Messenger usage statistics. Messengers. Good for its completeness
They are the main means of communication among users of mobile devices and computers. SMS, MMS and even Email become outdated and less convenient than instant messaging apps, which often use your phone number as a login. Thus, all your contacts automatically appear in messengers, which is very convenient.
In this article, we decided to collect the TOP 5 of the best and most popular instant messengers today in Russia, Ukraine and the whole world.
#1
WhatsApp is the most popular messenger in the world, almost everyone who has a smartphone will definitely install it. This app is popular mainly because of its simplicity. All your contacts will be automatically added to WhatsApp.
Messages, group chats, media content sharing, stickers, emoticons, etc., of course, it's all there. Users can also make free calls other users who have installed Whatsapp.
Most popular in countries such as: Russia, China, Germany, Italy, Latin America.
Advantages:
- Free application;
- Works on all popular operating systems: mobile iOS (iPhone), Android, Windows phone; Windows computers, MAC;
- Free audio and video calls to any country in the world (no additional charge), messages and group chats (up to 256 people);
- Uses any type of Internet connection (Wi-Fi, 4G, 3G, 2G or EDGE);
- Multimedia content (photos, videos, documents and voice messages);
- No need to remember logins and pincodes for authorization, the application uses only your phone number and address book of contacts.
Flaws:
- Sending files with a maximum size of 100 MB;
- Note the energy consumption on the iPhone;
- Not the best encryption system;
- Requires iOS 8.0 or Android 4.0.3 or later.
#2
Viber is perfect for those who like to use as many stickers as possible. Although the instant messaging service is the main thing in this application, but it has performed well in the sticker market. Viber has a beautiful, simple and user-friendly purple interface, voice messages, group chats and video calls also work great in Viber.
Most popular in countries such as: Ukraine, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Advantages:
- Free application;
- The application is available for iOS 9 and above, Android 4.0 and above, Windows Phone, as well as on Windows, Mac OS and Linux;
- Free calls, messages and videos with other users of the system.
- Stickers, gifs, animations, etc.
Flaws:
- Sometimes there is a poor connection during audio or video calls (but this happens everywhere);
- The maximum length of a voice message is 30 seconds;
- Spam and advertisements;
- Weak data encryption;
- There is no option to export data.
#3
Telegram is fairly new in the messenger market but has already won the hearts of many users. It is considered one of the most secure and encrypted messengers. It is possible to create your own groups, store a complete history of correspondence and communicate in group chats.
The leading place among messengers is occupied in such countries: Iran, Uzbekistan and Ethiopia.
Advantages:
- Free application;
- Telegram is available for mobile iOS, Android, Windows Phone and computers running Windows, Mac OS and Linux;
- Open source code that allows each person to make their own changes to their application: make stickers or something cooler;
- Convenient group chat and text editor: special bots will help;
- Smart bots. They will help format your text for Instagram and other applications, determine the winner at random, etc.
- Unlimited voice messages;
- The application keeps a complete history of all your correspondence (unless you want to delete it manually);
- Ability to work simultaneously on multiple devices.
Flaws:
- Lack of voice and video calls;
- Secret chats are only available for phones.
#4
One of the most popular instant messaging applications, but gradually losing its popularity. Video calls are the main feature of this app, but there is also a chat feature that allows you to chat with other Skype users. It has group chat, emoticons, stickers, media sharing, and more.
But in order to add friends to Skype, you need to know their Skype ID. In addition, you can make cheap international calls by adding Skype Credit.
Advantages:
Flaws:
- Already sent messages cannot be edited;
- Weak privacy;
- No voice calls.
Statistics of installations and active users (for 28 days)
Russia (Android - Google Play)
The best messengers in Russia (Android) Russia (iPhone - AppStore)
The best messengers in Russia (iOS) Ukraine (Android - Google Play)
The best messengers in Ukraine (Android) Ukraine (iPhone - AppStore)
The best messengers in Ukraine (iOS) infographics
The most popular free messengers in the world
The best instant messengers in the world 2019 (AppStore) Mobile applications have long replaced not only ordinary SMS messages, but also ordinary phone calls. Their popularity is growing every day, which means that there are more and more users. With the help of them, people can communicate with relatives, friends, colleagues, partners, clients, etc. in online mode. By 2018, more than 2 billion people will use messengers. And this is already 80% of smartphone owners ..
