Traditional text messaging seems to be on its way out as mobile options attract more users.
Facebook Messenger
Hoch Zwei / Getty Images
Ease of use.
Large gallery of images.
Hoch Zwei / Getty Images
Can drain gear battery.
Other advanced features such assending and receiving paymentsare also available.
Compatibility:
Iain Masterton / Getty Images
Send broadcast messages.
Iain Masterton / Getty Images
Make audio and video calls.
No stickers or filters.
Limits on file size.
WhatsAppis another popular instant messaging service that allows users to chat back and forth with individuals and in groups.
Free video calls can also be made for face-to-face conversations.
Full-featured.
Carl Court / Getty Images
Lack of privacy parameters.
WeChatpromises free, crystal clear voice and video calls along with individual and group instant messaging.
Telegram
Carl Court / Getty Images
Send and receive multiple media types.
Tomohiro Ohsumi / Getty Images
Limited ability to pin chats.
Fewer users than other instant messaging apps.
It’s known as an ideal alternative if speed and simplicity are what you’re looking for.
NurPhoto / Getty Images
LINE
Tomohiro Ohsumi / Getty Images
Nice variety of stickers.
Must download audio messages.
LINEwas once considered WhatsApp’s biggest competitor, offering all the various features needed for instant messaging.
Viber
NurPhoto / Getty Images
Nice selection of emoticons.
No call blocking option.
HD video calls can be made for free as well, and groups can have up to 250 participants.
Twinsterphoto / Shutterstock.com
Kik
Multiple gear types supported.
Strangers can contact you.
Not designed for minors to use.
It’s still a popular app today that offers convenient, multimedia-rich messaging for one-on-one and group conversations.
you’ve got the option to even see when another user is typing back to you in real-time.
Snapchat
Only stores pictures temporarily.
Time limits on video length.
They can include optional text-based captions, filters, face lenses, geotags, emojis and more.
After the recipient has opened the message and viewed it, it’s automatically deleted.
Instagram Direct
Group messaging ability.
Send videos and photos.
Better for visual interaction than conversations.
No sense of urgency to respond.
you might also view who has opened, liked, or commented on your Instagram Direct message in real-time.
