--- schema_type: "SoftwareApplication" entity_type: "Mobile Application" app_name: "Rakuten Viber Messenger" developer_entity: "Viber Media SARL." bundle_id: "com.viber" app_store_id: "382617920" google_play_id: "com.viber.voip" category: "Social Networking" primary_platform: "ios" primary_monetization: "Freemium" offline_capable: false market_region: "US" platforms: "iOS & Android" app_last_updated: "2026-05-06" report_date: "2026-08-14" last_verified: "2026-08-14T00:00:00.000Z" report_version: "27.8.2" total_reviews: 17596474 overall_rating: 4.2 sentiment: "Frustrated" sentiment_score: 25 confidence: "high" confidence_score: 0.95 top_praise_theme: "Reliable voice and video calling quality remains a core retention anchor for long-term users" top_complaint_theme: "Forced integration of AI features creates privacy concerns and intrusive user experience friction" review_sample_size: 4527 total_review_count: 4527 analyzed_review_count: 120 data_age_days: 2 momentum_velocity: "intense" intelligence_version: 14 nemesis: "Whats Messenger App" competitor_count: 11 tags: ["social networking", "freemium", "frustrated sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "global", "users", "requiring"] canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-viber" license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0" content_version: "v2" --- # Rakuten Viber Messenger Intelligence Report ## TL;DR {#tldr} - **Category**: Social Networking · Freemium - **Signal**: Rating 4.15 · Sentiment Frustrated - **Recent focus**: Forced integration of AI features creates privacy concerns and intrusive user experience friction (top complaint) · Reliable voice and video calling quality remains a core retention anchor for long-term users (top praise) > **TL;DR:** Rakuten Viber Messenger is a social networking app by Viber Media SARL., rated 4.15/5 by 17.6M users, with Frustrated user sentiment (25/100), available on iOS & Android. > > **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** - Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence. > **Key Insight:** Rakuten Viber Messenger faces Frustrated user sentiment (4.15/5 from 17.6M reviews), with users reporting forced integration of ai features creates privacy concerns and intrusive user experience friction as the primary concern. ## Quick Facts | Fact | Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Rating** | 4.15/5 (17.6M reviews) | | **User Mood** | Frustrated | | **Category** | Social Networking | | **Developer** | Viber Media SARL. | | **Pricing** | Freemium | | **Platforms** | iOS & Android | | **Confidence** | High (0.95/1.0) | | **Data Age** | 2d | ## Metadata & Market Performance - **Publisher:** Viber Media SARL. - **Category:** Social Networking - **Target Audience:** Global users requiring secure, cross-platform communication and low-cost international calling solutions. - **Platforms:** iOS & Android - **Version Reviewed:** 27.8.2 - **Report Date:** 2026-08-14 - **Signal Count:** 4527 reviews analyzed - **Confidence:** High (0.95/1.0) - **App Store ID (iOS):** 382617920 - **Bundle ID:** com.viber - **Google Play ID:** com.viber.voip - **Performance Trend:** Declining - **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-08-14 - **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 group chats, disappearing messages, and international telephony. **Why users hire it:** Users rely on the app to bridge the gap between free, encrypted messaging and low-cost international landline calling, a combination that simplifies cross-border communication. ## App DNA (Features & Intent) - **[Differentiator] End-to-End Encryption:** Default encryption 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] Viber Out:** International calling service to landlines and mobile numbers via purchased credit or subscription. * *User Intent:* Users seek enhanced value through premium features. - **[Standard] Communities and Channels:** Public-facing group spaces for interest-based content sharing and global following. * *User Intent:* Users want real-time communication within the app experience. ## Market Position {#market-position} Rakuten Viber Messenger maintains a strong regional footprint, holding the #5 Free Social rank in the Philippines and #6 in Greece. The disparity between its high discovery rank and the lack of recent major feature updates signals a reliance on legacy network effects rather than active growth. ## Monetization Strategy - **Model:** Freemium - **Tiers:** Free messaging and calling, Viber Out paid credits or subscriptions for international calling - **Analysis:** The freemium model relies on free core communication to drive scale, with monetization focused on international telephony via Viber Out. ## 🔴 User Sentiment (High Confidence: 120 of 4.5K reviews analyzed) {#user-sentiment} - **Overall Rating:** 4.15/5 - **Platform Split:** iOS 4.6/5 (831.3K ratings) | Android 4.1/5 (16.8M ratings) - **Overall Sentiment:** Frustrated - **Note:** The 4.15/5 store rating reflects cumulative history, while the Frustrated sentiment reflects recent user reviews analyzed by our AI pipeline. ### Top Praises - **Reliable voice and video calling quality remains a core retention anchor for long-term users** ### Top Complaints (Impact Areas) - **Forced integration of AI features creates privacy concerns and intrusive user experience friction** ## SWOT Analysis {#swot} **Core Strengths:** - Default end-to-end encryption creates a defensible privacy barrier - Viber Out international calling provides a unique monetization mechanism **Growth Levers:** - Localized pricing for Viber Out in high-ARPU international markets ## Recent Changes (v13 → v14) {#recent-changes} The report highlights a pivot toward platform parity and privacy control, as the developer shifts resources to address a 0.7-star rating gap on Android and user backlash against AI features. This transition marks a move away from feature expansion toward defensive maintenance. **Overall trend**: Declining **Compared at**: 2026-08-14 ### High-impact changes - **[Added] Android/iOS Rating Gap** (swot) - **[Shifted] PM Action Item Pivot** (pricing) ### Medium-impact changes - **[Shifted] Communities and Channels Repositioning** (features) - **[Added] Telegram Iteration Threat** (swot) ## Rivals Landscape {#rivals} > Competitive positioning identified by AI analysis of app features, category, and market signals. ### Rakuten Viber Messenger vs Whats Messenger App - **[Whats Messenger App](https://marlvel.ai/apps/whats-messenger-app)** by Michael Knochen: This app directly targets Viber's core user base by providing a bridge to the world's most dominant messaging ecosystem, creating a direct conflict for users seeking cross-platform utility. - **Key differences:** - Leverages massive existing network effects by acting as a bridge to the global WhatsApp user base - Focuses on specialized PDF file management tools that cater to professional users Viber currently overlooks - Maintains a significantly higher review volume, signaling a stronger perceived utility in the messaging market ### Contenders (Strong Challengers) - **[Kik Messaging & Chat App](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-kik-chat)** by Medialab - Kik: Kik competes for the younger demographic by focusing on anonymous, username-based identity and public group discovery. - Prioritizes user anonymity by requiring only a username rather than a phone number for account creation - Features integrated live streaming capabilities that drive higher engagement among younger, social-first user segments - **[GroupMe](https://marlvel.ai/apps/groupme)** by Skype Communications S.a.r.l: GroupMe targets the same social networking and group coordination use cases, specifically appealing to users who need SMS-based group chat functionality. - Integrates SMS-based group chat, allowing users to participate without needing the app installed on devices - Features specialized campus onboarding tools that capture the student demographic more effectively than Viber's general approach - **[Stickers for WeChat](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-kissapp-stickerswechat)** by KISSAPP, S.L.: This app competes for the attention of users who prioritize visual expression and sticker-based communication, a key engagement pillar for Viber. - Provides a highly specialized library of visual assets that target specific cultural niches within messaging - Operates as a lightweight utility app rather than a full-featured communication platform, reducing user friction - **[Telegram](https://marlvel.ai/apps/telegram)** by Telegram FZ-LLC: Telegram competes for the same privacy-conscious and power-user demographic, frequently challenging Viber with rapid feature iteration and large-scale group capabilities. - Offers superior cloud-based synchronization that allows seamless transitions across multiple devices without data loss - Supports massive group sizes and public channels that far exceed Viber's current community engagement capabilities ### Peers (What They Do Better) - **[Link Badges](https://marlvel.ai/apps/link-badges)** by Toast Studio Australia: This app competes for user attention by offering specialized visual badges that enhance the context of shared links. - Utilizes AR technology to create interactive FaceTime stickers that provide a unique, immersive communication experience - Features system-wide keyboard integration, making the badges accessible across all messaging platforms, not just one - **[How Are You-?](https://marlvel.ai/apps/how-are-you)** by SpeckTech Inc.: This app targets the same niche of expressive communication through customizable stickers and pre-set responses. - Includes a built-in sticker builder that allows users to create highly personalized visual communication assets - Supports multilingual greetings, catering to a broader international audience than standard sticker packs - **[Smileys](https://marlvel.ai/apps/smileys)** by Apple: This app provides visual communication enhancements that compete with Viber's sticker and emoji ecosystem. - Offers native-level integration with the iOS messaging system, providing a smoother user experience than third-party apps - Focuses on layered sticker placement, allowing for more creative and personalized visual expression in chats - **[Dual Messenger Web Plus](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-wagpt)** by Saltanat Yegimbayeva: This app occupies the same utility space by providing AI-enhanced messaging tools that augment standard chat experiences. - Integrates an AI content suite that helps users draft and refine messages directly within the interface - Provides a dual-messenger functionality that allows users to manage multiple accounts within a single app ### New Kids on the Block (What's Innovative) - **[Gossamer Chat](https://marlvel.ai/apps/gossamer-chat)** by Ryan Dewalt: This newcomer introduces ephemeral messaging concepts that compete with Viber's disappearing message features. - Uses QR code-based connection methods to ensure secure, frictionless onboarding without sharing personal contact information - **[Ghostgram - private messaging](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-pythonxi-ghost)** by Augustus Otu: A new entrant focusing on the privacy-first messaging market, directly challenging Viber's secure