Instant messaging service Whatsapp has been installed on 12.1 million phones in the Netherlands and 9.6 million people use it every day, according to new research by Telecompaper.

The app, which is owned by Facebook, can also be used to make video phone calls, but that application has not increased in popularity, the research organisation said. The rise of large or unlimited subscriptions means fewer people are being tempted to use the free Whatsapp phone service, Telecompaper said.

Main competitor Snapchat is used by 2.1 million of the 17 million strong Dutch population. Most of the 3.5 million people who have downloaded the app are aged between 12 and 19.