---
schema_type: "SoftwareApplication"
entity_type: "Mobile Application"
app_name: "GroupMe"
developer_entity: "Skype Communications S.a.r.l"
bundle_id: "com.groupme.iphone-app"
app_store_id: "392796698"
google_play_id: "com.groupme.android"
category: "Social Networking"
primary_platform: "ios"
primary_monetization: "Free"
offline_capable: false
market_region: "US"
platforms: "iOS & Android"
app_last_updated: "2026-06-08"
report_date: "2026-06-12"
last_verified: "2026-06-20T03:00:47.060Z"
report_version: "15.77"
total_reviews: 2168254
overall_rating: 4.68
sentiment: "Excited"
sentiment_score: 85
confidence: "high"
confidence_score: 0.85
top_praise_theme: "SMS-based group participation"
top_complaint_theme: "Feature parity gaps"
top_request_theme: "Advanced media management"
review_sample_size: 1478
data_age_days: 0
momentum_velocity: "intense"
intelligence_version: 13
total_followers: 1
nemesis: "Whats Messenger App"
competitor_count: 11
tags: ["social networking", "free", "excited sentiment", "mobile app", "app review", "app analysis", "social", "groups,", "families,"]
canonical_url: "https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/groupme"
license: "CC-BY-NC 4.0"
content_version: "v2"
---

# GroupMe App Audit

## TL;DR {#tldr}

- **Category**: Social Networking · Free
- **Signal**: Rating 4.68 · Sentiment Excited
- **Recent focus**: Feature parity gaps (top complaint) · SMS-based group participation (top praise) · Advanced media management (top request)

> **TL;DR:** GroupMe is a social networking app by Skype Communications S.a.r.l, rated 4.68/5 by 2.2M users, with Excited user sentiment (85/100), available on iOS & Android.
>
> **Marlvel.ai App Intelligence** — Independent analysis. US Market. No publisher influence.

<!-- speakable-start -->
> **Key Insight:** GroupMe maintains Excited user sentiment (4.68/5 from 2.2M reviews), with users consistently praising sms-based group participation.
<!-- speakable-end -->

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Rating** | 4.68/5 (2.2M reviews) |
| **User Mood** | Excited |
| **Category** | Social Networking |
| **Developer** | Skype Communications S.a.r.l |
| **Pricing** | Free |
| **Platforms** | iOS & Android |
| **Confidence** | High (0.85/1.0) |
| **Data Age** | 0d |

## Metadata & Market Performance
- **Publisher:** Skype Communications S.a.r.l
- **Category:** Social Networking
- **Target Audience:** Social groups, families, and professional teams requiring a simple, cross-platform communication tool that functions over SMS.
- **Platforms:** iOS & Android
- **Version Audited:** 15.77
- **Audit Date:** 2026-06-12
- **Signal Count:** 1478 reviews analyzed
- **Confidence:** High (0.85/1.0)
- **App Store ID (iOS):** 392796698
- **Bundle ID:** com.groupme.iphone-app
- **Google Play ID:** com.groupme.android
- **Performance Trend:** Mixed
- **Data Window:** Analysis based on signals collected up to 2026-06-12
- **Short Description:** Stay in touch with the people who matter most.

<!-- section:executive-snapshot -->
## Executive Snapshot
**What it is:** GroupMe is a cross-platform group messaging app that allows users to chat via mobile app or SMS.
**Why users hire it:** Users hire GroupMe to coordinate groups where members lack consistent app access, ensuring no participant is excluded from the conversation thread.
<!-- /section:executive-snapshot -->

<!-- section:features -->
## App DNA (Features & Intent)
- **[Differentiator] SMS-based Group Chat:** Enables users without the app to participate in group conversations via standard text messaging.
  * *User Intent:* Users want real-time communication within the app experience.
- **[Differentiator] Copilot Integration:** AI-driven tools for creating quizzes and flashcards to test knowledge within chat threads.
  * *User Intent:* Users expect intelligent, adaptive experiences that learn from their behavior.
- **[Standard] Shared Media Gallery:** Centralized storage for photos and videos shared within a group, accessible at any time.
  * *User Intent:* Users seek social connection and competitive engagement with peers.
<!-- /section:features -->

<!-- section:market-position -->
## Market Position {#market-position}

GroupMe holds a #8 Free rank in the US Communication category, maintaining a stable position despite the absence of aggressive monetization. The platform's reliance on SMS-interoperability creates a niche utility that differentiates it from mass-market messaging apps.
<!-- /section:market-position -->

## Monetization Strategy
- **Model:** Free
- **Tiers:** Free access to all features
- **Analysis:** The app operates on a free model with no visible IAP, relying on its position within the Microsoft ecosystem for sustainability.

