| Core Identity |
| Developer | Skype Communications S.a.r.l | Michael Knochen | Telegram FZ-LLC | Medialab - Kik | Viber Media SARL. | KISSAPP, S.L. | Text and SMS Messaging apps | mimiworks | SpeckTech Inc. | Apple |
| Category | Social Networking | Social Networking | Communication | Social Networking | Social Networking | Social Networking | Communication | Communication | Stickers | Stickers |
| Platform | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | Android | iOS | iOS |
| Store Metrics |
| Rating | 4.7 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Ratings Count | 1,558,984 | 899 | 267,381 | 483,745 | 831,341 | 23 | 35,855 | 13,654 | 1 | 693 |
| Price | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | $0.99 | Free | Free | $0.99 | Free |
| Release Date | Sep 25, 2010 | Apr 30, 2021 | Aug 14, 2013 | Apr 10, 2010 | Dec 2, 2010 | Jul 26, 2013 | Oct 25, 2021 | Dec 8, 2019 | Apr 3, 2019 | Jun 29, 2016 |
| Last Updated | Jun 29, 2026 | Jun 5, 2025 | May 6, 2026 | May 5, 2026 | May 6, 2026 | Jul 5, 2018 | Dec 12, 2025 | Apr 12, 2026 | Dec 6, 2023 | Sep 13, 2016 |
| Sentiment & Reviews |
| Sentiment | mixed | mixed | mixed | terrible | negative | mixed | - | - | - | - |
| Score | 45/100 | 35/100 | 35/100 | 15/100 | 25/100 | 55/100 | - | - | - | - |
| Praises | - Group messaging functionality provides a reliable way for teams and families to coordinate schedules
- Simple and accessible interface allows non-technical users to communicate without steep learning curves
| - Core messaging and calling functionality provides a reliable way to stay connected with friends and family
| - Cloud-based messaging architecture allows for instant synchronization across multiple devices without data loss
| - Long-term users appreciate the original core chat functionality that existed years ago
| - Reliable voice and video calling quality remains a core retention anchor for long-term users
| - All-in-one platform functionality integrates messaging and payments into a single daily lifestyle tool
| - | - | - | - |
| Complaints | - Recent updates to the event creation flow make setting specific times and locations difficult
- Persistent login and account verification failures prevent users from accessing their existing group chats
- Unreliable notification delivery causes users to miss important messages and time-sensitive group updates
| - Frequent UI regressions and navigation changes disrupt established user workflows and muscle memory
| - Aggressive account locking and banning policies prevent users from accessing their personal data
| - Frequent application crashes and freezing prevent basic navigation and message loading post-update
- Aggressive monetization and intrusive advertising disrupt the core messaging experience for users
| - Forced integration of AI features creates privacy concerns and intrusive user experience friction
| - Registration and login friction caused by missing SMS verification codes prevents new user onboarding
| - | - | - | - |
| Requests | - Users request the return of the internet image search feature to facilitate visual communication
| - Granular control over automated features and AI suggestions to reduce interface clutter
| - Transparent account recovery and support channels for users facing unexpected bans
| - Implementation of temporary photo timers to improve privacy and control over shared media
| - Granular opt-out settings for all AI-powered features to ensure user privacy and control
| - Alternative authentication methods for account recovery when SMS verification fails to arrive
| - | - | - | - |
| Strategic Intel |
| Strengths | - SMS-based interoperability lowers the barrier to entry for non-users
- Campus-specific onboarding drives high-density user acquisition in geographic clusters
| - System-level Android integration replaces default assistant on hardware-mapped triggers
- 21-language library functions as a B2B distribution moat into international partnerships
| - Cloud-first architecture enables multi-device sync without phone tethering
- 200k-member group capacity creates community network effects
- Unlimited 2GB file sharing drives viral acquisition
| - Username-only identity lowers registration friction
- Public group discovery drives organic session frequency
| - Default end-to-end encryption establishes a trust-based moat
- Viber Out provides a direct, non-ad revenue stream
- Sticker-based visual language creates high-frequency engagement
| - Native WeChat integration reduces friction for power users
- Cross-platform export enables viral sharing across messaging apps
| - | - | - | - Native iMessage integration ensures zero-friction user experience [Platform: iOS]
- Zero privacy concerns compared to third-party messaging utilities [Platform: iOS]
|
| Weaknesses | - Persistent login and account verification failures prevent access to existing chats
- Imprecise time-selection sliders in the event creator frustrate organizers
| - Premium tier missing despite high-utility feature set
- 0.7★ Android-iOS rating gap on majority Android base
- Frequent UI regressions disrupt muscle memory
| - 0.13 rating gap between iOS and Android platforms
- High volume of account-ban complaints
- Lack of transparent support channels for recovery
| - Frequent app crashes post-update
- Aggressive ad-walling disrupts core messaging
- Unmoderated bot activity erodes user safety
| - Forced AI integration without opt-out triggers privacy backlash
- Technical instability in account activation prevents new user conversion
- 0.47-star rating gap between iOS and Android platforms
| - $0.99 paid-gate on iOS limits top-of-funnel conversion
- Registration friction from SMS failures blocks new user onboarding
| - | - | - | - No feature updates since 2016 [Platform: iOS]
- Lack of system-wide keyboard support [Platform: iOS]
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| Pricing | free | free | free | free | freemium | paid | free | free | paid | free |
| Momentum | Intense | Maintenance | Active | Maintenance | Intense | Zombie | - | - | - | Zombie |
| Update Cadence | 5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~4d avg | 5 versions, ~152d avg | 5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~10d avg | 5 versions, ~12d avg | 5 versions, ~5d avg | 2 versions, ~2836d avg | - | - | - | 1 versions |
