The Best Messaging App List

Messenger App platform

Messaging apps are apps and platforms that enable instant messaging. Many such apps have developed into broad platforms enabling status updates, chatbots, payments and conversational commerce (e-commerce via chat). They are normally centralised networks run by the servers of the platform's operators, unlike peer-to-peer protocols like XMPP.

Some examples of popular messaging apps include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, China's WeChat and QQ Messenger, Telegram, Viber, Line, and Snapchat. Certain apps have emphasis on certain uses - for example Skype focuses on video calling, Slack focuses on messaging and file sharing for work teams, and Snapchat focuses on image messages. Some social networking services offer messaging services as a component of their overall platform, such as Facebook's Facebook Messenger, while others have a direct messaging function as an additional adjunct component of their social networking platforms, like Instagram, Reddit, Tumblr and Twitter, either directly or through chat rooms.

Messaging apps are the most widely used smartphone apps, with in 2018 over 1.3 billion monthly users of WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, 980 million monthly active users of WeChat and 843 million monthly active users of QQ Mobile.

Comparison to SMS and instant messaging

SMS is the acronym for “short message service” and allows mobile phone users to send text messages without an Internet connection, while instant messaging provides similar services through an Internet connection.[1] SMS was a much more dominant form of communication until 2012, when smartphones became widely used globally. While SMS relied on traditional paid telephone services, messaging apps were available for free or a minor data charge. In 2012 SMS volume peaked, and in 2013 chat apps surpassed SMS in global message volume. Easier group messaging was another advantage of smartphone messaging apps and also contributed to their adoption. Before the introduction of messaging apps, smartphone users could only participate in single-person interactions via mobile voice calls or SMS. With the introduction of messaging apps, the group chat functionality allows all the members to see an entire thread of everyone's responses. Members can also respond directly to each other, rather than having to go through the member who started the group message, to relay the information.However, SMS still remains popular in the United States because it is usually included free in monthly phone bundles. While SMS volumes in some countries like Denmark, Spain and Singapore dropped up to two-thirds from 2011 to 2013, in the United States SMS use only dropped by about one quarter.

Features Messaging Apps

Chat

Private chat allows private conversation with another person or a group. The privacy aspect can also be enhanced as applications have a timer feature, like Snapchat, where messages or conversations are automatically deleted once the time limit is reached. Public and group chat features allow users to communicate with multiple people at a time.

Calls

Many major messaging apps offer the call feature for user-to-user calls, conference calls, and voice messages. The call functionality is useful for professionals who utilize the application for work purposes and as a hands-free method.

Games

Some messaging applications include in-app games for entertainment. For example, the Facebook Messenger application has a built in option to play computer games with people in a chat, including games like Tetris and Blackjack.

Payments

Though a relatively new feature, peer-to-peer payments are available on major messaging platforms. This functionality allows individuals to use one application for both communication and financial tasks. The lack of a service fee also makes messaging apps advantageous to financial applications like Venmo or PayPal.[43] Major platforms such as Facebook messenger and WeChat already offer a payment feature, and this functionality is likely to become a standard amongst messaging apps competing in the market.

Encryption in Messenger App

Encryption is the primary method that messaging apps use to protect user’s data privacy and security. SMS messages are not encrypted, making them insecure, as the content of each SMS message is visible to mobile carriers and governments and can be intercepted by a third party. SMS messages also leak metadata, or information about the message that is not the message content itself, such as phone numbers of the sender and recipient, which can identify the people involved in the conversation.[44] SMS messages can also be spoofed and the sender of the message can be edited to impersonate another person. Messaging applications on the market that use encryption include Signal, WhatsApp, Wire and iMessage (which uses end-to-end encryption).[44] Applications that have been criticized for lacking or poor encryption methods include Telegram and Confide, as both are prone to error.

10 Popular Social Messaging Apps for Your Business

Social messaging apps are a great addition to your marketing plan, but how do you find the right one? Here are nine options available to your business.

1. MESSENGER

Messenger is a social messaging app attached to Facebook. It currently has 1.3 billion users and is one of the most popular messaging apps.

Originally, Messenger started out as a feature that was included as part of Facebook’s interface. You needed to be in the Facebook app to access your messages. As it grew in popularity, Facebook made a separate app to make messaging even easier.

You can download Messenger to any smart phone. All you need is a Facebook account to use this app and communicate with Facebook users.

This platform is simple and easy to use. You can send text, photos, emojis, GIFs, and stickers. It offers numerous features to create a fun interaction between your business and your audience.

