We share more about our lives through photos, videos, GIFs, emojis, and more. Traditional text messaging seems to be on its way out as mobile options attract more users. Here are some of the most popular mobile instant message apps people are turning to as a replacement or as an additional service to SMS texting.
Facebook Messenger
A lot of people have a Facebook account, making it the standard platform for getting in touch with people. And to make things even more convenient, you don’t necessarily need to have a Facebook account to use the Messenger app.
Ease of use.
Large gallery of images.
Video chat available.
Requires storage space.
Can drain device battery.
You can easily start chatting with a friend or a group of friends using multimedia-rich content or instantly call them up on mobile from within the conversation. Other advanced features such as sending and receiving payments are also available.
Compatibility:
- iOSAndroidWindows PhoneDesktop web
WhatsApp is another popular instant messaging service that allows users to chat back and forth with individuals and in groups.
Send broadcast messages.
Make audio and video calls.
No stickers or filters.
Limits on file size.
Acquired by Facebook for $19 million in February 2014, it lets anyone send unlimited text, photo, audio, and video messages to their friends freely and securely. Free video calls can also be made for face-to-face conversations.
- iOSAndroidWindows PhoneNokiaMacWindows PC
WeChat promises free, crystal clear voice and video calls along with individual and group instant messaging.
Full-featured.
Multiple communication options.
Outdated interface.
Lack of privacy settings.
It also offers multimedia messaging, group chat and calls, sticker galleries, your own moments’ photostream and so much more. The app’s unique and convenient walkie-talkie mode lets you talk to up to 500 other friends with integrated real-time location sharing and up to nine people in video group calls.
- iOSAndroidWindows PhoneWindows PCMacDesktop web
Telegram
Telegram is becoming a popular choice for those who want to connect from some of the most remote locations and ensure their data and privacy is kept super secure.
Send and receive multiple media types.
Encrypted calling.
Limited ability to pin chats.
Fewer users than other instant messaging apps.
You can chat with up to a thousand members in a group, send documents, store your media in the cloud, and so much more. According to its website, Telegram messages are encrypted and also self-destruct (similar to Snapchat) according to a timer you set up. It’s known as an ideal alternative if speed and simplicity are what you’re looking for.
- iOSAndroidWindows PhoneWindows PCMacLinuxDesktop web
LINE
LINE was once considered WhatsApp’s biggest competitor, offering all the various features needed for instant messaging. You can send unlimited text, images, video, and audio messages—with options for making voice and video calls as well. It also has its very own built-in social networking feature that allows its users to post their day-to-day activities on their timeline and comment on friends’ activities.
Nice variety of stickers.
Voice calling availability.
Follow popular accounts.
Slightly sloppy appearance.
No video calling.
Must download audio messages.
iOSAndroidWindows PhoneWindows PCMacGoogle Chrome
Viber
Viber is another popular messaging app that rivals many of the other ones listed above, letting you send free unlimited text and photo messages to your friends all around the world.
Nice selection of emoticons.
Integrates contact list.
No call blocking option.
No tablet support.
HD video calls can be made for free as well, and groups can have up to 250 participants. You can add fun stickers to your messages, hide chats you don’t want to be visible, and even use the “damage control” feature to instantly delete messages you regret sending.
- iOSAndroidWindowsMacLinux
Kik
Kik is another very popular free instant messaging app that lets you chat with others in a fun and easy way.
Multiple device types supported.
User-friendly interface.
Strangers can contact you.
Not designed for minors to use.
Before Instagram had a private messaging feature of its own, most of its users actually included their Kik usernames in their bios as a way to get in touch. It’s still a popular app today that offers convenient, multimedia-rich messaging for one-on-one and group conversations. You can even see when another user is typing back to you in real-time.
- iOSAndroid
Snapchat
Snapchat is a free app that lets you chat back and forth with individual friends and groups using disappearing photo or video messages. They can include optional text-based captions, filters, face lenses, geotags, emojis and more.
Ease of use.
Only stores pictures temporarily.
Inability to reshare.
Time limits on video length.
After the recipient has opened the message and viewed it, it’s automatically deleted. As a nice alternative to sending photo and video messages, you can start a text or video chat with any friend directly through the app for real-time communication.
Instagram Direct
Most people use Instagram to share photos and videos while on the go, but Instagram Direct makes it easy and convenient to privately message individual followers or groups. Facebook Messenger has been integrated into Instagram Direct, so you can also direct message Facebook contacts from Instagram.
Group messaging ability.
Send videos and photos.
Better for visual interaction than conversations.
No sense of urgency to respond.
Instagram Direct lets you send text messages or optional photo/video messages taken directly through the app that automatically disappear after they’re viewed (similar to Snapchat). You can also view who has opened, liked, or commented on your Instagram Direct message in real-time.
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