How To Develop A Realtime Chat Messaging App: Benefits, Features and Cost

Will you not agree with the fact that modern communication is incomplete without messaging apps? Not only are they the source of unparalleled convenience and connectivity, but the reasons of making the world a small space. As of 2024, WhatsApp boasts a user base exceeding 2.78 billion globally, with projections indicating it will surpass 3.14 billion users by 2025.

The incredible rise in messaging app usage has sparked entrepreneurial interest, prompting innovators to explore opportunities in this dynamic market. WeChat’s impressive user base of 1.2 billion users underscores the immense potential for entrepreneurs to create impactful messaging solutions. Creating a messaging application presents a promising opportunity for businesses looking to engage users and drive revenue growth in the digital age. 

With the messaging app landscape evolving at a rapid speed, it is crucial to stay informed about key trends, features, and monetization strategies. To find out more about chat messaging app development, continue reading.

What is Chat Messaging App Development?

Messaging app development is the process of designing and releasing a software program that enables real-time text, multimedia, voice, and video communication between users. These apps pack numerous features, like group chats, file sharing, stickers, emojis, and encryption for security.

People use chat messaging apps for various reasons:

• Chat apps provide instant communication, allowing users to share messages quickly and easily.
• Messaging apps offer Cost-Effective Communication
• Users can share photos, videos, documents, and links within the chats. 
• Enables connectivity with multiple people at the same time.
• Encryption protocols, privacy settings, and authentication mechanisms ensure data security.
• Integration with Services enhances user experience.

Market Statistic: Is There Still the Potential to Create a Chat App In 2024?

Building a messaging app in 2024 is not just a smart move but a strategic necessity. Effective communication has become an integral and essential part of our daily interactions. Thanks to messaging apps, everyone has a versatile platform where they can connect, share, and collaborate. As the statistics reveal, the growing user base for messaging apps indicates their vital role in modern communication, presenting boundless opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.

Massive User Base: Messaging apps boast over 3 billion active users worldwide. With over 60% of people prefer messaging over traditional methods such as phone messages or emails, the importance of chat app development remains unquestioned.

Business Growth Potential: Messaging apps like WhatsApp Business are experiencing incredible growth in their user base, with over 50 million monthly users. Chat app development allows companies to engage with customers in a more personalized, impactful, and impressive manner.

Market Dominance: With 20% more monthly active users than social media platforms, messaging apps are clearly more dominant and influential in the world of digital communication. The fact that WhatsApp alone now has more than 2 billion users shows how widely used and popular it is.

Customer Confidence and Engagement: Consumer confidence has gone up with businesses being active on messaging apps like Messenger; 66% of consumers feel more confident about making a purchase when interacting with a brand on these platforms.

How Does a Messaging App Like WhatsApp Work?

Ever wondered how a messaging powerhouse like WhatsApp actually operates behind the scenes? Let’s jump into the fascinating workings of this digital communication marvel!

• Sign up: Users input their email or phone number for account verification and login to access the messaging app’s features.
• Backup Setup: Once verified, users can set up a backup system to store messages securely, ensuring data preservation.
• Profile Info: Users personalize their experience by setting up profiles with images and relevant information, adding a personal touch to their interactions.
• Chat: With the app set up, users can engage in one-on-one conversations with contacts, making communication quick and convenient.
• Chat Group: Users can create group chats, bringing together multiple contacts for shared multimedia exchanges and collaborative discussions.

Accessing Via Web: For added convenience, users can access the app via web browsers by scanning QR codes, expanding accessibility across devices and platforms.

Top Instant Messaging Apps in 2024

In the world of messaging apps, there’s a lot of creativity and different options to choose from. WhatsApp is one of the most used and the most popular apps globally. Messenger is prominent in North America, and WeChat is a giant in China. Each app has its own unique features that keep users interested and connected. Here are some of the standout features of these top messaging apps.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a globally popular messaging app with over 2 billion users. It offers end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, group chats for up to 256 users, file sharing, and multi-device compatibility.

Features
End-to-end encryption support
Voice and video call support
Group chats with up to 256 users
File sharing
Multi-device compatibility
Photo sharing from camera or device storage
Messaging with texts, photos, videos, and audio messages

Messenger

Messenger has a massive user base of over 1.3 billion globally, and it offers features like chat themes, custom reactions, cross-app calling, GIFs, file sharing, vanish mode, and free live video calls.