<!-- section:sentiment -->
## 🟢 User Sentiment (High Confidence: 2.2M reviews) {#user-sentiment}
- **Overall Rating:** 4.68/5
- **Platform Split:** iOS 4.7/5 (1.6M ratings) | Android 4.6/5 (609.2K ratings)
- **Overall Sentiment:** Excited

### Top Praises
- **SMS-based group participation**

### Top Complaints (Impact Areas)
- **Feature parity gaps**

### Top Requests (What Users Want)
- **Advanced media management**

<!-- /section:sentiment -->
<!-- section:swot -->
## SWOT Analysis {#swot}

**Core Strengths:**
- SMS-based interoperability removes friction for non-app users [Market Segment]
- Microsoft ecosystem integration provides long-term sustainability [Ecosystem Advantage]

**Critical Frictions:**
- Lack of modern media management tools [Feature Gap]
- Feature parity gap compared to global messaging platforms [Competitive Metric]

**Growth Levers:**
- Education sector partnerships for Copilot-driven study groups [B2B Distribution]
- Wearable integration for quick-reply notifications [Platform Expansion]

**Market Threats:**
- WhatsApp's Meta AI and broadcast channel dominance [Competitive Metric]
- Privacy-first entrants like Gossamer Chat targeting persistent history [Disruption Risk]

<!-- /section:swot -->
## Recent Changes (v12 → v13) {#recent-changes}

The platform improved its market rank and pivoted its development roadmap to prioritize media management tools over AI-driven study features.

**Overall trend**: Mixed
**Compared at**: 2026-06-12

### High-impact changes
- **[Improved] Market Rank Improvement** (positioning) — The app's US Communication category rank improved from #14 to #8.
- **[Shifted] Roadmap Pivot** (features) — Development priority shifted from Copilot quiz features to advanced media management tools, with Copilot expansion delayed to Q4.

### Medium-impact changes
- **[Declined] New Complaint Theme** (sentiment) — Users identified feature parity gaps as a top complaint, specifically citing a lack of modern media and AI tools compared to competitors.
- **[Added] Updated Weakness Profile** (swot) — Added 'Lack of modern media management tools' as a specific weakness in the SWOT analysis.

<!-- section:rivals -->
## Rivals Landscape {#rivals}

> Competitive positioning identified by AI analysis of app features, category, and market signals.

### GroupMe vs Whats Messenger App — Head to Head
- **[Whats Messenger App](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/whats-messenger-app)** by Michael Knochen: This app directly competes for GroupMe’s core user base by offering a ubiquitous, high-frequency messaging experience that dominates global social communication.
  - **Key differences:**
    - Offers advanced Meta AI integration for automated assistance, which GroupMe currently lacks in its feature set.
    - Provides robust broadcast channels for one-to-many communication, significantly expanding utility beyond simple group chat functionality.
    - Features seamless shared album management, allowing users to organize media content more effectively than GroupMe’s basic gallery.
  - **Where GroupMe wins:**
    - ✅ GroupMe excels in SMS-based interoperability, allowing users to participate without needing the app installed.
    - ✅ The platform is purpose-built for organized group coordination, whereas the nemesis is primarily focused on individual messaging.
  - **Where Whats Messenger App wins:**
    - ❌ Massive global network effect creates a higher barrier to entry for users looking to switch platforms.
    - ❌ Superior feature set including AI assistants and broadcast channels drives higher daily active usage and engagement.
  - **Verdict:** GroupMe must double down on its 'SMS-first' accessibility to retain users who prioritize low-friction group coordination over the feature-heavy ecosystem of the nemesis.

### Contenders (Strong Challengers)
- **[Stickers for WeChat](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/com-kissapp-stickerswechat)** by KISSAPP, S.L.: This app competes for the attention of users who prioritize visual expression and sticker-based communication within their social groups.
  - Provides a dedicated sticker gallery and selfie-sticker creation tools that GroupMe does not natively offer.
  - Enables cross-platform sticker export, allowing users to leverage their custom assets across multiple different messaging services.
- **[Rakuten Viber Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/com-viber)** by Viber Media SARL.: Viber competes by offering a comprehensive communication suite that includes voice, video, and community features similar to GroupMe’s group-centric model.
  - Includes native end-to-end encryption across all chats, providing a security layer that GroupMe does not prioritize.
  - Offers 'Viber Out' for low-cost international calling, a significant value-add for groups with global members.
- **[Kik Messaging & Chat App](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/com-kik-chat)** by Medialab - Kik: Kik targets the same social networking demographic as GroupMe, focusing on public group discovery and interest-based community interaction.
  - Uses a username-based identity system that allows for anonymous group participation, unlike GroupMe’s phone-number-centric model.
  - Features integrated live streaming capabilities, providing a real-time engagement layer that is absent from GroupMe.
- **[Telegram](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/communication/telegram)** by Telegram FZ-LLC: Telegram competes for the power-user segment by offering large-scale group management and cloud-based synchronization that rivals GroupMe’s utility.
  - Supports massive group sizes and advanced administrative controls that far exceed GroupMe’s current group management capabilities.
  - Provides superior cloud-based synchronization, ensuring a consistent experience across desktop and mobile devices without data loss.

