--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "Rakuten Viber Messenger" developer_entity: "Viber Media" bundle_id: "com.viber.voip" app_store_id: "382617920" category: "Communication" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Freemium" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS & Android" app_last_updated: "2026-05-06" report_date: "2026-07-29" last_verified: "2026-07-29T00:00:00.000Z" report_version: "27.8.2" total_reviews: 17596629 overall_rating: 4.2 sentiment: "Excited" sentiment_score: 65 confidence: "high" confidence_score: 0.9 top_praise_theme: "Clear and reliable voice and video call quality keeps families connected across international borders" top_complaint_theme: "Account activation failures occur when the system rejects valid verification codes during device setup" review_sample_size: 100 total_review_count: 100 analyzed_review_count: 60 data_age_days: 18 momentum_velocity: "maintenance" intelligence_version: 5 nemesis: "WhatsApp Messenger" competitor_count: 8 tags: ["communication", "freemium", "excited sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "global", "users", "requiring"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/apps/rakuten-viber-messenger" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" content_version: "v2" --- # Rakuten Viber Messenger Intelligence Report ## TL;DR {#tldr} - **Category**: Communication · Freemium - **Signal**: Rating 4.15 · Sentiment Excited - **Recent focus**: Account activation failures occur when the system rejects valid verification codes during device setup (top complaint) · Clear and reliable voice and video call quality keeps families connected across international borders (top praise) > **TL;DR:** Rakuten Viber Messenger is a communication app by Viber Media, rated 4.15/5 by 17.6M users, with Excited user sentiment (65/100), available on iOS & Android. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** - Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** Rakuten Viber Messenger maintains Excited user sentiment (4.15/5 from 17.6M reviews), with users consistently praising clear and reliable voice and video call quality keeps families connected across international borders. ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 4.15/5 (17.6M reviews) | | **User Mood** | Excited | | **Category** | Communication | | **Developer** | Viber Media | | **Pricing** | Freemium | | **Platforms** | iOS & Android | | **Confidence** | High (0.9/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 18d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** Viber Media - **Category:** Communication - **Target Audience:** Global users requiring secure messaging and low-cost international calling solutions for personal or professional groups. - **Platforms:** iOS & Android - **Version Reviewed:** 27.8.2 - **Report Date:** 2026-07-29 - **Signal Count:** 100 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** High (0.9/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 382617920 - **Bundle ID:** com.viber.voip - **Google Play ID:** com.viber.voip - **Performance Trend:** Declining - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-07-29 - **Short Description:** Enjoy secure messaging & calling. Safe Messenger: group chats, calls, messages. ## Executive Snapshot **What it is:** Rakuten Viber Messenger is a secure messaging and calling app for global users, featuring international calling and community channels on iOS and Android. **Why users hire it:** Users rely on the app to bridge international communication gaps via low-cost landline calling and secure, encrypted messaging, displacing traditional carrier-based international plans. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Differentiator] Viber Out:** International calling service to landlines and mobile numbers via purchased credit or subscription plans * *User Intent:* Users seek enhanced value through premium features. - **[Differentiator] End-to-End Encryption:** Default security protocol for all 1-on-1 and group chats, preventing third-party access to message content * *User Intent:* Users prioritize data protection and trust in the platform. - **[Differentiator] AI Bots:** Integrated AI tools for answering queries, generating art, and accessing third-party services like travel booking * *User Intent:* Users expect intelligent, adaptive experiences that learn from their behavior. ## Market Position {#market-position} Rakuten Viber Messenger holds a #18 Grossing position in the US Communication category. The disparity between its Free chart reach and Grossing rank signals monetization friction relative to its discovery advantage. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Freemium - **Tiers:** Free messaging and calling, Viber Out paid credits and subscriptions for international calls - **Analysis:** Freemium model monetizes via international calling utility and ad-supported messaging environment. ## 🟢 User Sentiment (High Confidence: 60 of 100 reviews analyzed) {#user-sentiment} - **Overall Rating:** 4.15/5 - **Platform Split:** iOS 4.6/5 (831.2K ratings) | Android 4.1/5 (16.8M ratings) - **Overall Sentiment:** Excited ### Top Praises - **Clear and reliable voice and video call quality keeps families connected across international borders** - **User-friendly interface design makes the communication experience accessible for non-technical users** - **Localized server infrastructure in specific regions significantly improves call latency and connection stability** ### Top Complaints (Impact Areas) - **Account activation failures occur when the system rejects valid verification codes during device setup** ## SWOT Analysis {#swot} **Core Strengths:** - End-to-end encryption establishes category authority in privacy-focused communication - Viber Out provides a direct-to-landline international calling utility that rivals lack **Growth Levers:** - AI bot integrations offer a B2B partnership unlock for service-based monetization ## Recent Changes (v4 → v5) {#recent-changes} Development velocity has collapsed into a maintenance-only