Social mobile messaging apps are one of the most popular and fastest growing applications on iTunes and Google Play. Why is this the case? Money. While short Messaging Service (SMS) is great way to shoot your friends and family a brief message, there are limits. For example, SMS is limited to specific types of data and often charges for usage.
Because social mobile messaging apps don’t charge per message, they’ve become increasingly popular with today’s younger generation. Besides being a cost-effective way to send messages, these apps are also popular because users can have fun using a variety of extra features including stickers and emoticons.
With so many options to choose from, we decided to narrow down the selection and pick out our 12 favorite social mobile messaging apps.
12. Skype
Most people know that Skype works for video conferencing, but the app can also be used as a free messaging service on any iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, or Windows Phone.
11. Google Hangouts
Chances are that you already have a Gmail account, which makes Hangouts that much more convenient. It will import all your contacts so you can easily chat with your contacts in groups or individually easily.
10. MessageMe
MessageMe is a newer app with some interesting features like a walkie-talkie, photo and video sharing from Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or your camera, location share, and hundreds of available emojis.
9. Facebook Messenger
You’re probably already on Facebook, just like everyone else on the planet, so why not take advantage of its messenger? It’s easy to use and all your Facebook contacts are already there.
8. Piip
Piip has tons of features including unlimited group messages, message status reports, and photo, video, and audio sharing. It has support for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, and Windows Phone.
7. Tango
Tango has all the features of any good SMM app. You can send messages, make voice and video calls and send files, but it stands out with a very cool orange interface. Tango Messenger is supported on iOS and Android platforms.
6. Kik
If you’re looking for a fast and simple messenger, Kik is it. It’s a straightforward messenger that can send videos, photos, memes, voice messages, and sketches across iPhones, Android, Windows, and Blackberry phones.
5. TextFree
TextFree is the closest thing to SMS, meaning that it resembles receiving normal messages. Except that it’s free. A basic, but perhaps essential app, if you’re not into all the other fancy features.
4. LINE
Besides being supported by iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8, BlackBerry, and even the Nokia Asha platform, LINE has some nifty features including a Facebook-like timeline, group chat, and free games.
3. WeChat
WeChat is a popular option in China because of its features that range from chat, emoticons, connecting to Facebook, and the unique Look Around, Drift Bottles, and Shake features.
2. Viber
Why does Viber have over 200 million users? That’s easy. This app offers free text, calling, photo messages, and location-sharing with other Viber users.
1. WhatsApp
When it comes to mobile messaging apps, WhatsApp is top dog. It is easy to use and available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone, and Nokia. Users can send photos and videos, chat, and location share for just $0.99 USD a year after the first free trial year. That’s much cheaper than a carrier would charge if you’re message happy person.
Image via jmv/Flickr
