WhatsApp was founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum. It is an end-to-end encrypted messaging app. Facebook purchased it in 2014 for $19 billion. Billions of users use this messaging app, with over 90 billion messages sent per day. There are many reasons behind the need for WhatsApp alternatives. It could be for compatibility with the device, slow services, privacy needs, etc.
Whatsapp alternatives are other messaging apps that can be used in place of WhatsApp. WhatsApp alternatives are more important today than ever. WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, meaning that messages on the platform are secure. It makes use of open-source code.
Sometime in 2016, it was confirmed that WhatsApp shared metadata with Facebook. A few months back, a sudden downtime also occurred on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram platforms confirming the need for an alternative platform.
This guide contains detailed information about WhatsApp alternatives, some of which make use of open source code (end-to-end encryption).
Best WhatsApp Alternatives Apps
WhatsApp today is the most popular messaging app with millions of users. With a consistent upgrade on its product making, it is number one. And it has remained unmatched for a long while now in the tech space. Other apps could only try to meet up. However, users have repeatedly expressed displeasure with its privacy policy and sought a haven elsewhere. You will find below, in no particular order, a list of go-to alternative apps:
1. Facebook
Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook in 2004. This app is, without a doubt, one of the most popular messaging apps. With its Lite version, Facebook offers fascinating features like stories, a section for videos, pages, creation, etc. Its primary objective is to connect people and enable the building of communities. Facebook also allows straightforward interpersonal messaging, sending pictures and videos, GIFs, and commenting on people’s timelines. It also enables users to save pictures and videos. Its messages are also encrypted.
2. Telegram
Telegram was founded by Pavel Durov who is a Russian developer. It has gained widespread acceptance with 500 million users around the globe. Iran boasts the most extensive user base, with over 40 million users. This messaging app remains one of the closest competitors to WhatsApp, with certain unique features. Telegram groups can accommodate 100,000 persons, unlike WhatsApp, with 256 persons. Bots can be used to manage these groups. Files up to 1.5GB can be transferred per time. Its messages have the ability to self-erase.
Telegram messenger also offers the unique feature of being used on many devices simultaneously. They also have a non-data disclosure policy. Although on the flip side, telegram does not enable group video calls.
3. Snapchat
Snapchat is mainly a social app. However, many users appreciate it as a messaging app. The disappearing messages feature was made famous by Snapchat. It has a map and game feature that allows users to play games and discover events happening in the world. A built-in feature helps a user know when a co-user takes a screenshot of their chats. This app can be used to create gifs, group chats, group voice calls, etc.
4. Discord
Discord has a variety of servers that can be explored. Discord, primarily being a platform where gamers come to interact, has had its messaging feature grossly overlooked. Discord strongly encourages participating in communities. This has given rise to jobs like discord managers. Discord could be used to chat and send GIFs, emojis, and documents.
5. Zoom
Technology has made the world a global village, yet even Zoom finds a way to make this more awesome. With the need to physically see loved ones, colleagues, and friends rising, zoom came in to feel this void well, especially during the covid-19 pandemic. This singular intervention saw couples tying the knot over zoom videos with family members on the other end of those videos. It also gave rise to jobs like Zoom MCs and moderators.
6. Viber
Viber has a worldwide user base of over one billion persons. It is a product of Rakuten, a Japanese company and the official sponsor of Fc Barcelona. It is mainly used in Russia and Asia-pacific. Its group chats can take up to 250 members, with its video calls being 20 members. It is compatible with Symbian, blackberry, iOS, etc. Upon registration, users are automatically connected to contacts using the Viber app.
7. Bridgefy
This Mexico-based company allows its users around a 100 meters radius to email messages to themselves as long as an active Bluetooth connection exists. This is an offline messaging feature that comes in handy during server downtime. It also enables encrypted messages.
8. Signal
This app’s primary focus is on privacy and personal security, just as its motto suggests. The signal is also one of the few apps sustained via donations. It also does not support affiliate marketing and ads.
9. Hangouts
Google hangouts links all google accounts around the globe. It can be operated on iOS and Android. Its features enable the sending and receiving emojis, stickers, messages, photos, etc.
10. WeChat
WeChat has a tremendous globe-wide user base of over 600 million users. It has been widely debated to be the natural successor of WhatsApp. Its registration process requires only a phone number and verification to go on the app. It adequately meets its user’s Image, messaging, and photo sharing needs.
Conclusion
WhatsApp today arguably still sits top Of the most popular messaging apps. Its alternatives in the past years have also experienced mainstream adoption. This enables users to pick apps that meet their privacy needs and ultimate satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Indian App Can Replace WhatsApp?
Sanders is the popular alternative for WhatsApp and other messaging apps proferred by the Indian government.
2. How Much Does WhatsApp Cost?
WhatsApp Is without subscriptions or fees. It uses WiFi or data connection on the phone or computer system.
3. How Does Zoom Make Money?
Zoom usually generates revenue through advertising, having a stake in startups, subscription fees, etc.
4. What Is WhatsApp GB?
This is the cloned messenger version of the original WhatsApp.
