logo
logo
Sign in

How to Create a Messaging Application from Scratch

avatar
Lana Voutik
How to Create a Messaging Application from Scratch

A website or chat application that allows users to send and receive instant messages is known as a messaging app. Think about the most popular messaging services, such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. Which one do you use?


Are you thinking about developing messaging applications? Maybe you require a new chat application to enhance internal business processes at your own organization. Or do you simply wish to monopolize the market for texting apps?


Online communication is now considered the norm. Most of our daily activities rely on messaging programs like WhatsApp.


Imagine that, according to Microfocus, each minute over 100 million communications are sent out throughout the entire world. It seems reasonable that the market for messaging apps is expanding quickly.


3,093 billion individuals frequently used chat applications in 2021. This figure is predicted to increase and reach $3.51 billion by 2025.


Why Do People Use Messaging Apps?

Do you have any idea how many texts are exchanged per minute—over 41 million? The majority of users use messaging applications, which account for over 80% of overall smartphone usage. People definitely require chat applications to remain in touch for both personal and professional reasons, therefore there are plenty of growth opportunities in this market.


go. is the most widely used instant messaging program based on daily active users, as seen in this data visualization video.


This blog offers a comprehensive introduction to the technology and business specifics if you have an idea for a novel messenger.


  • What features in messaging software nowadays are essential?
  • Innovative features that will make you stand out.
  • Technologies used and the tech stack of the market leaders (WhatsApp, Skype).
  • Creating a messenger's revenue stream.
  • Obstacles encountered in developing messaging apps.



Get to the main points immediately away.


Let's start by outlining the features you need to include to create a marketable product.


These days, it's important to implement some form of innovation to make the app interesting to the target customers and include the essential elements that would make the system function.


The plan is to launch a messaging platform with key features and differentiators that are embodied in its distinctive user experience and interesting features. The following stage is to expand this chat app MVP depending on input from actual users.


Key Features in Messaging Apps

Let's examine the key aspects that ought to be applied to messaging in 2022.



Authorization

Users of the app need should be able to register for personal accounts. The smart move is to create a one-click user sign-up option via social networks (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).


You can incorporate phone numbers or email authorization, depending on the goals of the app. With the aid of an SMS confirmation, it is feasible to communicate with the device for greater security.


Access to Contacts

Your messaging platform should constantly access current user contacts and import them into the messaging service for a better user experience. A clever move would be to draw attention to end users whose connections are already using this messenger and provide an invitation option for those who don't.


The ability for users to invite everyone else to join the messenger is also a good feature.


Advanced Chat Options

In this fiercely competitive market, it is challenging to develop a solution that is on par with the industry heavyweights like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Your messaging platform should have the bare minimum of features as a starting project in order to be accepted.


Consider innovative solutions for the upgrade and final deployment that will be beneficial. Your product can flourish in the market by integrating popular social networks and creating a more individualized user experience.


Exchange Messages and Files

Users nowadays require the ability to share files, films, photographs, and other types of material. As a result, confirm that your messaging app accepts various app attachments.


Different APIs can be used to accomplish this feature. Don't forget that your app ought to have the ability to transmit files from the device and instantly record in-app moments.


Sharing Real-Time Location Information

In a lot of applications, users may share their location with others, including parking lots, workplaces, dining establishments, etc. On iOS and Android, this capability was created using CLLocationManager Class packages.


Push Notifications

It is a crucial component of the creation of any messaging app. It is the feature that enables the user to see if a message has been sent or not. To enable this capability, developers work with Apple Push Notifications and Google Cloud Messaging.

Hire dedicated app developers and get secure, scalable,and advanced apps at 70% less cost.


Cloud Storage and Backup

Your application must be configurable if you want to increase customer pleasure and user retention. The notion of modifying app layouts, themes, and colors to make them more appealing and customized is well-received by consumers. When creating the list of app features, keep this in mind.



Chat App Monetization Strategies

How can your messaging service be made profitable?


We offer a solution for you with a few ways to create money streams for this kind of software. These tactics consist of:


In-chat advertising:

Ads may be inserted into the chat app in a variety of ways. This can be a native ad, pop-up ad, banner ad, or another type. This tactic is used by Viber Messenger, which generates millions by displaying customized adverts and messages.


In-app purchases:

According to this approach, users must pay to access some premium app features, eliminate messaging app advertisements, buy sticker packs, or play video games. The LINE chat app employs the latter option, allowing users to play directly within the messenger.


In-app payments:

This is consistent with the traditional monetization method, in which customers pay through chat applications.


Integration of a chatbot:

Once your software has a user base and generates interest, you may employ this sophisticated monetization option. Making pertinent suggestions enables you to increase your CTR (click-through rate) and generate income.


Sponsorship:

This business strategy makes money by using in-app sponsorship to promote brands. The optimal time to employ this strategy is once your program has a sufficient user base.


Pay per download:

If you are certain that your software will work uniquely and differently and you have tested the idea that customers would pay for the app, you may employ this approach. Users often only purchase highly specialized, high-performing apps.


Subscription fee:

Equivalent to pay per download, but only when users of messaging apps receive a regular payment (e.g, monthly, annual basis). The initial cost of WhatsApp after a trial period was $0.99 per year, which is an intriguing statistic.


Content merchandising:

making chat themes, background images, and stickers for any company. The application and the company benefit from brand promotion in a win-win situation.


Official accounts:

Brands, prominent personalities, or celebrities that want to communicate closely with their fans should use this sort of messaging app.


White labeling:

This approach presupposes the creation of chat applications for customer service or internal business use.


Your monetization plan should be determined by market analysis and the existing user experience, regardless of the approach you choose. Additionally, customers today want premium app functionality and service quality in order to pay for it.


Wrapping Up!

Finally, only the bold pursue success.


The market for messaging apps provides untapped features and engagement opportunities for users.


Study the products from WhatsApp and Facebook to get started, then get in touch with a mobile app development company.


We can describe the project development process in more detail, design app functionality with you in accordance with your aims, and provide a preliminary estimate of your project's cost and duration. By the time you're done, you'll have a sound strategy for creating a distinctive messaging application.


collect
0
avatar
Lana Voutik
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more