TOP 10 most popular instant messengers in the world
Now sending SMS messages is very expensive, and therefore many download and install applications on their smartphones, which are called instant messengers. And in order to send SMS, only the Internet is needed, and now everyone has it in free access. That is why instant messengers are very popular now, and almost everyone has them installed. Here are the TOP 10 most popular instant messengers in the world:
Now more detailed information will be provided about each messenger.
1.whatsapp
It is one of the most popular instant messengers in many countries. In 2016, the number of users exceeded 1 billion. This application was developed in the USA and released in January 2010. It is believed that because of this application, the revenue of mobile operators has significantly decreased, as people began to send all the necessary messages over the Internet for free.
2.Viber
Everyone has heard about this application. Even despite the fact that it appeared in December 2010, this did not affect its popularity in any way. In 2014, Viber ranked first among short messaging programs in Russia. It has a very nice design, a huge number of free stickers. It allows you to make and receive calls over the Internet.
3. Facebook Messenger
Integrated with the messaging system on the main Facebook site. That is, if you are registered on this site, then in order to reply to someone's message, you do not need to turn on the computer and go to the site. It is enough to download Messenger and you can reply to a message from your smartphone at any time. About 50 million people download this app every month. For 2017 it is used by more than 1 billion users.
This application was created by Japanese developers and released in March 2011. This messenger is even available for PC. As of 2014, about 400 million people used the messenger. All basic functions are supported. You can receive and make voice and video calls. For a fee, you can buy stickers and other features.
5.WeChat
It is a Chinese design. Supports sending text and voice messages. You can send each other pictures, videos and other files. You can create a general chat with friends, colleagues. This application also has a built-in photo editor, automatic translation from leading languages and much more.
6.Telegram
Today it is the most secure messenger. This project was launched by Pavel Durov in 2013. It was positioned as the most reliable communication application. About 200 people can chat in a group chat. The application is synchronized with the number and therefore you do not need to register.
7 Skype
Despite being one of the oldest messengers, it remains popular to this day. Skype was founded in 2003. You can make voice and video calls and, of course, send and receive text messages. The function of simultaneous translation of live speech has been introduced. Up to 9 people can participate in group video calls at the same time.
8 Snapchat
Very popular among young people. Any message, video or photo that is sent to another user will self-destruct after a certain period of time that you yourself have specified. But this happens after the recipient has read the message. Also, this application has a built-in graphic editor that allows you to correct the image before sending it to another person.
9. Kakaotalk
This is a very fast and versatile application. With it, you can send and receive messages, photos, videos, as well as various voice recordings. Funny emoticons and stickers will help you communicate in a fun way and express your emotions. You can download and install it on your smartphone for free. The first version of this messenger was released on March 18, 2010. To date, the application is available in 20 languages.
With this application, you can send text messages and make calls completely free of charge. Installed on your smartphone or tablet, you will be able to make high-quality voice and video calls. You can also express your emotions with free stickers. At any time, it is very easy to find the message that you need.
That's all instant messengers, which are by far the most popular in the world. And every year their popularity only grows. And the developers are trying to improve them to make it even easier for users to communicate with family, friends, colleagues. Download, install instant messengers and stay in touch wherever you are.
Roskomnadzor filed in the Tagansky Court of Moscow demanding the immediate blocking of Telegram in Russia. Representatives of the messenger were supposed to provide the FSB with the keys to decode messages, however, the Telegram administration said that it was technically impossible to fulfill these requirements related to the dissemination of information. 13 April 2018, one of the most popular instant messengers stopped working.
Other famous messengers
ICQ is the most popular and demanded messenger of the late 90s - early 2000s. It's amazing how such an old messenger still attracts an audience. Thanks to regular large-scale updates and the introduction of new modern features, ICQ does not lose its relevance. Here you have the option to call with video, create a group chat and read groups. However, everything is still done somehow inconveniently.
2. Slack
Messenger that replaces email and Skype in work correspondence. For corporate communication, Slack needs to register your company with the specified number of users and field of activity. Later, you have the option to choose the domain where the company's chats will be hosted. Send invitations to all team members. Without them, it is impossible to be in the account. In addition, chats can be private. There is no Russian version.
