People are continually looking for powerful alternatives to WhatsApp because the instant messaging industry is always evolving. Now that we’ve covered messaging apps, let’s have a look at ten alternatives that could revolutionize texting in the year 2024.
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.
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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!