Instant messaging apps are in high demand not only with the millennials, Gen Z but across people of all ages. It has become a mainstream mode of communication and occupies undivided appreciation from all.
Especially in the midst of the global pandemic Coronavirus, when meeting people in person is life-threatening, the chat applications have kept people connected and helped them stay afloat mentally, and also helped many businesses to keep functioning.
The role of a messaging app or a chat app has not been just limited to message exchange now. It includes various features like audio and video calling, group chat, sharing documents and other media, etc. It has garnered a wider area which is beyond just entertainment.
As we speak of messaging apps, the first name to pop up in our head is, undeniably, “Whatsapp”. It can be said that Whatsapp is the ultimate app ever created in messaging app development. It has perfected its features as they completely understand their target audience.
So, if you are looking for messaging app development, you should not only have proper monetization strategies but also try to create an app that is competent with Whatsapp.
Things to include in Your Chat app, like Whatsapp
When you think of building an instant messaging app or a chat app that is similar or even better than Whatsapp, there are a few basic things that you need to understand which are extremely important to be present in your mobile app.
These would be the things that will fetch you active-users as just getting maximum downloads from app stores is not the ultimate goal. There is a reason why Whatsapp is just not another social media mobile application or a simple app for text messaging. You must be ready to create something holistic.
Offer the highest level of security:
Users of the chat app expect that all their data like messages exchanged, photos & other media shared, etc. remains completely secure. It should not be susceptible to intruders by any means and the exchange of messages remain only between them.
An additional feature is a unique way in which you allow your users to customize their privacy settings. Features like blocking unwanted messages, muting certain chats, notifications, etc. can be very helpful to the users.
Offer Personalization:
A very important aspect of what most users on social media yearn for is a platform where they can represent themselves in the best possible and creative manner. While a few basics like handle name, profile picture exist, your messaging app development should be more than just conversations, enabling stories, and posts.
- Unique Features:
- Cross-Platform Development:
- Consistency is the Key:
Regular updates and responses to their problems can take you a long way in running a successful app. There is always room for the betterment of your app.
Major Steps to Create a Whatsapp-like Messaging App
The following are the few steps that must definitely be followed for creating a successful chatting app.
- Analyze the software product market, the viability of the app you are planning to create. IDentify the loopholes in the existing ones and highlight what will be your KPI.
- Formulate a business strategy. Right from the team you hire for development, t sales, marketing, your target area, your monetization strategy, etc. everything needs to be discussed with your stakeholders.
- Hire a team of expert mobile app developers. Decide their location of operation and narrow down pointers and terms that you would work with. Being on the same page at this stage is extremely important. You need a passionate team.
- Build app architecture.
- Add MVP (Minimum Viable Product) features and test their functioning.
- Pay attention to the design, UI, and UX of your app. They are as important as the coding part. It can be a driving feature for such apps.
- Launch a Beta version. Prepare for the final launch.
A very important tip for creating any such mobile application is the implementation of the Agile methodology. It can create wonders and will help in creating an up-to-date version of the app. It is no surprise that the basic version of an app you want to create would take atleast 3-5 months and for it to be absolutely independent in running, it would take further long.
With the Agile approach, there is room for making additions and prioritizing what you want to ultimately create so that there is no disappointment in the end.
Final Words:
While it might seem like a daunting task to create an app that can beat the existing apps like Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Skype, Snapchat, Discord, etc., it is not impossible. Each of these is famous as they have some functionalities which appeal to a specific audience and are better at it than others.
So, if you have an idea, there is no reason why you cannot create a chat app like Whatapp or even better than it.