Do you want to build a chat app?

Well, chatting apps are very popular, to say the least.

As of January 2022, two billion users were accessing WhatsApp messenger on a monthly basis. And this is just one platform. The total number of messaging app users is projected to grow 3.51 billion users in 2025.

In fact, you don’t even need to look at statistics, look at your phone and the people around you. Anyone who has a smartphone most definitely uses a messaging app.

Now, 3/4th of the world’s population has a smartphone, so can do the math from here.

The point is there are billions of chatting app users in the world. This has allowed the companies who own these apps to generate billions of dollars.

This huge opportunity has attracted a lot of other businesses and start-ups from across the United States of America and the world to build a chat app of their own. If you are one of these, this blog is for you.

Here, we will be going through everything related to developing and deploying a market leading instant messaging app. Therefore, with this being said, let’s get right into it

Chat App Development: What Is It?

Chat app development refers to the technical process through which a team of developers creates a chatting application.

Now, as far as chatting apps are concerned, everyone already knows what these are. The app allows you to communicate with other users using the same application. This is the basic functionality of the chat app.

Nevertheless, based on the solution, you can also do other things like sharing files, sending photos, videos, audios, and so on. In addition, some platform also allows you to even call other users.

Speaking of which, now that you know what a chat application is in definition, it is time to look at some of the reasons to build a chat app.

Reason To Build a Chat App

Reason To Build a Chat App

Why should you build a chat app? if you are asking the same question. In this section of the blog, you’ll get 5 reasons to do make a chat app.

Therefore, with this being said, let’s get right into it:

  • Secure Communication

We live in an age of technology. Technology has become a synonym for convenience. However, people often trade their privacy for convenience, as larger platforms collect and sell your data.

In a landscape like this, secure communication is highly valued. And this is also one of the essential functionalities of a chatting app.

By using various technologies like end-to-end encryption, chatting apps make conversations between two users completely private and secure.

  • Huge Market Demand

There are more than 6 billion smartphone users; this means about 80% of the world’s population. And it is safe to say, the majority of them use some form of instant messaging application.

Moreover, as time progresses, the number of users is also increasing, and so is the demand for these apps. This is one of the key ingredients that make the chat app industry that much more interesting.

So, if you are looking for a huge user base, you should hire dedicated developers and build a chat app.

  • Revenue Generation Opportunity

One of the basic goals of any business is to generate revenue and grow so they can generate more revenue, and so on.

Now, there are some industries that are more restrictive when it comes to revenue generation and on the other hand, others are just gold ones.

It is safe to say that the one we are discussing today is the latter one. The chatting app development industry offers amazing revenue generation opportunities while allowing companies like yours to grow to the next level.

This is yet another good reason to invest your money in and build a chat app.

  • Easy Integration with Other Platforms

Well, as most of you already know, today, a communication app isn’t the only one that allows you to exchange an extent.

Even social media app development integrates this functionality. And so does the eCommerce platform. This gives you another reason to develop a chat app, as you can integrate it with other platforms.

  • Share Files & Other Media

Sharing files is one of the largest issues among smartphone users. And if you don’t already know, a phone user doesn’t really like sending emails.

But no needs to worry because chatting apps are here to save the day. These apps based on the specifications allow you to share small or even large files almost instantaneously.

In addition to this, you can also share other forms of media like photos, videos, music, and so on. These have become some essential functionality.

What Is The Most Popular Messaging App 2022? Example of Instant Messaging Apps

It goes without saying that there are many messaging apps on the market. And since we are discussing developing one, looking at a few examples won’t hurt.

Therefore, we shall be looking at some of the best chatting app in 2022.

1) IMessage

IMessage

If you are an Apple fan, you know what iMessage is and how amazing this chatting app is. Restricted to iOS devices, iMessage is one of the best chatting apps out there. And needless to say, it has come a long way since it was first launched in the year 2011.

It has several unique and amazing features like sending a message in unique styles, SMS, and chatting support, among other things. Let’s look at some of the other features of this platform.

Top Features

  • Facilitates group messages
  • Typing indicator
  • Complete SMS support
  • Audio messages
  • File sharing

 

2) WhatsApp

Whatsapp

WhatsApp is one of the largest messaging apps out there. And it means business.

There are no useless features and gets you straight to messaging. In addition to this, it is very fast, and secure. It is the pinnacle of instant messaging app development.

And this is what the founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton wanted it to be. As of today, this platform has over 2 billion people in over 180 countries. In fact, it has become an essential app on people’s phones and has successfully replaced traditional SMS-based communication.

Top Features

  • Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and web compatibility
  • End-to-end encryption.
  • Create Group upto 256 users.
  • Share photos, video, and audio messages.
  • Voice and video calls.
  • Share Files

.

3) Slack

Slack

The previous picks on the list are aimed at the general public. But slack on the other hand is made for professionals.

It allows effortless communication between a team and amazing features to facilitate the same. This is what led to over 10,000,000+ downloads.

