According to a recent report, chat apps or messaging apps are now more popular than SMS messages. The news comes from Informa, who have said that there are now more chat messages sent per day than standard text messages.
In 2012, there were around 17.6 billion text messages sent per day. This compares to 19 billion messages sent per day from chat or messaging apps like WhatsApp, BlackBerry Messenger, and more.
The Rise of Messaging Apps
The rise in popularity of messaging apps can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the cost of sending messages via these apps is significantly lower than traditional SMS, especially for international communication. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat use internet data to send messages, which can be more economical for users who have access to Wi-Fi or affordable data plans.
Moreover, messaging apps offer a richer communication experience. Unlike SMS, which is limited to text, these apps allow users to send multimedia messages, including photos, videos, voice notes, and even documents. This added functionality makes them more appealing to users who want to share more than just text.
Future Predictions and Trends
Both text and chat messages are expected to increase next year. Informa has predicted that the gap between the two will get larger, with a prediction of 21 billion text messages compared to 50 billion app messages being sent per day. This trend is likely to continue as more people gain access to smartphones and the internet.
Another factor contributing to the growth of messaging apps is the increasing integration of these apps with other services. For example, WeChat in China is not just a messaging app but also a platform for payments, shopping, and even booking services. This multifunctionality makes such apps indispensable in daily life, further driving their usage.
Additionally, the rise of end-to-end encryption in messaging apps has made them more secure, attracting users who are concerned about privacy. Apps like Signal and Telegram have gained popularity for their strong security features, offering an alternative to traditional SMS, which is less secure.
The demographic shift also plays a role in this trend. Younger generations, who are more tech-savvy, prefer the versatility and features of messaging apps over traditional SMS. This shift is evident in the increasing number of younger users who are adopting these apps as their primary mode of communication.
The shift from SMS to messaging apps is a clear indication of how technology is evolving to meet the needs of modern communication. With the continuous advancements in smartphone technology and internet accessibility, it is expected that messaging apps will continue to dominate the communication landscape. The convenience, cost-effectiveness, and rich features offered by these apps make them a preferred choice for users worldwide.
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