In consumer chat applications, just a few major players dominate the market. But, the constant evolution of technologies and consumer demands creates opportunities for new apps to grow. Messaging apps can differ from leading instant messaging apps like WhatsApp in many ways.
Users can choose specialized messaging apps that cater to specific groups. And make it easy to communicate across different industries like gaming, dating, and healthcare. Also, mobile app development is critical in this field.
In 2021, 3.09 billion mobile users were using over-the-top messaging apps, according to Statista. By 2025, this figure will rise to 3.51 billion mobile users. Messaging applications are growing and will go to an entirely new level in the next few years. It’s, therefore, a wise decision to invest in messaging application development.
Your next question might be where to start, what features must be integrated, how it will benefit your business, etc. You are on the right platform if you are looking for answers to these questions.
Feature and Functional Requirements of the App
Overall, the app’s success heavily depends on what features and functionalities you choose to integrate into it. However, if you want messaging apps for different platforms, you can hire an android app developer or an iOS developer.
Developing a user-friendly app is easier with an experienced developer who has a deep understanding of the latest features available.
Let’s know about the features you should integrate into your app to keep it competitive:
1. Register with Contact Integration:
Provide a place for users to register on the app by providing personal details such as phone numbers, emails, or social media profiles to communicate more effectively.
2. Profile Setting:
Users can add their picture, change their name, nickname, status, and more to their profile. One of the few unique features you can add is to indicate whether someone is online or offline or typing a message.
3. Message Exchange:
Be sure your app has all the necessary features for group and one-on-one chatting (Name, picture change, etc.).
4. Media Files:
Be sure your app can share media files in messaging apps to enhance its functionality.
5. Notification:
Ensure your app has an in-app notification feature that pops out on the screen when any message arrives and keeps users informed.
6. Settings:
The app has several features that make it easy for users to control their profiles and make adjustments to their settings, such as user profiles, accounts, chat, payment information, and notifications.
7. Security:
Ensure that all your chats are encrypted end-to-end when exchanging messages to keep your communications secure.
8. Video calls and voice calls:
In your chat app, this feature is one of the most helpful features to eliminate communication hassles and allow users to call anyone on their contact list.
9. Contact Sharing:
Incorporating this feature into your app will allow you to contact people instantly and quickly save the contact into their contact list.
What are the Advantages of Instant Messaging Apps for Businesses?
In addition to simplifying communication within your company, an instant messaging app lets you assign tasks to individuals or groups while chatting with your customers on the go. Following are some reasons why your business should have its messenger app.
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Increases Efficiency and Reduces Costs
Instant messaging apps drastically reduce or eliminate the need to make long-distance calls by letting your team members and clients place voice or video calls at relatively low rates with just one tap. This application can even be beneficial in saving your time. Also, allowing you to keep in touch with your team and clients at any time and from anywhere.
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Enhances Employee Relationships
If you provide your employees with an instant messaging (IM) app, they will communicate and share their opinions, fostering better relationships among them. Share company news and additional information through the app so that your employees will have access in a matter of seconds.
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Organizational Skills
With an instant messaging app, you can track your work progress even when away from the office, making task management more superficial. Moreover, you can instantly assign task assignments to team members and ensure they are completed by the set deadline using your app.
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Communicates Smoothly with Customers
In addition to providing a way to maintain the interest of potential customers and attract new ones, your instant messaging app can also be a game-changer. Your app allows you to stay in touch with your customers 24/7, get their feedback, and address their queries instantly, regardless of their location.
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Communicating with Remote Workers
Remote working is becoming a new norm as our ways of working change. In this scenario, communication appears to be the biggest challenge. Instant messaging is the means of establishing more vital communication, as email or occasional phone calls do not suffice to establish flawless communication.
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Employee Engagement
Engagement is the key to happy employees. No matter how important or mundane an email might be, no one likes to write it. In terms of a quick chat, it is effective because it gives immediate results.
There is no need to write a response while the other person is checking their email. People today desire instant gratification, so this allows them to do that.
Summing It Up!
To summarize this post, it is worth mentioning that messaging apps are the primary driver today and tremendously encourage the mobile app development industry. Developing a chat-based app such as WhatsApp, WeChat, Telegram, or Signal will boost your business and enable you to reach millions of people around the world.
To receive a chatting mobile app development solution from a renowned company, thoroughly check their years of experience and portfolio. Having this information will help you evaluate their suitability for your project.