Jatin Bisht
What makes an instant messaging app successful and popular among the masses? Key features which almost everyone looks at include: ease of use, an excellent user interface (UI), functionality with respect to exchanging messages and other media (photos and videos), and encryption, which has gained importance in recent years. The app must also gel with the operating system of the device, iOS in this case. We shorted out the list of best instant messaging apps for iOS.
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Best Instant Messaging Apps for iOS
It may be cumbersome for users to sift through all the alternatives available on the App Store or Google Play Store, so here is a filtered list of the seven most popular messaging apps:
1. WhatsApp
As of February 2020, WhatsApp had 2 billion active users worldwide, making it the most popular instant messaging app across all operating systems. This app is especially popular in India, with the country being WhatsApp’s largest market.
The app has a bunch of features that appeal to people such as free voice and video calls, group chats, and end-to-end encryption, which prevents third parties from spying on your chats.
You can download it from the App Store here:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997
2. Facebook Messenger
Just like Whatsapp, FB Messenger is a cross-platform app and works on any operating system, as long as the user has a Facebook account. It is a convenient way to chat with people and catch up with friends. It shares a lot of features with Whatsapp, such as group chats and video chats.
In addition to being a messaging app, Messenger integrates with third-party games, apps, and chatbots, which make it entertaining for users. FB Messenger has 1.3 billion active users globally in 2020, making it the second most popular instant messaging app in the world.
You can download it from the App Store here:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/messenger/id454638411
3. Viber
Viber is well known for its ability to host free domestic and international phone calls over Wi-Fi and cellular data. The user has the option to choose between basic calls and data-heavy video calls. The quality of Viber calls is high, with HD sound. Apart from this, Viber has chat features similar to the apps already mentioned, such as group chats for up to 250 people, and sticker and emoji options.
You can download it from the App Store here:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/viber-messenger-chats-calls/id382617920
4. Twitter Direct Messaging
Twitter has been a platform on which people voice their opinions and exchange thoughts and information with one another. The messaging component of Twitter provides a convenient way for users to engage in conversation and even form private groups with followers.
One can receive messages from non-followers as well, but this might potentially include a lot of spam. Direct messaging on Twitter contains features such as photo and video sharing, GIFs, and stickers.
You can download it from the App Store here:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/direct-messenger-for-twitter/id1232116928
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5. Line
Line is a lot like Viber in that it supports free domestic and international voice and video calls. The messaging portion of Line supports group chats for up to 200 people and contains messaging features such as emojis, stickers, and media sharing.
Distinctive features of Line include a large ecosystem of lifestyle apps and social networking features that allow you to share life moments on a timeline, similar to Instagram.
You can download it from the App Store here:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/line/id443904275
6. Signal
Of all the messaging apps mentioned here, Signal has the unique feature of being an SMS app and an instant messaging app at the same time. A user can use Signal for SMSing if they liked and replace their default texting app. Alternatively, if another user has Signal downloaded, the two users can message one another like they would using Whatsapp and avoid cellular data fees.
Signal has the basic instant messaging app features, such as group chats. An interesting feature Signal has is to enable disappearing messages.
You can download it from the App Store here:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/signal-private-messenger/id874139669
7. Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based app, meaning data you share over the app (which includes media and files) gets securely stored in the Telegram cloud. This is good news for your device, as its storage space isn’t burdened with your shared data.
Telegram is both fast and secure and has implemented different types of encryption for user protection, such as a Diffie-Hellman secure key exchange and 256-bit symmetric AES encryption. To top it all, Telegram has a simple and pleasing user interface, making it a delight to use.
Telegram has over 100 million active users worldwide in 2020.
You can download it from the App Store here:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/telegram-messenger/id686449807
8. Instagram Direct Message
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms today. It is being used by influencers, celebrities, business companies, and other startups to gather “hearts” and public attention. Instagram “DM” is the direct messaging feature that allows any Instagram user to send instant messages, pictures, videos, emojis, and GIFs.
You can use the app for video calls and sending audio recordings as well. The calling feature is yet to come. The Instagram Story is a feature where you can exchange daily posts and stories for your Insta followers. The privacy feature is also up-to-date, where you can hide people with whom you do not want to share personal posts.
Get the app here- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252
9. Snapchat
Another popular instant messaging app that we cannot miss is the Snapchat. Snapchat is by far considered to be one of the safest messaging apps, where whatever you send is automatically deleted, if not saved. Your personal pictures cannot be saved, and if any screenshot is taken, you will be notified of the same.
You can place video calls, audio calls, send snaps, share videos, and use tons of filters to make your boring pictures look funny and amazing. This app is free but a bit complicated to use, and therefore has its fan base mostly in the younger generations who try to save their “streaks.”
Get the app here- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snapchat/id447188370
10. Kik
Kik has recently gained a lot of popularity as an instant messaging app because of its cool features. You can sync your contacts and add your friends, send messages, pictures, videos, and audios. You can also contact new people, get yourself engaged in different groups, play different Kik games, and have a great time!
The best part about Kik is that it is free and does not require any phone number or email address to add a new friend. You can add new people to their usernames. In that case, your personal information remains private.
Get the app here- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kik/id357218860
11. Hangouts
Hangouts is Google’s messaging app and is compatible with any device- laptop, mobile, or PC. It is absolutely free of cost and allows you to arrange a video call, an audio call, share images, videos, important PDFs, and other documents. You can contact all your G-mail contacts in real-time at once. It is very useful for business purposes, as well. Therefore, adding that professional to the private.
Privacy and security-wise, it is impressive as those who are added on your G-mail will only be able to access your Hangout ID or only those with whom you share your Hangout username.
Get the app here- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hangouts/id643496868
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Closure
An obvious candidate for the best instant messaging apps for iOS is iMessage. However, this app is only useful if other users also use devices that run on iOS i.e., it is not a cross-platform app.
In a world where instant messaging is quickly becoming the norm and replacing traditional back and forth texts, users are continually looking for the best apps that provide seamless service and efficient data exchange. This article offers a guide to the biggest contenders in the instant messaging apps market now.
The above list highlights seven of the best instant messaging apps for iOS devices and their different features, which make them unique. The best thing about instant messaging apps is that it does not operate on the lines of standard SMSs. All you need is an internet connection and a will to connect to your friends and family.