Features
Chat themes
Custom reactions
Cross-app calling and messaging
GIFs, stickers, and emojis
File sharing
Vanish mode for disappearing messages
Free live video calls

WeChat

WeChat dominates China’s app market, with over 1 billion users. It offers translation services, WeChat Pay, broadcast messaging, and Moments for micro-blogging.

Features
Translation services
WeChat Pay
Broadcast messaging
Moments for micro-blogging

Slack

Slack focuses on team collaboration with features like channels, Slack Connect, messaging, huddles, workflow automation, app integrations, knowledge sharing, file sharing, AI insights, and enterprise-level security.

Features
Channels for team organization
Slack Connect for external collaboration
Messaging
Huddles for audio and video meetings
Workflow automation
App integrations
Knowledge sharing
File sharing
AI insights
Enterprise-level security

Snapchat

Snapchat combines disappearing content with text-based chat features, swipe-up actions, direct connections to Gen Z audiences, desktop management, and impulse purchase opportunities.

Features
Disappearing content
Text-based chat
Swipe-up actions
Direct connections to Gen Z
Desktop management
Impulse purchase opportunities

Telegram

Telegram emphasizes security with encrypted messaging, content sharing, money transfers, online relationships, media sharing, voice chats, and groups for up to 200,000 people.

Features
Encrypted messaging
Content sharing
Money transfers
Online relationships
Media sharing
Voice chats
Groups for up to 200,000 people

Skype

Skype offers instant messaging, video calls, voice calls, SMS messaging, chat history, calls to landline/mobile numbers, voicemail, screen sharing, wireless hotspot access, and application integrations.

Features
Instant messaging
Video calls
Voice calls
SMS messaging
Chat history
Calls to landline/mobile numbers
Voicemail
Screen sharing
Wireless hotspot access
Application integrations

Benefits of Developing Realtime Chat Messaging App

Are you considering instant messaging app development for your business but still unsure if it’s a good idea? If so, you should know that creating a messaging app has several advantages and is essential for helping you make decisions that will shape your company’s future. Here are some reasons why embracing the messaging app market could revolutionize your company:

1. Instant Communication

Talk to clients and team members right away with a chat app. It helps in quick decision-making, solving problems fast, and giving immediate support, which boosts how productive and efficient you are.

2. Improved Collaboration

The app allows your team to work together smoothly, sharing ideas and files instantly. This leads to more creativity, faster project completion, and stronger teamwork.

3. Enhanced Customer Service

Answering questions fast and offering realtime help through the app makes customers really happy. It improves customer service, making customers stay longer and buy more from you.

4. Cost-Effective

Chat apps are cheaper than old-school ways like phone calls or meetings. They keep communication effective while saving costs.

5. Global Reach

The app connects people globally, helping your business reach more customers. This means more chances to make money and grow your business.

6. Personalization

Send particular messages and offers based on what customers like. It makes customers feel special, so they keep coming back for more.

Features Your Messaging App Should Have

When developing a messaging app, it’s crucial to include features that enhance user experience, promote engagement, and ensure seamless communication. Here are some key features your messaging app should have to meet modern user expectations and stand out in the competitive market.

1. User Panel

Features	Description
Signup and Login	User login can be eased by allowing app sign-up via login id and phone number. Even users can use their social media accounts to register on the app and log in. It’s a must-have feature in developing an instant messaging app.
Account Verification	Users can send and share their voice messages using such a feature. They can record it smoothly and share it ahead of time.
Video Calling	With the internet, users can enjoy uninterrupted and flawless video calls with better communication experiences.
Voice Messaging	User login can be eased by allowing app sign-up via login ID and phone number. Users can even use their social media accounts to register for the app and log in. It’s a must-have feature in developing an instant messaging app.
Real-Time Chatting	One of the basic features of an instant messaging app that permits real-time chatting, including text, gifs, emojis, and stickers.
Location Sharing	Chat app users can share their real-time locations as the app arrives with a robust map integration feature that offers accurate location outcomes.
Multi Linguistic Support	The instant messaging app users can use this feature to communicate with their family and friends in their native language. Such apps come with a multi-linguistic keyboard that allows users to communicate in their native way.
Notification	Whenever a user receives a message on their device screen, they get a notification in real-time.
Privacy Setting	User login can be eased by allowing app sign-up via login id and phone number. Users can even use their social media accounts to register for the app and log in. It’s a must-have feature in developing an instant messaging app.
Import Contacts	Users can use this feature to import their current contacts to their messaging app account easily.
Backup	Users can back up their messages after their account verification, weekly or daily.
Encryption	Encryption is essential to ensure the security of the users’ data.