### Peers (What They Do Better)
- **[Link Badges](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/stickers/link-badges)** by Toast Studio Australia: This app competes for user attention by enhancing the way links and social content are shared within messaging environments.
  - Utilizes AR FaceTime stickers to create interactive, visual link representations that are more engaging than standard text links.
  - Features system-wide keyboard integration, allowing users to insert badges directly into any chat app, including GroupMe.
- **[Dual Messenger Web Plus](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/com-wagpt)** by Saltanat Yegimbayeva: This app serves as a utility layer for messaging, competing for the same screen time by enhancing the core chat experience.
  - Integrates AI chatbots to automate responses and content generation, a feature set GroupMe has yet to explore.
  - Provides a centralized media library for managing shared assets, improving upon GroupMe’s standard file storage.
- **[Smileys](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/stickers/smileys)** by Apple: This app competes for the visual communication market, specifically targeting the sticker and emoji usage within group chats.
  - Offers native layered sticker placement within the OS, providing a more integrated UX than GroupMe’s internal sticker library.
  - Focuses exclusively on high-quality animated emoji assets, creating a more polished visual experience for casual users.
- **[How Are You-?](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/stickers/how-are-you)** by SpeckTech Inc.: This app targets the social interaction niche, focusing on pre-set communication tools that streamline group check-ins.
  - Includes a customizable sticker builder that allows users to create unique, personalized greetings for their groups.
  - Provides pre-set response templates that reduce the friction of quick, repetitive group communication.

### New Kids on the Block (What's Innovative)
- **[Gossamer Chat](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/gossamer-chat)** by Ryan Dewalt: A new entrant focusing on privacy-first group communication, challenging GroupMe’s standard persistent chat model.
  - Implements thread expiration and ghost accounts to prioritize user privacy and ephemeral communication over long-term history.
- **[Dart Connect](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/dart-connect)** by INSTASHOP Corporation: A new competitor aiming to capture the group productivity market with high-performance file sharing and voice features.
  - Offers unlimited file sharing and structured group topics, directly targeting the pain points of professional or project-based groups.

<!-- /section:rivals -->
<!-- section:whats-new -->
## What's New

- **Latest (v15.71, 6 days ago):** Introduced Quiz and Flashcard tools for Copilot, added group rejoin/leave functionality, and improved pinned chat layout stability.
<!-- /section:whats-new -->

<!-- section:momentum -->
## App Momentum (Intense) {#momentum}

- Shipped unread badges for chat filters.
- Integrated native join-link support.
- Added swipe actions for pinned chats.

> **Cadence:** 5 total versions · 5 majors in last 6 months · 6 days since last update · 4 days avg between updates

<!-- /section:momentum -->

<!-- section:so-what -->
## The "So What?" (Strategic Takeaway) {#so-what}

GroupMe is a market-leading social networking app that is completely free.
With a 4.68/5 rating from 2.2M reviews, it delivers strong user satisfaction.

<!-- speakable-start -->
> **Bottom Line:** GroupMe maintains a strong niche through SMS-based interoperability, but it risks losing ground to feature-heavy rivals like WhatsApp, so the team must prioritize modern media management to retain casual users.
<!-- speakable-end -->

**Best for:** Social groups, families, and professional teams requiring a simple, cross-platform communication tool that functions over SMS.

