The first step to developing a messaging app is to define its functionality. Functionality along with the in-app content is a strong motivator for the users. Picking the right features is the key to creating a successful app.
Basic features of a messaging app:
Here are some features that are a perfect fit for a messaging app.
Authorization:
Authorization must be a part of a messaging app because it offers security. These kinds of apps offer the following ways to sign up:
Email
Phone number
Social media accounts
Check: social media app development
Import contacts:
A messaging app must offer a satisfying user experience and the ability to automatically import contacts helps ensure it. The application must be able to scan contacts and send them to the server. It is smart to add the feature that allows the user to know about the contacts that are also using the app.
The app must also offer other ways to find their contacts like searching using email, etc. Adding a feature that encourages existing users to send invites to people in their contact list is also a smart choice.
Instant messaging:
Sending quick messages is the central feature of a messaging app. There are a variety of different ways to implement the feature. The main difference between the methods is the way data is transmitted. In one method the messages are passed from user-to-user and in the other method, they are passed through a server.
If you want the messaging app to feature audio and video chat then you will need to add audio and video codecs. The video can be transferred from user-to-user or through a server.
Sharing files:
The users of a messaging app must be able to share files with their contacts. Developers need to add specific APIs and pass the data to servers using RESTful or SOAP APIs. The feature will allow users to send and receive files.
Tracking location:
Geolocation tracking is a cool feature to add to a messaging app. It will allow the users to easily share their location with their contacts.
Encryption:
Protection of personal data is crucial and the messaging must ensure that the personal data of the users is in safe hands. The app must have strong and reliable encryption so the security of the users is ensured.
Reliable security features are a must for a messaging app. People want to feel safe while conversing and sharing important files with their contacts. Make sure that your app has a couple of data privacy and security features.
Additional features:
The basic function of a messaging app is sending text messages but with increasing competition and the evolution of IT technologies, people expect more. Here are some additional features that can make the app unique.
In-app video and voice calls:
Users love messaging apps that offer communication options other than texting. The app can offer ways video and audio calls and also offer ways to gather video streams and distribute them.
Channels:
The app should allow the users to join communities as it encourages people to communicate with like-minded people.
Self-destructing messages:
The feature has become pretty popular in recent years as it offers users some control over their data.
What makes a successful messaging app?
Two things are essential for the success of a messaging app and they are as following:
Availability across multiple platforms:
To attract a wide range of customers, make sure the application can be used on multiple operating systems. Creating a web version along with the iOS and Android version is a smart move.
Cloud synchronization:
The feature allows users to synchronize all the messages and shared files. The synchronization feature is effective in offering a better messaging experience.
Original source: make a messaging app
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