2. Admin Panel

Features	Description
Dashboard	The app owner or admin can monitor user profiles, chat groups, and other app things with a single click.
App Updates	This feature permits the admin to implement app updates, including appending new functionalities and features.
Message Broadcasting	The admin can broadcast messages to the users to spread essential information; it can be about any version update, software updates, etc.
User Restriction	The admin holds the power to restrict any user based on their activities. Also, the admin can monitor the activities of any specific user if reported by other users.
Admin Account Setting	CMS integration facilitates the app owners in handling their app content. Simply put, it assists the management of important content relevant to the app.
Chat Group Control	Such a feature enables the admin to put restrictions on groups regarding the number of users, share file size, type, etc.
CMS Integration	CMS integration facilitates the app owners to handle their app content. Simply put, it assists the management of important content relevant to the app.
Analytics & Reporting	The admin can use this feature to generate weekly, monthly, or yearly reports for analysis purposes or any strategy.
User’s Account Management	According to the user’s activity, the admin can use this feature to delete their account. Suppose the user’s account is idle for a long time, then the admin deletes it using the admin panel with just a click.

3. Additional Features

Features	Description
Language Translation	One of the most sensitive features of a chat app is that it permits users to keep track of all the messages or chats in tab format.
Multimedia Files	Whichever messaging app you develop, Android or iOS, the video calls and messages will be end-to-end encrypted.
Security	Users can use this feature to share multimedia files in varied formats and sizes easily. It includes audio files, video files, PDFs, contacts, and others.
Quick Search	Instant messaging app users can filter a specific message in a crowd of various messages just by putting keywords in the search box.
Theme Management	The chat app will offer its users a complete stack of themes to make changes accordingly and per their preference, including customization.
Stories	This messaging app feature will allow users to upload unforgettable moments in their stories easily and share them with their friends.
Chat Management	Through this feature, users can delete messages for everyone or themselves. Also, they can clear the entire chat of individual users or groups, including the shared and received files.
Tabbed Chat	When sending any media, the app allows users to edit them, like photos, before sending them.
Conference Call	This feature enables the users to call multiple users via a single call, which is quite amazing. One person can connect with multiple contacts.
Parental Control	Users can give reactions to messages they receive from their contacts.
Self-destructing Messages	Such features permit users to send videos and photos for a one-time viewing. After the user opens the media, it disappears after the set time frame.
Payment Options	Such a feature makes the chat app safe for kids. Kids can access social features that restrict some features you don’t want your kids to access.
Message Reactions	An instant messaging app may integrate a payment option for users to ease the process of sending and receiving money using the app on their mobile phones.
AWS S3 Bucket	This feature provides the app an option to organize, save, and manage different data and files in the Amazon S3 bucket to provide an immersive experience.
User Presence	Such a feature permits the app to indicate the user’s presence whether he’s away, available, active, or offline.
Storage Capacity	A chat app should allow users to back up their messages by offering standard storage capacity.
Photo Editing	When your chat window is closed and you receive a message, it will appear as a chat bubble on the screen notifying you about the message.
Chat bubble	Such a feature permits the app to indicate the user’s presence, whether he’s away, available, active, or offline.

What Are The Steps to Build a Messaging App?

Getting started on the journey to build your own chat and messaging app is an exciting one that requires careful planning and execution. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a robust and user-friendly app that meets modern communication needs and delivers a seamless experience to your users.

1. Determine the Scope of Your Messaging App

Start by understanding the primary purpose and the basic features of your app. Analyze what sets your app apart and what functionalities can make it attractive to users. This initial step is a stepping stone in the entire development process.

2. Decide Which Platform to Use

Choose the platform(s) where you want to make your app available. This could be iOS, Android, or web-based. By keeping the target audience and their preferred devices in mind, you can achieve maximum reach and accessibility.

3. Build Your User Interface

Design and develop an intuitive and visually pleasing user interface (UI) that makes browsing easy and enjoyable for users. The focus should be on creating an outstanding chat experience that blends features like messaging, media sharing, and notifications.

4. Build Your Application’s Backend

Develop a robust backend infrastructure that supports real-time messaging, data storage, user authentication, and security protocols. Scalability and reliability should be considered to handle increased traffic and data volume.

