Building an app like WhatsApp involves several key steps:

Planning: Define your app's unique features, target audience, and platform (iOS, Android, or both).
UI/UX Design: Create an intuitive, user-friendly interface similar to WhatsApp's chat-based layout.
Backend Development: Set up servers, databases, and APIs for real-time messaging, media sharing, and cloud syncing.
Security: Implement end-to-end encryption for secure communication.
Features: Integrate messaging, voice, and video calls, file sharing, notifications, and group chats.
Testing: Test for bugs, security vulnerabilities, and performance.
Deployment: Publish the app on relevant app stores and maintain updates.