3.Twitter
A social network that allows you to exchange messages publicly and for free. You can do this using the web interface, SMS (according to your carrier), instant messaging. Blog postings are called microblogging. This messenger, created by Jack Dorsey in 2006, has gained worldwide popularity. More than half of Twitter users use mobile gadgets, and the site twitter.com has millions of unique visits per month.
4. TamTam
Messenger developed in Mail.ru with chats, groups and sending files. Pretty decent messenger, except for the accompanying unnecessary applications from Mail.ru. Of the minuses - linking to an account in Odnoklassniki. It's long outdated social network whose users are older people. Actually, for this reason, TamTam is losing its relevance.
5. VKontakte
One of the largest social networks in Europe. The site is available in over 90 languages; especially popular among Russian-speaking users. Here you can send messages, create pages and communities, share photos, music, documents, play games. In 2017, the average daily audience was over 80 million visitors. Over 460 million registered users. Also in 2017, SimilarWeb recognized VKontakte as one of the most popular instant messengers in the world, where the social network was 7th in the ranking.
On May 16, 2017, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed a decree on updating the list of sanctions against a number of Russian companies, including the social networks VKontakte and Odnoklassniki, Yandex, the Mail.ru electronic mail service and other services. Access to them has been completely restricted since June 1, 2017
The agency of financial and economic news Bloomberg has published the top 7, which includes the most popular messengers. The rating of the best is based on the size of the user audience.
Not all of these services are highly profitable, but the owners see them as building blocks for an ecosystem that includes advertising, e-commerce, and other ways to generate revenue.
We present you a comparative overview of the most popular messaging programs.
This service, on the logo of which a ghost flaunts, is used by about 100 million users. With the application, you can send photos, videos, and drawings to your contact list. But it is impossible to communicate simply by text, only “paired” with a visual image. Users set a time limit during which recipients can view their messages. The files are then "evaporated" from the sender's and recipient's devices, but are not deleted from the Snapchat servers.
6.line
This chat, very popular in Japan, is used by 211 million people. Initially, it was intended for Android and iOS mobile phones, then a version for BlackBerry, Nokia Asha and Windows Phone appeared. There is a version of Line for Windows and Mac OS computers. The "highlight" of the application is the built-in social network where you can blog and post comments.
5. Viber
The best creation of Israeli developers is used by 249 million users. PC app syncs contact list, messages and call log with mobile device"host" and allows you to make free calls to any device of other Viber users, regardless of the country of location.
Chinese mobile encrypted instant messaging service with 600 million users. Between April and July 2015, the number of WeChat users grew by 37%, according to the developer of the program, the telecommunications company Tencent. The system supports voice and text messages, allows you to share photo and video files and exchange contacts via Bluetooth.
The top three of the most popular instant messengers in 2015 is headed by a service integrated into the social network Facebook. This application, based on the open MQTT protocol, is used by 700 million users. In comparison, Skype, the Internet telephony service operated by Microsoft Corp., boasts only 300 million users. Released in 2011 mobile version for BlackBerry, iOS and Android platforms, and in 2012 a version of the messenger for PC appeared. In 2015, users of the service are no longer required to register with Facebook. In order to enter the application, you need to provide a phone number.
Facebook Inc. paid $18 billion for WhatsApp, a cross-platform app that currently has over 800 million users. This is the best messenger presented in Russia. It has a standard messaging function, as well as the ability to create groups and share video, photo and audio files. The text can be either typed manually or dictated. The program is tied to a phone number, not a user ID or nickname, and generates a list of contacts by scanning the owner's phone book for numbers registered in the system.
The most popular messenger in the world, developed by Chinese Tencent. Every month, 843 million people exchange secure messages using it. It has several interesting features such as a built-in software store, real-time translation, capturing a small part of the chat screen, or recording small video clips and sharing them with the interlocutor.
The high popularity of instant messengers has made them an attractive marketing channel. Many companies actively use instant messengers to attract and retain customers. For example, they offer site visitors correspondence in a messenger instead of correspondence in an online chat. This is convenient for customers because they do not need to stay on a certain browser tab and wait for a response from the operator.
