App↕ | Owner↕ | Launched↕ | Monthly Users↕ | Known For↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WhatsApp | Meta | 2009 | 2.7B+ | Global messaging standard, end-to-end encryption, green bubbles, group chat chaos |
iMessage | Apple | 2011 | 1.3B+ (Apple users) | Blue bubbles vs green bubbles war, Apple ecosystem lock-in, reactions, RCS coming |
Telegram | Telegram FZ-LLC | 2013 | 900M+ | Channels, groups up to 200K, bots, crypto community, Russian founder Pavel Durov, privacy focus |
Signal | Signal Foundation | 2014 | 40M+ | Gold standard encryption, Elon Musk endorsed it, open source, privacy purist choice, non-profit |
Discord | Discord Inc. | 2015 | 200M+ | Gaming voice chat, servers and roles, bot ecosystem, replaced forums/IRC, streamer culture |
Facebook Messenger | Meta | 2011 | 1B+ | Facebook's chat spinoff, video calls, business chat, games, forced app download era |
WeChat | Tencent | 2011 | 1.3B+ | Chinese super-app (pay, ride, shop, chat), Mini Programs, essential in China, government ties |
LINE | LY Corporation | 2011 | 200M+ | Dominant in Japan/Taiwan/Thailand, sticker culture, LINE Pay, post-earthquake origin story |
Slack | Salesforce | 2013 | 30M+ daily | Work messaging, channels, threads, emoji reactions, replaced email (sort of), huddles |
Snapchat | Snap Inc. | 2011 | 750M+ | Disappearing messages pioneer, Snap Map, AR filters, streaks, invented Stories format |
Viber | Rakuten | 2010 | 260M+ | Strong in Eastern Europe, free calls, communities, sticker market, Rakuten owned |
KakaoTalk | Kakao | 2010 | 50M+ | South Korea's #1 messaging app, 97% market share in Korea, emoticons, mobile payments |
Threema | Threema GmbH | 2012 | 12M+ | Swiss privacy, no phone number needed, paid app model, used by Swiss government |
Microsoft Teams | Microsoft | 2017 | 300M+ monthly | Enterprise standard, replaced Skype for Business, video meetings, Office 365 integration |
Google Messages (RCS) | 2014 | 800M+ | Android's default SMS app, RCS upgrade, end-to-end encryption, Google's 14th messaging attempt |
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Frequently asked questions
How is the Messaging Apps list ranked?
The Messaging Apps list is ranked by community votes. Every visitor can pick one option over another in head-to-head matchups, and the running totals determine the order you see. No editors or algorithms — just real people voting.
How many entries are in this Messaging Apps dataset?
This dataset contains 15 entries, each with multiple sortable, filterable columns. The full table is visible on this page and can be downloaded as a CSV, JSON, or Excel file.
Can I download the Messaging Apps data?
Yes. The download buttons at the top of the page give you the full 15-row dataset as CSV, JSON, or Excel. Use of the data is permitted under a Creative Commons Attribution license — credit dtbse.com when you republish.
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