<!-- section:pm-actions -->
### PM Action Plan (Next Best Moves)

- [ ] [INVEST] [HIGH IMPACT] Ship advanced media management tools because users cite media organization as a top frustration → increase daily active usage — *User feedback highlights a lack of modern media tools compared to competitors.* _(trade-off: deprioritize Push the Copilot quiz-feature expansion to Q4 — media management has 3x the request volume.)_
- [ ] [MAINTAIN] [MEDIUM IMPACT] Audit notification logic because users report grouping issues in the latest release → improve retention — *Recent updates introduced notification grouping that requires refinement to maintain user habit.* _(trade-off: deprioritize Same-quarter capacity available — no major lever displaced.)_
<!-- /section:pm-actions -->

<!-- section:feature-gaps -->
### Feature Gaps vs Competitors

- Advanced broadcast channels (available in WhatsApp)
- End-to-end encryption (available in Viber)
- Live streaming capabilities (available in Kik)
<!-- /section:feature-gaps -->

<!-- section:outlook -->
### Outlook: Stable

The communication market is consolidating around platforms that offer integrated AI and broadcast capabilities, leaving utility-focused apps like GroupMe exposed to feature-parity pressure. The team must leverage its SMS-interoperability to lock in casual groups while rapidly closing the media-management gap to prevent migration to more feature-rich alternatives.

- 🟢 Recent updates added chat filters and native join-links, showing active investment in user-experience and onboarding friction reduction.
- 🔴 The lack of advanced media management tools relative to competitors creates a churn risk for users seeking a comprehensive social suite.
<!-- /section:outlook -->

<!-- /section:so-what -->

<!-- section:metrics -->
## Key Metrics Summary

| Metric | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Overall Rating | 4.68/5 |
| Total Reviews | 2.2M |
| Sentiment | Excited (85/100) |
| Confidence | High |
| Pricing Model | Free |
| Platforms | iOS & Android |
| Key Features | 3 analyzed |
| Trend | Mixed |
| Outlook | Stable |
<!-- /section:metrics -->

## Competitor Comparison

| App | Rating | Sentiment | Developer |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **GroupMe** (this app) | 4.68/5 | Excited | Skype Communications S.a.r.l |
| [Stickers for WeChat](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/com-kissapp-stickerswechat) | 3.8/5 | Mixed | KISSAPP, S.L. |
| [Dual Messenger Web Plus](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/com-wagpt) | 4.7/5 | N/A | Saltanat Yegimbayeva |
| [Rakuten Viber Messenger](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/com-viber) | 4.6/5 | Frustrated | Viber Media SARL. |
| [Telegram](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/communication/telegram) | 4.0/5 | Mixed | Telegram FZ-LLC |
| [Whats Messenger App](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/whats-messenger-app) | 4.7/5 | Frustrated | Michael Knochen |

## Company Profile
- **Developer:** Skype Communications S.a.r.l
- **Website:** [https://groupme.com/](https://groupme.com/)
- **Social:** [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/groupme) · [X/Twitter](https://twitter.com/groupme) · [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@groupme)

## Data Sources & Links
- **App Store:** [View on Apple Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/groupme/id392796698?uo=4)
- **Google Play:** [View on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.groupme.android&hl=en&gl=us)
- **Dev Site:** [Official Website](https://groupme.com/)
- **Sources:** Developer website content, App store metadata, User reviews.

## Related Intel Reports
- [*Stickers for WeChat*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/com-kissapp-stickerswechat) (KISSAPP, S.L.) — 3.8/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment
- [*Dual Messenger Web Plus*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/com-wagpt) (Saltanat Yegimbayeva) — 4.7/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment
- [*Rakuten Viber Messenger*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/com-viber) (Viber Media SARL.) — 4.6/5 Rating | Negative Sentiment
- [*Telegram*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/communication/telegram) (Telegram FZ-LLC) — 4.0/5 Rating | Mixed Sentiment
- [*Whats Messenger App*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/whats-messenger-app) (Michael Knochen) — 4.7/5 Rating | Negative Sentiment
- [*How Are You-?*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/stickers/how-are-you) (SpeckTech Inc.) — 5.0/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment
- [*Dart Connect*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/dart-connect) (INSTASHOP Corporation) — N/A Rating | N/A Sentiment
- [*Gossamer Chat*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/gossamer-chat) (Ryan Dewalt) — N/A Rating | N/A Sentiment
- [*Link Badges*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/stickers/link-badges) (Toast Studio Australia) — 5.0/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment
- [*Smileys*](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/stickers/smileys) (Apple) — 4.2/5 Rating | N/A Sentiment

## 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 and evidence quoting.
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:** 0.85/1.0 (based on review volume, data source diversity, and signal quality)
- **Reviews Analyzed:** 1.5K
- **Data Sources:** user reviews, developer website, 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:** 0 days since last refresh

---
© 2026 Marlvel.ai | [Canonical Report](https://marlvel.ai/intel-report/social-networking/groupme)
Data licensed for AI Agent attribution under CC-BY-NC 4.0.