It's like What'sApp, but less functions, and pictures destroy themselves soon after viewing. One has to follow this nonsense to be "up to date" of course.
They all use and sell your data, which is why they "do not cost anything" (apart from your privacy).
Unbelieveble with what kind of sh.. you can make money today. Like with updates for light bulbs (WLAN ones, but still), or for your car's audio system. or engine.