cycle, with the time since the last update increasing from one day to 84 days. This stagnation coincides with the emergence of persistent synchronization bugs that now accompany the existing account activation and ad-placement issues. **Overall trend**: Declining **Compared at**: 2026-07-29 ### High-impact changes - **[Declined] Development Velocity** (positioning) ### Medium-impact changes - **[Added] AI Bot Integration** (features) - **[] New Synchronization Complaint** (sentiment) ## Rivals Landscape {#rivals} > Competitive positioning identified by AI analysis of app features, category, and market signals. ### Rakuten Viber Messenger vs WhatsApp Messenger - **[WhatsApp Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/apps/whatsapp-messenger)** by WhatsApp Inc.: The dominant global standard for messaging, serving as the primary benchmark for feature parity and user expectations. - **Key differences:** - Unrivaled global network effect making it the default communication tool for cross-border interaction - High-frequency release cycle ensuring superior technical stability and rapid feature deployment - Deep integration with Meta’s business suite for seamless customer-to-business communication ### Contenders (Strong Challengers) - **Skype** by Skype Communications S.a.r.l: The primary rival for users requiring reliable international calling to landlines and professional-grade video conferencing. - Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and professional enterprise environments - Established reputation for high-definition video conferencing and screen sharing ### Peers (What They Do Better) - **[Signal - Private Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/apps/org-whispersystems-signal)** by Signal Messenger, LLC: Competes for the privacy-conscious segment of Viber's audience that values end-to-end encryption above all else. - Non-profit status and open-source protocol provide higher trust for security-focused users - Zero-knowledge storage ensures that no metadata is collected or stored - **[Telegram Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/apps/telegram-messenger)** by Telegram FZ-LLC: A direct competitor for users who prioritize large-scale group features, public channels, and advanced bot integrations. - Supports significantly larger group sizes and highly sophisticated automated bots - Cloud-based architecture allows for seamless multi-device use without requiring a phone to be online - **[Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/apps/messenger)** by Meta Platforms, Inc.: A ubiquitous peer that shares the same general communication audience, often used alongside Viber for different social circles. - Direct connection to the Facebook social graph for easy contact discovery - Strong focus on casual social features like AR effects and shared watch parties - **[Discord - Chat, Talk & Hangout](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-hammerandchisel-discord)** by Discord, Inc.: Shares the 'Communities' audience, offering robust voice and text spaces for interest-based groups. - Superior persistent voice channels and low-latency streaming for communities - Highly customizable server structures and role-based permissions ### New Kids on the Block (What's Innovative) - **Beeper: All Your Chats in One** by Beeper Inc.: A rising aggregator threat that consolidates multiple messengers (including Viber) into a single interface, potentially commoditizing the Viber app experience. - Unified inbox for 15+ different chat networks including Viber, WhatsApp, and Telegram - Powerful search and organization tools across all disparate messaging platforms - **[Session - Private Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/apps/session-private-messenger)** by Oxen Privacy Tech Foundation: An emerging threat in the privacy space that removes the need for a phone number, addressing a key privacy limitation of Viber. - No phone number or email required for account creation, ensuring total anonymity - Uses a decentralized onion-routing network to hide user metadata ## What's New - **Latest (v27.8.2, 2 months ago):** General maintenance update with no specific feature changes or bug fixes disclosed. ## App Momentum (Maintenance) {#momentum} - Ships maintenance updates only. - Last major release 84 days ago. > **Cadence:** 4 total versions · 0 majors in last 6 months · 84 days since last update · 12 days avg between updates ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} Rakuten Viber Messenger is a market-leading communication app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.15/5 rating from 17.6M reviews, it delivers strong user satisfaction. > **Bottom Line:** Prioritizing backend stability for account activation would address the primary churn driver for new users, allowing the team to focus on scaling the B2B AI bot revenue stream. Failing to stabilize the core login flow will continue to erode the user base despite the strength of the Viber Out utility. **Best for:** Global users requiring secure messaging and low-cost international calling solutions for personal or professional groups. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [INVEST] Rebuild account activation flow because activation failures are the top-reported login blocker → reduce new-user churn ### Feature Gaps vs Competitors - Seamless multi-device cloud architecture (available in Telegram but absent here) ### Outlook: Declining The communication app market is consolidating around high-reliability, ad-free experiences. Viber's maintenance-only cadence and persistent technical regressions leave it exposed to rivals that prioritize technical stability and user-centric monetization. - 🔴 Critical account activation bugs in the latest release prevent new user onboarding, directly suppressing growth in key international markets. - 🔴 Intrusive advertising during active calls erodes the core communication value proposition, risking migration to simpler, ad-free alternatives. