12 Most Used Messaging Apps
In this era of technological advancement, there are numerous messaging apps that subscribers can choose from. The messaging apps are used for chatting purposes. They make communication easy with respect to such as instant messaging and voice calls. The messaging apps can be installed on a smartphone regardless of the smartphone operating system. There are mobile devices that use Windows, Android or iOS operating systems. Currently, apps are easy to download on the smartphone and chat straight away. However, it is important to acknowledge that different messaging apps have different features.
Some of the common features of the apps include:
• Ability to make voice and video calls
• They are free
• Instant messaging
• Photo sharing
Here is a list of the most popular messaging apps globally.
1. Messenger
The app can be downloaded for free from your respective operating store. Currently, it has over one hundred billion users. Messenger is a product of Facebook. The app, also known as Facebook Messenger, enables Facebook users to communicate in real time through their smartphones. The good news is that one does not have to be logged in to Facebook. All the operating systems support this app. However, it has the same function but bears a different look depending on the operating system in use.
2. WhatsApp Messenger
Just like the Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp has been downloaded by over one billion users. As a matter of fact, it is the second largest messaging app globally. After its acquisition by Facebook, the messaging app has grown in leaps and bounds. It has gained more users due to its improved features. What makes WhatsApp stand out from the rest of the apps is the fact that it does not have any advertisements. Additionally, it is free and can be downloaded easily.
3. WeChat
We trace the roots of this messaging application to China. WeChat is a social chatting tool with additional features. By shaking your smartphone, you can find a new friend nearby. Alternatively, one can use the GPS function too. The app is free, giving rise to the high number of subscribers.
4. Line
With over 200 million active users, Line is a free app that enables users to make free calls and send messages. It is a popular app in the Asian countries. The messaging app has numerous and amazing features such as line group, video and voice calls, line stickers and line timelines.
The videos and calls are of high quality too, in case you were wondering. One amazing feature about the Line app is that the users can play games. However, the users need to register prior to playing the games.
5. Viber
Viber is a social chatting app. It bears some similarity to the other messaging apps. Viber users can make voice calls, send messages and share photos with their friends. In 2003, there were 174 million Viber users globally. The number of users has grown over the years. Lastly, the app can be downloaded at no cost.
6. Blackberry Messenger (BBM)
BBM brings friends and family together. You can have fun with features like picture sharing, voice calls, and voice notes. The app can be downloaded for free on Android, iPhone, and Blackberry. In the past, only Blackberry users had access to the messaging application.
BBM has unique features that protect the privacy of the users. For instance, users can take back their photos and messages after sending them. It has a timer that determines how long a photo or message can be viewed before it disappears.
7. Telegram Messenger
Telegram is one of the newest kids on the block when it comes to messaging apps. The developers of the app have put a lot of effort to updating the app in the bid to ensure the communication needs of the users.
It has interesting features such as the bots. It also has seamless integration between various devices PCs and tablets included. The conversations are stored in the cloud and synced across all registered devices. However, the major challenge faced in this app is its failing crypto inscription. It is gaining some level of popularity though despite of the challenges.
8. Kakaotalk
Kakaotalk bears some similarity to WhatsApp messenger. The app automatically synchronizes the contact list on the phone.
Besides the basic messaging function, the app supports fast and reliable video calls. It is popular in South Korea. Additionally, it is free and easy to install.
9. IMO
IMO is an app that has come a long way. Currently, the app allows users to make free video and voice calls alongside instant messaging. It may not be a popular app, especially to the young and teenagers.
10. Skype
Skype is the favorite video calling app globally. It has a professional appeal too. It offers instant messaging which is very efficient. It makes transferring files easy too.
For those who hate conversations that are wordy, there are numerous emojis at your disposal. Skype is a free app. It can be downloaded on your mobile device or PC.
11. Snapchat
This is an app that has grown tremendously over the years. Teenagers surrounded this due to its amazing Snapchat facts. Instant messaging is the catch. It enables live video conversations. Snapchat is free to use.
12. KIK
It is also one of the popular messaging app. Unlike other messaging apps, it does not depend on the phone number for contacts. The users have usernames, and a group chat can hold up to 50 people.
Besides sending text messages, KIK users can share memes, images, and videos. The app has redefined instant messaging. It can be downloaded for free from the respective operating system store as well as you can use KIK online on PC.
Conclusion
The messaging apps have become an important aspect of our daily lives. They help us to keep in touch with people who are close or in different geographical locations. The apps have features that make communication interesting beyond the regular messaging services. Users can share photos, make voice calls and video calls too. The apps have different additional feature giving the user different looks and tastes.
