The Best Messenger Apps in 2024
5 min read
5 min read
by Milica Stankić
Have you ever thought about why we’re always on our screens, typing away those little messages? It’s because daily communication isn’t just talking—it’s the pulse of our modern existence.
From sharing memes with friends to sealing business deals, it’s what keeps us connected. So, in this fast-paced 2024, which messaging apps are standing out? Choosing the best option can be time-consuming with so many choices available. This article will showcase the top 5 mobile messaging apps of 2024. Ready to find your next go-to?
WhatsApp stands as the ultimate messaging app, not solely due to its 134.9 billion monthly active users or 122.1 million daily returnees. It’s also the most-loved messaging app of its time, with over 90% of users active daily, affirming its role as the unmatched leader in digital communication.
WhatsApp reigns supreme as the leading messaging app in over 60 countries, boasting a staggering user base that accounts for approximately 24.8% of the global population. With its self-destructing messages and visuals, WhatsApp offers a dynamic and engaging chatting experience. While its ownership by Meta raises concerns about long-term viability and privacy safeguards, the platform remains widely used due to its extensive user base. WhatsApp’s enduring dominance in the messaging arena owes much to its user-friendly interface and rich feature set, which have cemented its position as a daily staple for countless users globally.
Facebook Messenger, a subsidiary of Meta, offers a multifaceted messaging platform integrated with the broader Facebook ecosystem. With over 1.3 billion monthly active users as of 2023, Facebook Messenger boasts a vast user base. The platform provides a range of features including text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats, and multimedia sharing, making it a versatile communication tool. Additionally, Facebook Messenger offers integration with various other Facebook services, allowing users to seamlessly transition between social networking, messaging, and other functionalities within the Facebook ecosystem.
Despite its popularity and extensive feature set, Facebook Messenger has faced criticism for its handling of user privacy and data, especially considering its parent company Meta’s ownership. This raises concerns, particularly when compared to WhatsApp, which is also owned by Meta but faces fewer privacy controversies.
Viber, originating from Tel Aviv, Israel in 2010, swiftly garnered 19 million users within a year of its launch. Since then, its user base has steadily grown, making it a prominent player in the mobile messaging arena.
Rakuten’s social networking solution has become a sensation among Asian smartphone users, prompting businesses to intensify their marketing efforts on the platform, capitalizing on its extensive reach and influence. In Europe, Viber holds sway, dominating in four countries: Belarus, Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia.
Telegram, a cloud-based instant messaging service renowned for its commitment to security and speed, has amassed approximately 800 million users as of October 2023, equating to around 9.9% of the world’s population. This substantial user base underscores Telegram’s significant impact on the messaging landscape, reaching approximately 13.5% of the global population aged 16 and above.
Beyond its sheer numbers, Telegram sets itself apart by offering a multifaceted messaging experience. Alongside traditional chatting, the platform facilitates community building, post-sharing, live streaming, and more. However, users should be mindful that Telegram’s prioritization of functionality may compromise security compared to other apps. Nonetheless, Telegram remains an appealing option for users drawn to its diverse feature set. Notably, the platform has witnessed a surge in downloads across all regions, with over 46.7 million downloads in the Asia-Pacific region and over 42 million downloads in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in the third quarter of 2023 alone.
Signal, a free-to-download app, places user privacy at the forefront of its mission. With end-to-end encryption (E2EE) safeguarding every message, Signal ensures your conversations remain private and protected. As a nonprofit entity, Signal eliminates any incentive to collect user data, solidifying its commitment to user privacy. Recognized by tech giants like Google and Meta for its robust technology, Signal stands out for its ability to protect user communication effectively. While some may perceive Signal as lacking flashy features and widespread adoption compared to competitors, it excels in striking a balance between security and user-friendliness, earning its place as the top choice in the messenger app landscape.
In the last quarter of 2023, Signal experienced a notable increase in downloads, recording almost 3.77 million downloads in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, up from 3.6 million in the previous quarter. Following WhatsApp’s controversial privacy policy update in 2021, users turned to alternative messaging apps like Telegram and Signal.
Safety is paramount in mobile messaging. While apps like Facebook and WhatsApp have brought loved ones closer and transformed communication dynamics, not all platforms prioritize security. However, security remains a significant factor for many users. In fact, over 30% of respondents expressed skepticism due to security concerns when considering messaging apps.
Facebook and WhatsApp dominate the messaging landscape, boasting nearly 2.5 billion users globally and holding over 90% market share in certain regions. Despite their popularity, there’s a growing demand for alternatives prioritizing values-driven communication and privacy. Before entrusting your data to any app developer, ensure they prioritize user privacy.
Meanwhile, alternative messaging communities are gaining traction in response to the overwhelming dominance of Facebook and WhatsApp. Platforms like Telegram and Signal position themselves as privacy-focused alternatives, criticizing Facebook’s monetization of messaging services. These platforms attract users seeking a messaging experience aligned with their privacy and ideological values.
Most Popular Messaging Apps Worldwide 2023 – similarweb.com
Facebook Messenger Statistics – FinancesOnline.com
Messaging App Revenue and Usage Statistics – BusinessofApps.com