TOP 5 most popular messengers in 2017
According to the study we mentioned above, WhatsApp is the most popular messenger in Russia. 68.7% of the customers of the Beeline operator used it to correspond with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. The MegaFon operator also confirmed its popularity - according to an internal study, the messenger is popular with 47.6% of subscribers who use instant messengers at least once a month. And in research , published on the J'son & Partners Consulting website, collected statistics from around the world: at the end of 2016, the messenger had more than 1.2 billion registered users.
In the Google directory Play application installed by more than 61 million people. Over the past 2017, developers have implemented a lot good updates. For example, we launched the ability to search for GIF animation directly from the messenger. Messenger users can call, exchange files, chat in group chats for free, with reference to a phone number.
In marketing, WhatsApp is used primarily for communication with customers, consultations or mailing lists.
Viber
Viber is the second most popular messenger. Thus, it is used by 45.7% of VimpelCom's users. It is also in demand among Megafon users - 39.7% of customers use it. In catalog Google Play the number of its installations exceeds 10,000,000. The description of the messenger in the catalog indicates that the number of users worldwide exceeds 800 million people.
In 2017, Viber developers are also keeping up with the developers of other applications and offer interesting updates. For example, now the messenger has hints for stickers, the ability to send a mailing or reply to a specific message in a group chat. Messenger users can also make calls, including video calls, send text and voice messages, and chat in group chats.
The main purpose of the Viber messenger in marketing is remote customer support and mailings.
facebook messenger
According to the study by J'son & Partners Consulting, the link to which we gave above, Facebook Messenger ranks second in popularity in the world after WhatsApp. In mid-2016, the number of its users exceeded 1 billion. In the Google Play catalog, the number of installations exceeded 73 million.
The messenger allows you to communicate with friends on the social network Facebook without opening a browser. It also has the ability to share updates, receive notifications about likes and reposts.
Most often, the messenger is used to communicate with users on behalf of the company. Many advanced in the field digital companies create chatbots that answer typical simple questions. This helps reduce the burden on operators.
Telegram
Telegram showed the most active growth - in December 2016, the average daily number of users increased by 60.5%. It has over 2,000,000 installs on the Google Play catalog.
In the messenger, you can create group chats and channels, make calls, including video calls, send text and voice messages, and communicate with stickers. Communication is free, convenient, fast.
Companies use Telegram to create their channels and provide remote user support. In this messenger, you can also often meet chat bots.
Skype
This messenger entered the TOP-5 most popular applications in the world - in 2016 the number of its users exceeded 300 million. 38.3% of VimpelCom subscribers also have this messenger installed. The Google Play catalog has over 10 million installs.
The first option that Skype entered the market with was free video calls. In 2017, the developers added emoji, reactions to messages, the ability to share content without leaving the messenger, and many other options.
Many companies use Skype for remote video customer support, remote training meetings.
Which messenger do you think is the future? Who will take the lead in popularity in 2018? Share your opinion in the comments.
The world is becoming more and more communicative and we can no longer imagine our life without these inconspicuous helpers in our daily communication - instant messengers.
7th - Snapchat
It is used by about 100 million users. With it, you can send photos, videos, and drawings to your contact list. But it is impossible to communicate simply by text, only "paired" with a visual image. Users set a time limit during which recipients can view their messages. The files are then "evaporated" from the sender's and recipient's devices, but are not deleted from the Snapchat servers.
Benefits of Snapchat
Fast work;
Front camera support.
Disadvantages of Snapchat
The color scheme and interface design are far from the concept of "adequacy";
Incomplete Russian-language interface
6th place - Line
This much loved chat in Japan is used by 211 million people. Initially, it was intended for Android and iOS mobile phones, then a version for BlackBerry, Nokia Asha and Windows Phone appeared. There is a version of Line for Windows and Mac OS computers. The "highlight" of the application is the built-in social network where you can blog and post comments.
Advantagesline
The application performs the functions of data transfer, and can also be used as an interesting social network;
The program works on almost all mobile platforms;
Entrance to account carried out by QR code;
Convenient interface.
Flawsline
English menu
5th place - Viber
Photo from pcpress.rs
This creation of Israeli developers is used by 249 million users. The PC app syncs your contact list, messages, and call history with the owner's mobile device and allows you to make free calls to any device of other Viber users, regardless of country of location.
