Most people couldn’t survive without at least two messaging applications on their smartphones. Thanks to the ubiquity of smartphones and fast internet connections these days, communicating via SMS continues to inch toward obsolescence. While most messaging platforms work the same way, a few subtle differences set apart some apps from the rest. Take Kik, for example, which has been providing a fast and secure communication channel to its users for over a decade.
Back in October 2019, news about Kik shutting down roamed the web. At the last minute, however, the company announced that they weren’t going anywhere, much to the delight of longtime fans. Still, the news forced plenty of users to look for Kik alternatives.
Even if you already have your staples, it’s worth checking out other messaging platforms to see how they compare to your favorite. If you want to try apps like Kik, then the following should rank at top of your list.
What is Kik and why is it so popular?
Kik Messenger is a multi-platform application. It was created in 2009 by University of Waterloo students. The Kik app’s original version was created for the Blackberry operating system. Kik became accessible for Android and iOS users a few years later.
Kik is now the simplest method to communicate with pals from all around the globe. However, the software has evolved into much more than a talking app. Kik has also received $120.5 million in financing. Doesn’t it sound impressive?
Kik had 300 million active users in its early years and was utilized by over half of US adolescents in 2016. Unfortunately, it is the most recent statistics available for the number of users. Since 2016, the corporation has not released any statistics.
One feature that distinguishes Kik is that it does not need you to provide your phone number. Kik needs just an email address to join up and begin sending messages.
Best Messaging Apps like Kik
1. Messenger
Here’s another one from Facebook. Messenger’s popularity has surged, owing mostly to its connection with Facebook. Given that this social networking site has an astounding 1 billion users, it’s no wonder that many individuals utilize Messenger as well. You might argue that Messenger is the most user-friendly program for connecting with pals.
If you dislike Facebook, you should be aware that Messenger needs a Facebook profile, but the Facebook app does not need to be installed on your device. This is a positive, particularly for people worried about their privacy. However, Messenger displays advertisements on its platform, which may be annoying at times.
2. Telegram
Telegram is the least popular messenger in the United States, although it is gaining popularity in Europe. The app, which was launched in 2013, has over 200 million active users. Telegram has the same fundamental functionality as any other messenger in terms of features and capabilities. However, it has no competitors in terms of security.
The app’s first priority is to keep all of your communications confidential with end-to-end encryption. Its technology prohibits anybody other than the two persons involved in the chat from viewing the texts.
3. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is not as popular in the United States as it is everywhere in the globe. It’s the most used messaging app in over 100 countries, which speaks much about how stable the platform is. In case you didn’t know, WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, which paid $16 billion for it in 2014.
WhatsApp’s finest feature is its simplicity. You might call it a pure messaging app, with all the functions you need and none of the clutter. Users can effortlessly explore because of the clean and straightforward UI. And by clean, we mean no advertisements or in-app purchases. The software is also lightweight, making it a good option for low- to mid-range devices.
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4. Tango
Tango has grown in popularity in recent years, due to the unique platform that distinguishes it from other messaging apps. Its platform is more akin to a social network newsfeed, where you may submit status updates and see those of others. This app includes everything you need, but users adore it for its Tinder-like function that allows you to communicate with new people.
Looking at other users’ profiles, you may swipe left or right depending on whether you wish to start a discussion or not. Tango also provides significant discounts on major goods, so if you like online shopping, you may want to abandon Kik for a while and move to this app.
5. MeWe
People are becoming increasingly aware of MeWe, a social site that aims to compete with behemoths like Facebook and Instagram. If you’re weary of being inundated with advertisements, there is a Kik-like app you should absolutely check out. Aside from standard features like texting, group chats, and file sharing, the site promises to be free of propaganda.
Users do not have to fear censorship, according to MeWe. That may work in both directions. However, MeWe is a terrific option for folks who desire complete control over their material. The only drawback is that you must pay a monthly membership fee. If you wish to test the waters, there is a free trial available.
6. Threema
Threema is a mobile messaging software with a user experience similar to Whatsapp. You may use this tool to communicate photos, text messages, and GPS coordinates in the conversation. It also syncs all of your contact lists so you can simply discover app users.
Threema prioritizes security and privacy, so you may connect with your friends, family, and team without worrying about someone reading your communications.
7. Fortknoxster
Fortknoxster is a private and secure communication app with military-grade encryption. This program was created by cyber-security professionals and is available for Windows, Mac, OS, and Linux. It allows you to communicate, send messages, conduct audio or video conversations, save data, and many other things.
Fortknoxster values privacy and data security while being simple to use and ad-free. You may communicate without worry since your secrets are secure!
8. Tox
Tox is a free and secure application that enables you to communicate with your team, friends, or family.
Instant messaging, phone and video conferencing, screen sharing, file sharing, and group conversations are among its capabilities.
Tox is a safe solution for online communication that is free to use, encrypted and has no advertising.
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Conclusion
One way to find an alternative to Kik is to look for a platform that offers what you need. The messaging app features of Kik will likely be replicated in the apps discussed above, so understanding what Kik offers in the areas of group chat, stickers, games, commerce, etc. will help you in your search for a more affordable messaging app.
So, this was our take on the 8 Best Messaging Apps like Kik of 2022. Share your opinions in the comment box below.