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 4.15/5 | | Total Reviews | 17.6M | | Sentiment | Excited (65/100) | | Confidence | High | | Pricing Model | Freemium | | Platforms | iOS & Android | | Key Features | 3 analyzed | | Trend | Declining | | Outlook | Declining | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Rakuten Viber Messenger** (this app) | 4.15/5 | Excited | Viber Media | | [Signal - Private Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/apps/org-whispersystems-signal) | 4.7/5 | Excited | Signal Messenger, LLC | | [WhatsApp Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/apps/whatsapp-messenger) | 4.7/5 | Mixed | WhatsApp Inc. | | [Telegram Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/apps/telegram-messenger) | 4.0/5 | n/a | Telegram FZ-LLC | | [Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/apps/messenger) | 4.7/5 | Mixed | Meta Platforms, Inc. | | [Session - Private Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/apps/session-private-messenger) | 4.6/5 | N/A | Session Foundation | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** Viber Media - **Website:** [https://www.viber.com/](https://www.viber.com/) - **Social:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/viber) · [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/viber) · [X/Twitter](https://twitter.com/Viber) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rakuten-viber) ## Data Sources & Links - **App Store:** [View on Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rakuten-viber-messenger/id382617920?uo=4) - **Google Play:** [View on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.viber.voip&hl=en&gl=us) - **Dev Site:** [Official Website](https://www.viber.com/) - **Sources:** Developer website content, About us / company information, App store metadata, User reviews. ## Related Intel Reports - [*Signal - Private Messenger*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/org-whispersystems-signal) (Signal Messenger, LLC) · 4.7/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment - [*WhatsApp Messenger*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/whatsapp-messenger) (WhatsApp Inc.) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*Telegram Messenger*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/telegram-messenger) (Telegram FZ-LLC) · 4.0/5 Rating - [*Messenger*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/messenger) (Meta Platforms, Inc.) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*Session - Private Messenger*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/session-private-messenger) (Session Foundation) · 4.6/5 Rating - [*Discord - Talk, Play, Hang Out*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-hammerandchisel-discord) (Discord Inc.) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*여보야 - 결혼, 재혼을 위한 중매쟁이 앱*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-yeoboya-com-yeoboya) (YEOBOYA Corp.) · N/A Rating - [*에이닷 전화*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-skt-prod-dialer) (SKTelecom) · 4.4/5 Rating - [*ボイスメッセージ*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/jp-softbank-mb-amcn) (SoftBank Corp.) · 3.3/5 Rating - [*2ndLine - Second Phone Number*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/2ndline-second-phone-number) (TextNow, Inc.) · 4.1/5 Rating ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### Is Rakuten Viber Messenger free to use? Yes, messaging and calling between Viber users are free. The app offers optional paid credits and subscriptions via 'Viber Out' for making low-cost calls to landlines and mobile numbers that do not use the app. ### How does Viber compare to WhatsApp? Viber differentiates itself with 'Viber Out' for international landline calling and more robust community management tools. WhatsApp remains the global standard for messaging with superior technical reliability and deeper integration into Meta's business ecosystem. ### Does Viber have intrusive ads? Users report that in-app advertising, particularly during active calls, can be disruptive and requires excessive manual interaction to return to the chat screen. ### What are the best alternatives to Viber for secure messaging? Users prioritizing privacy often consider Signal for its non-profit, open-source protocol and zero-knowledge storage, or Telegram for its cloud-based architecture and large-scale group features. ## Methodology {#methodology} This report was generated by Marlvel.ai's 5-stage AI intelligence pipeline: 1. **Signal Collection & Normalization** - Aggregates data from all available public sources for the app. Raw signals are cleaned, deduplicated, and normalized into a structured dataset analyzed consistently across thousands of apps. 2. **Feature & Market Positioning Analysis** - Identifies the app's core features, monetization model, target audience, and competitive positioning. Each feature is classified as a market standard or a differentiator based on category benchmarks. 3. **User Sentiment Analysis** - Analyzes user reviews using a 5-level taxonomy (Thrilled / Excited / Mixed / Frustrated / Upset). Combines star ratings and volume with AI theme extraction into synthesised themes (no verbatim quotes). 4. **Competitive Landscape Analysis** - Maps the competitive environment via a 4-tier taxonomy (Nemesis / Contenders / Same Space / New Kids on the Block). Prioritizes same sub-genre over broad category. 5. **Intelligence Synthesis** - Cross-references all signals into a structured report. Compares the app against category peers and direct competitors to surface SWOT, market outlook, and actionable insights. - **Confidence Score:** 0.9/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 100 - **Data Sources:** user reviews, developer website, company about page, App Store metadata - **Rating Method:** Weighted average across platforms (iOS & Android), weighted by review count per platform - **Independence:** Fully independent analysis. No publisher sponsorship or editorial influence. - **Report Age:** 18 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/apps/rakuten-viber-messenger) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.