AdvantagesViber
Incredibly good quality of communication (it is due to this that Skype fades into the background);
Opportunity to work in background, while not draining the battery;
Integration with the phone book, thanks to which you can see who else is using this service;
Receive call notifications even if the application is not running;
sending images, SMS, location information, as well as making free calls between users of this service;
Calls to mobile and landline phones are provided;
FlawsViber
Not found
4th place - WeChat
Chinese mobile encrypted instant messaging service with 600 million users. Between April and July 2015, the number of WeChat users grew by 37%, according to the developer of the program, the telecommunications company Tencent. The system supports voice and text messages, makes it possible to share photo and video files and exchange contacts via Bluetooth.
AdvantagesWeChat
The presence of a modern Russified interface in the program;
Provides unique opportunities for dating and exchanging likes;
Allows you to make audio and video calls;
Suitable for any mobile operating systems.
FlawsWeChat
The inability to set a ringtone for messages;
Status cannot be specified.
3rd place - Facebook Messenger
Photo from techspective.net
This application, based on the open MQTT protocol, is used by 700 million users. In comparison, Skype, the Internet telephony service operated by Microsoft Corp., boasts only 300 million users. In 2011, a mobile version was released for BlackBerry, iOS and Android platforms, and in 2012 a messenger version for PC appeared. In 2015, users of the service are no longer required to register with Facebook. In order to enter the application, you need to provide a phone number.
Benefits of Facebook Messenger
Well-synced with Facebook: when you receive a message, you go to Messenger, but you can also go back to the Facebook feed. But if all this was combined in one application, it would be much more convenient;
The stickers here are extremely diverse. Actually, just sharing these funny emoji can be done endlessly;
Minimalist functionality: it's just a messenger, nothing more.
Disadvantages of Facebook Messenger
Not found.
2nd place - whatsapp
Photo from medium.com/@journey
Facebook Inc. paid $18 billion for WhatsApp, a cross-platform app that currently has over 800 million users. It has a standard messaging function, as well as the ability to create groups and share video, photo and audio files. There is a possibility of fast transmission of audio messages. The program is tied to a phone number, not a user ID or nickname, and generates a list of contacts by scanning the owner's phone book for numbers registered in the system.
Whatsapp Benefits
Cross-platform and easy to set up;
Integration with the address book contact list;
Ability to organize group chats and add media files.
Disadvantages of WhatsApp
Lack of support for other existing platforms, such as Samsung Bada.
1st place - QQ Messenger
Photo from imqq.com
The most popular messenger in the world, developed by the Chinese Tencent. Every month, 843 million people exchange secure messages using it.
Benefits of QQ Messenger
Built-in software store;
Translation in real time;
Capture a small portion of the chat screen or record small video clips and share them with the other party.
Disadvantages of QQ Messenger
If you do not have friends in the Middle Kingdom, then you will not have anyone to communicate with.
Kazakhstanis have not even heard of some messengers from this list. The first place is occupied by Chinese, which is not popular anywhere, except for numerous China. But it should be noted that WhatsApp and Viber are as popular in Kazakhstan as they are all over the world. Let's add Skype and Facebook messenger, which has lost popularity in the world, here.
Private opinions
Aleksey Bendz, director of corporate communications at Beeline Kazakhstan, believes that WhatsApp is the most popular in Kazakhstan, followed by Skype, Viber, M-Agent and Facebook Messenger.
"Most popular are instant messengers that support calls and video chats, in which you can create communities and groups. I, like most Kazakhstanis, chose WhatsApp. This messaging service has three advantages: the first is the ability to create groups; the second is support for calls and the third - web-version For example, I can start chatting on a PC and continue the conversation on a smartphone,” says Alexey.
Olzhas Bibanov, head of public relations at Tele2 Kazakhstan, is sure that the reason for the popularity of WhatsApp lies on the surface. In his opinion, initially this messenger was positioned as an application for messages and gave b about more functionality than sms, mms and traditional email. Naturally, such online opportunities were not charged in any way and did not cost anything in comparison with roaming of mobile operators.
"Viber positioned itself as an application for calls, and the Facebook messenger appeared much later than WhatsApp - this explains why they are not as popular as WhatsApp, which together is much more functional than both applications," Mr. Bibanov is sure.