Messenger also enables you to integrate chatbots. Chatbots are becoming increasingly popular among businesses because they provide a way to give customer service without someone needing to be present. It’s also great for sending automated reminders and order confirmations.

If you have a Facebook business profile, Messenger is already included. It’s a great, free tool that allows you to provide better service to your customers.

2. SNAPCHAT

Snapchat has grown to be one of the most popular apps to communicate with others. The communication in this app is different than most messaging apps. Snapchat focuses on sending photos and videos between friends and family.

Users communicate by sending these photos and videos to one another. Snapchatters can add text, Bitmoji images, and emojis to their content.

One of the most prominent features of snapchat is that the content disappears after sending and opening. Receivers can’t save image or video files from the app (unless they screenshot a photo).

In addition, users can also message one another through this app. The conversations disappear, like the photos and videos, as each person replies. Snapchat does give users the option to save chats, but otherwise they disappear.

Snapchat is a great way to post content and get your audience to interact with it. It offers the ability to post content to your Story, which everyone that follows your Snapchat account can see. You can share photos and videos on your story and invite your audience to interact and communicate with your business.

3. WHATSAPP

WhatsApp, also owned by Facebook, has surpassed Messenger as the most popular social messaging app. With over 1.5 billion users, it’s extremely popular with mobile users.

This app is downloadable on any device. It allows you to send text messages and make calls from smart phones and tablets. This app is very user-friendly and free to use.

Unlike Facebook messenger, this app is based on phone numbers. It was designed to replace SMS texting to help users with limited texting plans.

This messaging app offers numerous features. It enables up to 250 people in a group chat, which makes it a viable option for businesses to use with customers and in house.

WhatsApp can also send files as big as 100 megabytes. It has end to end encryption to keep information safe too. The most beloved feature is that this app is ad free.

If you want an app that’s free and easy to use, WhatsApp is a great option. You can easily connect with your audience and send them valuable information.

4. VIBER

Viber is a free social chatting app for your business with over 260 million users. This service allows you to make voice calls and send messages. It works with phones, tablets, and computers, making it a great way to connect with individuals in your audience who use various devices.

This app allows you to share photos, stickers, and GIFs with friends. You can send short video messages, too. It also enables you to like and reply to certain messages in group conversations.

Viber is more complex than other traditional messaging apps and offers more features. If you’re looking for something with more capabilities, Viber is a great option.

5. SKYPE

Skype is one of the most professional messaging apps. It is a great option for the everyday person or a business. This video calling app makes it easy to send messages, make calls, and host video chats.

Many businesses use Skype because it’s a simple and professional way to connect with people. It enables companies to easily transfer files but keeps it fun by offering emojis. Skype provides a great balance between fun and functional.

6. TELEGRAM

Telegram has over 200 million users that enjoy this app. People can use the app on laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. It runs on a cloud-based messaging service.

With Telegram, you can make an audio call or send messages. This app also has a Secret Chat feature that lets you send timed messages. After they’re sent, the message will expire when the designated time is up.

Telegram offers numerous great features such as the ability to integrate bots, stickers, and free downloads. It also enables you to choose a theme so you can make your message more personal and reflective of your business.

7. KIK

If your business wants to reach the younger generation of users, KiK is a great social messaging app. This app does not require users to set up with a phone number. Instead, users set up usernames to chat with one another.

This app appeals predominantly to teenagers. It has fun features like GIFs, stickers, and emojis to appeal to the younger crowd. You can also share photos and videos.

KiK is a free option for businesses that want to reach a younger audience. It’s a great tool to use if you want to connect with and send leads engaging information to get them to interact with your business.

8. WECHAT

WeChat is a social chatting app that works on any mobile device. This service has over 1 billion users, with many of the users residing in Asian countries. This free app makes it easy to connect with others.

One great feature of WeChat is that you can call landlines and mobile numbers from the app. This makes it a flexible option if other people don’t have the app. This also opens the opportunity for people to call your business from the app if they have questions or concerns.

9. LINE

Line has more than 203 million users that make free calls and send messages. This social messaging app offers line groups, video calls, and voice calls. It offers one-on-one chats to keep conversations personal with your audience.

This social messaging app offers a few more features than most messaging apps. Users can send and receive money, network, or play games. It offers a few more upgraded features to make it interesting and engaging for audiences.

10 . Signal

Signal, from Open Whisper Systems, is one of the most highly recommended apps when it comes to chat encryption and security. This app has military-grade encryption for all your messaging and voice calls. It supports texts, voice calls, group messages, and sending media attachments. Edward Snowden famously recommended this app, which makes it a top pick for people who are looking for security, first and foremost.