Smileys vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Smileys's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Smileys
This App
Core Identity
DeveloperJatisari Inovasi StudioSaltanat YegimbayevaFort Myers Broadcasting Co.Toast Studio AustraliaVarun KumarMedialab - KikRyan DewaltINSTASHOP Corporation
CategoryStickersSocial NetworkingNewsStickersSocial NetworkingSocial NetworkingSocial NetworkingSocial Networking
PlatformiOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOSiOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating4.2 / 54.5 / 50.0 / 55.0 / 50.0 / 54.3 / 50.0 / 50.0 / 5
Ratings Count69313050483,74500
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateJun 29, 2016Jan 15, 2024Nov 18, 2024Mar 26, 2018Apr 7, 2021Apr 10, 2010Apr 29, 2026Apr 27, 2026
Last UpdatedSep 13, 2016Aug 22, 2025Jan 13, 2026Sep 13, 2023Feb 19, 2026May 5, 2026Apr 30, 2026May 15, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentiment--positive--terrible--
Score--80/100--15/100--
Praises-----
  • Long-term users appreciate the original core chat functionality that existed years ago
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Complaints-----
  • 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
--
Requests-----
  • Implementation of temporary photo timers to improve privacy and control over shared media
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Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Native iMessage integration ensures zero-friction user experience [Platform: iOS]
  • Zero privacy concerns compared to third-party messaging utilities [Platform: iOS]
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  • Email-based onboarding lowers barrier to entry
  • Cloud-based architecture ensures chat persistence
  • System-wide keyboard integration enables cross-app utility
  • AR FaceTime stickers provide a unique visual interaction layer
  • Lightweight architecture ensures zero-latency startup for one-off messaging tasks.
  • Local-only data storage provides a privacy-centric value proposition for sensitive business leads.
  • Username-only identity lowers registration friction
  • Public group discovery drives organic session frequency
  • Cryptographic ghost accounts provide a verifiable privacy barrier against unsolicited contact
  • Ephemeral QR-based connection model creates a clear, low-pressure entry point
  • Ad-free environment sustains a clean, minimalist user experience
  • Group-topic threading facilitates organized communication for niche communities
Weaknesses
  • No feature updates since 2016 [Platform: iOS]
  • Lack of system-wide keyboard support [Platform: iOS]
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  • 0-rating on iOS platform
  • Small 259-review base on Android
  • No updates since September 2023
  • Manual tagging creates high user friction
  • Zero monetization model limits development
  • Zero-revenue model lacks long-term sustainability.
  • No cloud-sync functionality prevents cross-device workflow continuity.
  • Frequent app crashes post-update
  • Aggressive ad-walling disrupts core messaging
  • Unmoderated bot activity erodes user safety
  • Zero rating count across platforms indicates a lack of initial user traction
  • Manual, code-based onboarding creates high friction for non-technical users
  • Premium tier at $9.99/month exceeds category median
  • Zero rating count indicates lack of initial user traction
Pricingfreefreefreefreefreefreefreemiumsubscription
MomentumZombieIntenseIntenseZombieMaintenanceMaintenanceMaintenanceIntense
Update Cadence1 versions5 versions3 versions5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~451d avg1 versions, 1 majors/6mo5 versions, ~12d avg2 versions, ~17d avg3 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~3d avg

Compare Smileys head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Smileys, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0