Whatsapp vs Kik Messenger is the top messenger loosing ground?
Billion dollar deal was the highest that has ever been reported for this type of acquisition. It begs many questions for the typical user. What is Whatsapp? How is it different from other messenger services? The recent buzz…
Billion dollar deal was the highest that has ever been reported for this type of acquisition. It begs many questions for the typical user. What is Whatsapp? How is it different from other messenger services? The recent buzz has generated more questions than answers. While being one of the biggest messaging services in the whole world, Whatsapp has still been slow to gain a steady following in America. However, that is changing due to the recent acquisition. Today we are going to be looking at the features of Whatsapp to determine what kind of messaging program it is. We will then be comparing it to another messaging service, Kik Messenger. By looking at the features individually, you will be able to decide which messaging service works for you.
It is of note that both of these messengers are primarily for mobile phones. The target market is outside of the United States. In Whatsapp, contacts are added automatically to your phone when you input a phone number, there is no searching for friends. More or less, if you do not have access to their phone number, you will not be able to talk to them. This privacy insures that you will only be able to talk to contacts you are interested in talking to. Kik Messenger is almost the complete opposite in this regard, it allows you to add screen names and search for users without ever needing their phone number. These features make Whatsapp feel more like a texting app, and Kik messenger more like a chatting app. The openness of Kik ensures that you will feel comfortable adding people and talking, which is what both of the apps want you to do.
The Kik messenger brings some very interesting features to the table. It includes a browser that functions like an attached application that allows you to surf the internet while you talk to people. But, the browser has additional functionality as well. It allows you to apply memes, links, pictures, and other content straight from the browser to your text conversation. These features turn Kik into more of a content “hangout”, rather than strictly a talking application. On the other hand Whatsapp has more effective group messaging that allows you to share contact with an entire group of your friends. Kik allows group chat as well, but the functionality is not as integrated and is a step below Whatsapp.
The price models of Whatsapp and Kik messenger are different as well. Kik Messenger relies on in-app purchases to make their model profitable. While Whatsapp allows you to use its service for free for a year and then pay around $.99 for every additional year. Overall, Kik has a more youthful feel and energy. By allowing users to more easily access content and internet memes, Kik has put itself in the position to attract a younger user base. It’s likely that Kik’s users are happy that they don’t have to share too much information in order to get to know somebody. This is particularly helpful for meeting new people online. Whatsapp is the more seasoned chatting app, its users are typically a little older and mature. With Whatsapp you are going to get unique functionality without too many bells and whistles. The system is fully integrated and makes for a great chatting experience. Overall, Whatsapp wins by a nose. It’s hard to beat the smoothness and functionality that Whatsapp offers with the wide variety of content. Both these apps are going to continue to grow for years to come, it makes sense to keep an eye on them.
