What Are the Features You Need in a Smart Messaging Application?

Messaging applications have become such an integral part of our daily communication that without these we could not get the feeling of communicated properly. The first SMS was sent in 1992, and near the time of twentieth-century Instant Messaging platforms like AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), Yahoo! Messenger, MSM Messenger took off. In a short period of time, these IM platforms gained huge popularity because of the extra functionalities they provide beside simple chatting e.g. share files, play games etc. Along with the days’ technology was getting more advanced and new players were getting involved with some niche functionality. Skype came in 2003 and allows to communicate the internet user by voice and video call.

But in the 2010s, instant messaging experiences a renaissance, as the smartphone adoption grew at a higher rate and new apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, WeChat, Snapchat change the previous concept of instant messaging. Now consumers have developed a habit of clinging to a device(smartphone) all the time and need not prearrange a situation for chatting. IM became instantaneous and without warning. At present, internet access has become widely available and cheap. This “easier to access” has driven the need to stay connected higher than ever. And all these factors play the role behind the rise of the IM apps. People connected to the internet spend most of their time on IM apps. In 2016, there were 1.58 billion people using over-the-top messaging apps to communicate which has now increased to 2.18 billion people in 2019 (Source: Statista.com). In terms of the monthly active user, the top IM apps have surpassed the top social networks. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat and QQ Mobile have monthly active users of 1.6 billion, 1.3 billion, 1.1 billion and 0.8 billion respectively as of April 2019 (Source: Statista.com). While the monthly active users of Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter are respectively 2.3 billion, 1 billion, 0.33 billion and 0.30 billion (Source: Statista.com).

People are getting more attached to the IM apps because of the continuous development these apps have made on their services. More new features, concerning on robust communication, security, user experience and additional services, are making people stay on these IM platforms.
Features have been the ground depending on which IM apps try to scale up and capture the position in a competitive market. Over time, previously known as advanced features have turned into basics now. After getting through a long road of evolution, the following features are now treated as must-have features in a smart messaging application.

Encryption and Security

Daily huge amount of data is transferred over the messaging applications. Users often share personal and confidential files over these platforms. So respect for the users’ privacy and security should be high on the priority list. Here the End-to-End Encryption feature appears. This confirms the user that their data shared over a particular messaging platform is safe and cannot be breached by any third party or even by the platform itself. It gives a message of assurance that while using their platform users’ privacy are safeguarded. Having this feature is a must for messaging applications, as this develops a trustworthy image of the brand towards its users.

Offline Usage

Applications that support offline mode is getting more popularity. This feature helps to save battery life. This allows the users to use the application even the connection is slow or having some issues. This feature gives reliability to all types of users. This feature will enable an application to draw users from the areas of poor internet connectivity. Also, introducing offline mode will enable an application to gain the loyalty of the users. As this feature enables the users to use the app without any delay or hassle, it can increase user acquisition and retention rates.

Cloud Synchronization

This is a must-to-have feature in a smart messaging application. This feature makes it comfortable for users to use the application with various devices. Whether a file is uploaded from a particular device or some amendments made to it, it can be accessed up-to-date from other devices. This also gives the leverage to users to retrieve their chat history and files from anywhere, anytime.

Night Mode

Night mode or Dark mode is a feature which is making its ground among the users lately. This has made the using of a particular app less tiring at night. Giving an extra touch to the note of aesthetics, this feature also boosts battery life and goes a lot easier on the eyes. This feature also allows users to enjoy a slightly customized look compared to the default design. Counting on the health privilege and giving more options to the customer, this feature is an absolute one for smart messaging apps.

Chat-Bots

This feature is a tool to provide service to users. People are spending a huge amount of time on IM applications, and these small programs are designed to meet the small inquiries of the users within the platform. Generally, bots are used for B2C customer service, marketing and sales. Bots are also used for managing communities and helping in some registration process. In the upcoming days, chatbots and virtual assistant are going to be a principle way of customer support and marketing. 80 percent of businesses reported that they plan to use chatbots by 2020. (source: Oracle)

E-wallet

Depending on the overall time spent on a platform, OTT apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat are in the top list. Integrating payment methods into the messaging apps will make the life of the users easier. This allows the users to complete their payment effortlessly using the apps they are very much familiar with. This also enables the platforms to grow their customer base. After introducing the payment service WeChat Pay, the customer base of WeChat has increased exponentially.
Introducing value-added services like E-wallet will enlarge the range of functions of IM apps. OTT apps are the platforms on which, people spend much of their time. Introducing necessary services would definitely give these platforms new dimensions to connect robustly with the user base.

VR/AR Technologies

The market of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality is on the verge to explode. Integrating AR and VR technologies in IM platforms will allow users to have exciting ways of communication. Already in the IM apps, we can talk in real time through video chat. Adding AR/VR effects will take interactions to the next level. Users can create their own virtual worlds and enjoy each other’s place. Integrating these technologies will help various brands to establish deeper relationships with their customers. Customers can visualize the virtual version of the products in their own space. Facebook Messenger launched its AR effects for brands in May 2018. For the better and unique user experience and retention rates, IM apps need to introduce and develop these features.

At present people spend most of their time on their smartphones. In a way or other smartphone usage means app usage. Because of this trend in consumer behavior, companies starting from small business to large telecom operators are showing their interest to build their own messaging applications. Having a branded messaging application gives a lot of advantages to businesses e.g. engagement of existing users, easy promotion of new product or services, getting actual feedback from customers and understanding consumer psychology. Time saving and most effective way of getting a branded smart messaging app is choosing a white label solution provider. DuComm – Enterprise Communication Platform provides ready-to-go white label smart messaging application according to specific business needs. The use of state-of-the-art technologies and smart features has enabled DuComm to provide such a solution that ensures business growth and customer satisfaction.