ID and password (it’s recommended to use a secondary Apple ID for this purpose)
- Wait for Sideloadly to install the app on the iPhone
Once installed, the Whisper app will function normally, but users will need to re-sign the app every 7 days using Sideloadly to prevent it from expiring.
Final Thoughts
Whisper is a controversial app that has faced both popularity and criticism since its launch. While it provides a platform for anonymous self-expression, the app’s lack of moderation and potential for misuse have raised concerns about user safety and privacy.
The app’s removal from the Apple App Store, while not fully explained, suggests that Whisper may have violated Apple’s guidelines or faced other issues. However, users who still wish to use the app on their iPhones can do so by sideloading it using tools like Sideloadly.
As with any anonymous social media platform, users should exercise caution when using Whisper and be aware of the potential risks involved in sharing personal information or engaging with strangers online.
