1. Telegram Messenger

A cloud-based messaging app with over 500 million active users, is a strong competitor to WhatsApp. Founded in 2013, it operates similarly to WhatsApp, using a double-stick system to track read or received messages. Telegram offers advanced features like self-destruct messages, passcode lock, end-to-end encryption, grouping up to 100,000 people, and public channels. It also features bots for on-the-go information provision and can be used on multiple platforms, including desktops. The app has 540 million downloads in 2020 and is available on Windows, Web, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

Also Read > 10 Must Try WhatsApp Marketing Strategy

2. Skype

Microsoft-owned Skype, founded in 2003, is a top-rated business chat application that has become a go-to for conducting interviews and other business-related tasks. With a revenue of $622 million in 2019, Skype has 1 billion app downloads in 2017. Despite being primarily used for business purposes, it is a great choice for those who make a lot of voice and video calls. It offers group video functionality and is compatible with iOs, Android, Windows, macOS, and Web. Skype’s video functionality is unique, and it often hangs when adding more than three to four people.

3. WeChat

WeChat, founded in 2011, is a popular messaging platform with over 1.24 billion monthly active users based in Shenzhen, China. With a revenue of 108.2 billion RMB in 2020, WeChat has become a popular alternative to WhatsApp, with users spending over 80 minutes daily on the app. In January 2019, almost 45 million text messages were sent daily from WeChat. Similar to WhatsApp, WeChat allows users to send text messages, files, GIFs, and make voice or video calls, making it a home screen for many users.

4. Viber

Viber, founded in 2010, is a messaging service app that offers end-to-end encryption in shared media files, calls, and text messages, as well as encrypted messages saved on other devices. It also allows voice and video calls, and offers the Viber Out feature for international calls to non-Viber users at minimal rates. Viber offers various messaging features, including file sharing, voice and video messages, and backup to Google Drive. It is available on Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows. With a revenue of $1.589 billion in 2020, Viber is a popular alternative to WhatsApp.

5. Snapchat

Snapchat, founded in 2011, is a popular social media app with over 280 million users worldwide. It offers image and video messaging, text messaging, and group chats. With a revenue of $2.5 billion in 2020, Snapchat has 281 million app downloads. It also allows users to send deleted messages and receive notifications when screenshots are taken. The app also features face masks and other fun features. Snapchat is available on iOS and Android platforms and is considered one of the most innovative apps in the market.

6. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger, founded in 2004, is a popular social networking app with over 1,300 million monthly active users. It allows users to connect with long-lost friends and colleagues, share updates, and create chat groups, voice and video calls. The app is free and allows calls regardless of location without compromising sound quality. However, it collects telemetry data from users, which may be unpopular for privacy-conscious individuals. Facebook Messenger is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

7. Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a free calling and messaging app founded in 2013 with headquarters in Mountain View, California. It has a revenue of $2.6 billion in 2019 and 5 billion app downloads in 2020. It offers video chat with up to 25 members and conversations with up to 150 people, making it an ideal alternative to WhatsApp. Hangouts also allows quick messaging to Gmail contacts and easy collaboration through sharing media files and documents.

8. Discord

Discord, founded in 2015, is a popular gaming chatting platform with a revenue of $130 million as of 2020. It offers a variety of features, including personal messages, video calls, voice calls, and screen sharing. Discord is an excellent alternative to WhatsApp, offering integration with various platforms like Facebook, Reddit, Spotify, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, Battle.net, and Steam. Users can create group chats with ten members and add more members through a server. Discord is available on Android, iOS, Linux, Web, Windows, and macOS.

9. IMO

IMO, founded in 2007, is a free messaging and video calling app that connects over 200 million people with their family and friends. With a revenue of $5 million and 500 million app downloads in 2018, IMO offers various features like voice calls, video calls, and gifs, and is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

10. Signal 

Signal is a secure messaging app founded in 2014, based in Mountain View, California. With 105 million app downloads in May 2021, it uses end-to-end encryption for secure communication. The app offers text messaging, video, audio, and group calls, and is popular among journalists due to its privacy features. Signal’s user-friendly interface and lack of identity linkage make it an ideal alternative to WhatsApp. The app is available on iOS and Android. Follow GB WhatsApp for more!

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Top WhatsApp Alternative Chat Apps

1. Telegram

Telegram is a popular messaging app focused on speed, security, and simplicity. Chats are encrypted, and Telegram has a minimalist design supporting bots, channels, and groups.

2. Signal Private Messenger

For those concerned about privacy, Signal is the gold standard. It uses end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls and collects very little information about its users. The Signal’s interface is straightforward, and it’s free to use.

3. Threema

Another secure messaging app, Threema, generates anonymous IDs for its users and encrypts all communication end-to-end. It does cost a small fee to download but has a solid reputation for protecting users’ privacy. Threema supports text, voice, video messaging, and group chats.

4. Spike

Spike markets itself as an “email messenger” that brings the convenience of chat to business email. It has built-in encryption, message-read receipts, and the ability to send quick voice and video messages. Spike has some handy features for teams, like shared inboxes, tasks, and calendars.

5. Bridgefy

Bridgefy lets you communicate offline via Bluetooth or mesh networking when other networks are down. You can send messages to anyone within 330 feet, and Bridgefy works anywhere without Wi-Fi or cellular service. It’s ideal for emergencies or locations with limited connectivity. Bridgefy is free, open source, and encrypted.

Why You Should Consider Leaving WhatsApp

WhatsApp was once the hottest chat app, but now it’s getting a bit long in the tooth. Here are a few reasons you should consider ditching WhatsApp for something new:

• Privacy concerns

WhatsApp’s privacy policy allows them to collect a ton of data about you and share it with their parent company, Facebook. If you’re worried about how much of your info is being harvested, it may be time to switch to an app with a stronger privacy focus.

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• FOMO

All your friends seem to be switching to cooler chat apps with more features. You don’t want to get left behind being the only one still using WhatsApp! It’s easy to export your chat history from WhatsApp and import it into a new app so you don’t lose your message history.

• Try Something New

It’s easy to get bored after using the same chat app for so long. Switching to a new app, like Telegram, Signal, or Spike, can make connecting with friends feel fresh and exciting again. And who doesn’t love exploring new technology?

Making the switch from WhatsApp is easier than you might think. With enhanced privacy, tons of useful features, and an opportunity to try the latest tech, you’ve got nothing to lose by ditching WhatsApp for something new.

How to Make the Switch From WhatsApp to Another Chat App

Once you’ve decided to make the switch from WhatsApp to another chat app, here are some tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible:

• Let Your Contacts Know

Send a message to all your WhatsApp contacts, letting them know you’re switching to a new chat app. Give them the app’s name and username so they can find you. This will avoid any confusion and ensure important conversations aren’t left hanging.

• Export Your Whatsapp Data

Before deleting your WhatsApp account, export your chat history and media. This will allow you to keep records of important past conversations and memories. WhatsApp allows you to export your data through the app settings.

• Choose an Alternative App

Several great WhatsApp alternatives exist, like Signal, Telegram, or Line. Consider which features are most important to you, like security, customization, or gaming, and select an app that fits your needs. Download your chosen app on all your devices.

• Start New Chats

Once you’ve set up your new chat app and account, start new message threads with your contacts to let them know you’ve made the switch. Encourage them to download the same app so you can continue your conversations uninterrupted.

Switching to an app you’re used to can be challenging, but with some planning, you can transition successfully to an alternative chat app and keep in touch with all your important contacts. Follow GB WhatsApp for more!

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