What are WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber?

What are WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber - briefly?

WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber are popular messaging applications used worldwide for instant communication. Each platform offers unique features such as end-to-end encryption, group chats, and multimedia sharing.

What are WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber - in detail?

WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber are three of the most popular messaging applications in the world today. Each platform offers unique features that cater to different user preferences and needs.

WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging app owned by Meta (formerly Facebook). It was launched in 2009 and has since become one of the most widely used communication tools globally, with over two billion users. WhatsApp allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, share media files such as images and videos, and create groups for group chats. One of its standout features is end-to-end encryption, which ensures that all communications are secure and private. Additionally, WhatsApp offers a feature called "Status," which allows users to post updates that disappear after 24 hours, similar to Instagram Stories. The app is available on multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and desktop.

Telegram, founded in 2013 by Pavel and Nikolai Durov, is known for its focus on speed and security. It boasts over 500 million active users worldwide. Telegram provides a range of features similar to WhatsApp, including text messaging, voice calls, and the ability to create groups. However, it stands out with its support for larger group sizes (up to 200,000 members) and channels that allow one-way communication from broadcasters to subscribers. Telegram also offers advanced privacy settings, such as self-destructing messages and secret chats with end-to-end encryption. Another unique feature is the ability to edit sent messages, which is particularly useful for correcting typos or updating information. Telegram is available on Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and desktop platforms.

Viber, established in 2010 by Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinik, has a user base of over one billion users. Viber started as a voice-over-IP (VoIP) application but has since evolved into a full-featured messaging platform. It allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share multimedia content. One of its distinguishing features is the ability to make international calls at low rates or for free using Viber Out. Additionally, Viber offers group chats, public accounts for businesses, and a feature called "Community" that allows users to join groups based on shared interests. Viber also provides end-to-end encryption for messages, ensuring user privacy. The app is available on various platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and desktop.

In summary, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber are powerful messaging applications that offer a range of features to suit different needs. While they share many similarities, each platform has unique strengths that make it appealing to specific user groups.