messaging value proposition. - Implements a privacy-first identity model that minimizes data collection compared to traditional messaging apps ## What's New - **Latest (v26.5.0, 6 months ago):** General performance and experience improvements. ## App Momentum (Intense) {#momentum} - Ships ~1 release per week. - Last major feature update 6 months ago. > **Cadence:** 5 total versions · 0 majors in last 6 months · 5 days since last update · 5 days avg between updates ## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what} Rakuten Viber Messenger is a social networking app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.15/5 rating from 17.6M reviews, it faces significant user friction. > **Bottom Line:** Rakuten Viber Messenger must address the privacy friction caused by forced AI features to retain its core user base, as the current sentiment drag threatens to erode the platform's long-term retention advantage. **Best for:** Global users requiring secure, cross-platform communication and low-cost international calling solutions. ### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves) - [ ] [PIVOT] Ship granular AI opt-out toggles because privacy concerns are the top complaint theme → reduce churn ### Feature Gaps vs Competitors - Cloud-based synchronization (available in Telegram but absent here) ### Outlook: Mixed The messaging market is consolidating around platforms that offer rapid feature iteration and seamless cross-device synchronization. Rakuten Viber Messenger remains exposed due to its stagnant feature development and recent privacy-related sentiment decline, which will likely accelerate churn to more agile competitors like Telegram. - 🔴 Forced AI integration triggers privacy complaints, which erodes the trust-based retention that previously anchored the user base. - ⚪ The release cadence remains high but lacks major feature expansion, signaling a maintenance-mode posture that leaves the app vulnerable to rivals. ## Key Metrics Summary | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Overall Rating | 4.15/5 | | Total Reviews | 17.6M | | Sentiment | Frustrated (25/100) | | Confidence | High | | Pricing Model | Freemium | | Platforms | iOS & Android | | Key Features | 3 analyzed | | Trend | Declining | | Outlook | Mixed | ## Competitor Comparison | App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Rakuten Viber Messenger** (this app) | 4.15/5 | Frustrated | Viber Media SARL. | | [Stickers for WeChat](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-kissapp-stickerswechat) | 3.8/5 | Excited | KISSAPP, S.L. | | [Ghostgram - private messaging](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-pythonxi-ghost) | N/A/5 | N/A | Augustus Otu | | [Dual Messenger Web Plus](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-wagpt) | 4.7/5 | N/A | Saltanat Yegimbayeva | | [GroupMe](https://marlvel.ai/apps/groupme) | 4.7/5 | Mixed | Skype Communications S.a.r.l | | [Telegram](https://marlvel.ai/apps/telegram) | 4.0/5 | n/a | Telegram FZ-LLC | ## Company Profile - **Developer:** Viber Media SARL. - **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=2) - **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 - [*Stickers for WeChat*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-kissapp-stickerswechat) (KISSAPP, S.L.) · 3.8/5 Rating | Positive Sentiment - [*Ghostgram - private messaging*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-pythonxi-ghost) (Augustus Otu) · N/A Rating - [*Dual Messenger Web Plus*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-wagpt) (Saltanat Yegimbayeva) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*GroupMe*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/groupme) (Skype Communications S.a.r.l) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*Telegram*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/telegram) (Telegram FZ-LLC) · 4.0/5 Rating - [*Whats Messenger App*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/whats-messenger-app) (Michael Knochen) · 4.7/5 Rating - [*How Are You-?*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/how-are-you) (SpeckTech Inc.) · 5.0/5 Rating - [*Gossamer Chat*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/gossamer-chat) (Ryan Dewalt) · N/A Rating - [*Link Badges*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/link-badges) (Toast Studio Australia) · 5.0/5 Rating - [*Smileys*](https://marlvel.ai/apps/smileys) (Apple) · 4.2/5 Rating ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### Is Rakuten Viber Messenger safe for private chats? Yes, the app features end-to-end encryption by default for all 1-on-1 and group chats, ensuring that messages remain private. ### How does Rakuten Viber Messenger compare to Telegram? Telegram offers superior cloud-based synchronization and larger group capacities, while Rakuten Viber Messenger focuses on secure, native-feeling voice and video calling. ### Can I use Rakuten Viber Messenger to call landlines? Yes, the Viber Out service allows users to purchase credits or subscriptions to make low-cost international calls to landlines and mobile numbers. ### What is a secure alternative to Rakuten Viber Messenger? Users concerned about privacy often consider Telegram for its rapid feature updates or specialized privacy-first apps like Ghostgram. ## 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:** 0.95/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality) - **Reviews Analyzed:** 4.5K - **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:** 2 days since last refresh --- © 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/apps/com-viber) Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.