This serves as a good example for chatting mobile app development.  With this being said, let’s look at the feature of this application:

Top Features

  • Conversation organization by topics and projects.
  • Personally message any team member
  • Call team mates
  • Share work related documents
  • Integrate tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and others.
  • Customizable notifications.
  • Cross-platform – Android, iOS, web, and desktop.

cta mobile app idea

 

Essential Feature To Include In Chat App Development

The feature of the messaging application is what drives the platform. And if you want to create the best chat app, you should have a good feature.

In this section, we shall be looking at the basic features that you should consider including in chatting applications. These are, as mentioned below:

End-to-End EncryptionsMessage BroadcastingAI-based Chatbots User Login
GeolocationPush NotificationsCloud storage & backupCross-platform functionality
Video CallingVoice CallingShare FilesUnsend Message
Emoji & AnimationStatusCreate GroupEdit Message

 

These are some of the basic features to include when you are consulting on-demand app development services. Therefore, with this out of the way, let’s look at the different methods through which you can monetize the application.

How To Monetization Messaging App

Monetization of an application refers to enabling it to generate revenue.  And boy, if that isn’t something that you want to do.

Now, there are a few methods through which this can be done. So, before you hire dedicated android app developers to create your own app, let’s look at the monetization strategies.

  • Instant In-chat Pay.
  • Content Merchandising
  • Subscription
  • Sponsorship

These are some popular ways to develop money through your messaging application. With this said, let’s see how you can build a chat app.

cta mobile app idea

 

How To Build A Chat App? Custom Chat App Development

How To Build A Chat App? Custom Chat App Development

Mobile app development isn’t rocket science. But it is fairly complex.

You have to follow a whole process that involves several steps to build chat app. Therefore, with this being said, let’s get right into it:

1) Conceptualization

The first step of developing a chat app is to come up with a concept or idea for your chat app.

There is no method to this, but once you are done with this, we can move to the next process.

2) Research

Research is an important process where you will be collecting information related to your application and the industry in general.

It is also highly recommended that you look at the competitors as well as their strategies.

3) Cross-Check Idea

With the information we collected in the previous set, we shall be cross-checking the app. This is an important step that you need to do before you consult on demand app development services.

Here, you need to make sure whether the concept is original, whether is there an audience base for it and if there are enough revenue generation opportunities.

4) Monetization

We already discussed monetization before, so, we won’t be going too deep into it here.

But this is where the preparation stage end.

5) Hire Mobile App Developer

It is time to hire mobile app developer.

Now, there are two ways you can go here. You can either look for iPhone app developers for hire or look for android app development services.

However, if you are looking for cross-platform solution, you can consider hybrid app development.

6) Finalize Tech Stack

Once you have hired developers, it is time to choose a tech stack.

Tech stack refers to the technologies which are used to build a chat app. This includes programming languages, frameworks, toolkits, and so on.

MEAN stack development is a popular example of the same.

7) Front-End Development

Real development starts with front-end development.

Here, UI/UX Designers will be creating the interface with a beautiful design. This is quite an essential component that drives user engagement, creating leads.

This is an important part of the development and it is recommended that you maintain good communication with the development side.

8) Back-End Development

This is where the mobile app development services will be writing the source code of the application and combining different components to create the final version.

Needless to say, it is quite an intensive process that requires a lot of resources. Therefore, it is very time-consuming.

9) Testing & Deployment

Once the back-end development is done, it is time to test the application.

Following testing, the app is deployed. As such, it is very simple to launch an android app on Google play and the same goes for iOS.

10) Maintenance

With all done, it is time to enable mobile app maintenance services. This helps your chat app become successful and stay that way.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Chat App?

The cost to build a chat app is not all that easy to predicate since every project is unique in its own right. As such, there are various factors involved here that can affect the price. Some of these are, as mentioned below:

PlatformSizeComplexityAPI integration
Developer LocationSecurityDevelopment TimeHosting

These are some of the factors which can affect the development cost. Nevertheless, the average cost to build a chat app may range from $25,000 to $65,000.

 


cta mobile app idea

 

Conclusion

Chatting apps are growing more and more popular day by day. These platforms are generating millions in revenue and helping businesses grow.

If you want to build a chat app for your business, it is highly recommended that you consult mobile app Development Company that will help you with the same.

FAQ

Some of the popular messaging apps in 2022 are, as mentioned below:

  • WeChat
  • Whatsapp
  • Telegram
  • Slack
  • Skype

The average cost to build a chat app can be anywhere between $25,000 and $65,000. However, there are several different factors involved here which can affect the cost.

If you are looking for a closer cost estimation, all you need to do is reach out to a mobile app development company.

If you are looking for the best messaging app Development Company, you are at the right place. Nimble AppGenie is a market leading on demand app Development Company with years worth of experience.

All you need to do is reach out to us and we will help you bring your idea to reality.