Is Messaging App Development a Good Idea?
The raise of messaging apps can be observed long before the absorption of WhatsApp by Facebook for $19 billion. The selection of messengers has always been overwhelming including such giants as Skype, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, Viber, Kik and many more.
However, it does not mean that creating a messaging app is a bad idea. Telegram was developed after Facebook purchases WhatsApp. In spite of a huge popularity of a proven leader, Telegram managed to add 1.8 million users. It is another proof that building a functional and unique messaging app is always a good idea. Who knows, maybe Facebook will be eager to buys some more chat services. If it sounds like a good plan to you, keep in mind that our team of developers, designers, testers and project managers is ready to help round the clock.
How Do Messaging Apps Differ and What Is in Common?
The content is the first and foremost that differs one messaging app from another. However, the messages are the only thing all available services are focused around. Messages can be sent differently and in different forms. However, they are the key feature of any chat app.
As for the type of messaging, different applications use different methods based on their specialization. For instance, we are all familiar to Snapchat that replaces texts with the images and varies. The idea is to use small pieces of information delivered from one user to another as a message. Such approach made it possible for Snapchat to become the third most popular app among the Generation Z representatives. If you can think of something even more innovative and creative, your app will certainly gain success. As an example, we have Drop Messages app that uses highly curated content in form of a message.
Once you decide to opt for a more traditional way of delivering messages, you can follow the example of WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram. All these applications are based on SMS functionality letting users send text messages to each other. Although these are text-based messaging apps, they still allow sending images, photos and pictures.
- Sign In & Registration
As a rule, all messaging application ask their new users to register and create a new account. In some cases, the phone number or username may be required. A better idea is to use the same method as WhatsApp or Viber and automatically compare the phone numbers from a user’s contact list and add them to the list in the app. - Messaging Protocols
What is the main mission of your app? To send and receive messages, of course. At the same time, the application should inform a sender whether the messages were received or read. An app usually shows its status making it clear if the delivery was successful.
Developers may use two major options when implementing the messaging feature. They include: real-time and non-real-time way. For example, WhatsApp uses real-time method of message delivery. It makes this method a good option for your app as well. The leading messenger uses messaging protocol also known as XMPP. It lets the app send both text and media content. A good thing about this protocol is the availability of an extension also known as MIME. Its main benefit is the opportunity to share different content including videos, photos, images, audio, application programs and more. You can consider this experience and implement it in your on messaging app to extend users’ opportunities. Another benefit is the opportunity to see the progress of the uploading file. You will always know when the upload is completed.
Tips to Embed “Make a Call” Feature
We know that Viber has a great feature that lets it stand out from other messengers. We are talking of voice calling functions. The main advantage of the feature is that all calls are available free. All you need is to have a stable internet connection. You can also follow the example of Skype and implement the feature to arrange video conferences. All these apps have successfully implemented a protocol called VoIP. It uses a full set of other communication technologies and methods to provide a typical way of dialing we are used to. It also ads video communication opportunities in addition to bilateral voice option. This type of protocol uses IP surveillance system to transmit sounds whenever you want to watch a video, take part in a webinar or set the alarm system.
Cloud-Based Real-Time Messaging Solution
You do not have to code or program something by yourself. Developers can benefit from a wide range of ready-made cloud-based solutions to implement real-time messaging. They include Pubnub and Quickblox. Both provide an efficient and easy integration for live chats, video calls, sharing and some other SDK solutions.
Of course, you are lucky in case you have your own backend developer. If not, you can always turn to a professional development team featuring a complete pull of professionals in any field ranging from UI/UX design to QA testing and promotion. Cloud-based solutions will let you save a couple of bucks as well as time. Moreover, cloud-based solutions are a better option once you need to proceed with efficient testing for various platforms.
How to Monetize a Messaging App?
While WhatsApp is free in many countries across the globe, it still charges a $1-dollar annual fee for subscription. However, the rapid growth is still the major priority for the company. Facebook makes numerous efforts to turn WhatsApp into the best and dominating messaging app in the world. For this reason, monetization is hardly the prior goal for the brand.
Telegram is another example of a leading messaging application that is 100% for its users in spite of the location. According to the official representatives, Telegram will never use ads in order to keep its users satisfied. At the same time, it will never opt for outside investments.
On the other hand, we have the example of Viber that uses in-app purchases as the major monetization strategy. They sell stickers and emoji collections. At the same time, they have implemented an extension also known as ViberOut. It lets Viber users keep in touch with people who do not use the messaging app.
If you still want to generate some revenue in case of the app success, you can follow the example of Line and Kik. They also use in-app purchases and sell stickers, immobile games and other applications that belong to a parent company. You can focus on other interactive features as well or think of any other monetization method. Keep in mind that ads are hardly the best bet to gain profit.
Summing Up
With so many great options today, developing a messaging app can be a good idea from business perspectives. The best scenario is to build a high-quality communication service and sell it to a bigger company follow the example of WhatsApp. However, in this case you may need a professional developer to higher. In spite of so many cloud-based solutions, we have dedicated backend and frontend developers, who will implement every feature you want to see in the app. Contact our support team and discuss the cost and stages of the future development process.