5. Integrate Third-Party APIs

The app’s functionality can be significantly enhanced by integrating third-party APIs. Features like location services, payment processing, social media integration, and analytics should be added. Choose APIs that sync with your app’s goals and user requirements.

6. Test Your App

Thorough testing is necessary for the identification and management of bugs, errors, or usability issues. Test the app’s performance, compatibility across different devices and platforms, and user experience to ensure a smooth and flawless launch.

7. Launch Your App

Launch your app on the chosen platforms once testing is complete, and all necessary optimizations are made. Promote your app through marketing and advertising efforts to attract users and generate buzz around your new messaging app.

How Much Does It Cost To Build a Chat Messaging App?

The cost of developing a chat messaging app varies widely, ranging from $30,000 to $200,000. These fluctuations are influenced by factors such as platform choice, feature complexity, design intricacy, and the expertise of the development team.

 The following are the factors affecting the costs.

Factors	Explanation
Platform	The choice of platform (iOS, Android, or both) affects development costs.
Features	Complexity and number of features
Maintenance	Constant updates and maintenance facilities
App Design	The choice of app design and user interface
Mobile apps	These are comparatively expensive when compared to web apps
Complexity	This includes backend development, third-party integrations
Development team	Hiring an experienced and expert team can be costlier
Tech stack	Choice of technologies and frameworks

Tools and Technology Stack Used for Building an On-Demand Texting App

Choosing the right technology stack should be taken very seriously when creating an on-demand texting app. When we talk about technology stack, it is about an amalgamation of programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and tools vital for the development of the messaging app. It’s like choosing the best tools for a specific job, ensuring that your app runs smoothly and efficiently and can handle the demands of real-time messaging.

Parameters	Tools and Technologies
Technologies	Android Studio, Android SDK, XML, Kotlin, Java
UX/UI	XD, Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, InVision, Zeplin, Sketch
Web & Frontend	HTML5/CSS3, Vue.js, MEAN, Backbone.JS, React.JS/React Native, AngularJS, CodeIgniter, Laravel, Node.JS
Backend & Database	Firebase Realtime database, Room DB, Microsoft SQL, Firestore, PostgreSQL, AWS Amplify, MongoDB
3rd Party Libraries	Face detection, Integrate Payment, Chatbot, Network Calling, Firebase, Image Processing, InApp Purchase, Integrate Payment, Dependancy, Socket, Firebase Chat, Databinding
Payment Gateways	Stripe, Apple Pay, PayPal, Google Pay
PM Tools	Slack, Trello, Jira
Frameworks	Flutter, React Native, Ionic, Xamarin, NativeScript, Swiftic
APIs	Troop Messenger, MirrorFly, Enablex, Sendbird, Vonage, Agora, Cometchat

Things To Consider Before Developing A Chat Messaging App

Before the development of a chat messaging app, it’s vital to consider several steps that can significantly impact the app’s success. These steps are a blend of understanding user needs, analyzing the competitive landscape, building a competent development team, and prioritizing aspects like user data security and robust features. By carefully considering these factors upfront, developers can ensure a seamless user experience, meet market demands, and create an exceptional app in the competitive messaging app market.

1. Understanding Your Audience

Now that you have decided to build a real-time chat messaging app, the first thing to understand is your target audience’s needs. Consider vital demographics such as age, location, and devices they use, as well as study their behavioral trends to know what features to include in your app.

2. Competitive Analysis

Next, a competitive analysis will be conducted by listing major VoIP competitors and evaluating their online presence and unique value proposition (UVP). Use tools like SWOT analysis to identify their strengths and weaknesses, helping you fill gaps in the market with your app.

3. Prioritize Simplicity

Keep the app design simple to enhance user experience, speed, and responsiveness. Store essential data only for quicker responses and efficient use of resources, focusing on streamlined user interactions.

4. Optimize Performance

Choose a popular and adaptable programming language for better application performance and alignment with platform demands, ensuring seamless functionality across devices.

5. Ensure Scalability and Flexibility

Design the app architecture in layers for scalability and flexibility, allowing for future enhancements and easy integration of new features. Use BaaS for outsourced server-side functions to simplify development and maintenance tasks.

6. Account for Global User Needs

Consider varying internet speeds globally and ensure the app functions smoothly regardless of connection quality. Test thoroughly to avoid user dissatisfaction and provide a consistent experience worldwide.

7. Handle Heavy Loads

Develop a robust architecture capable of handling heavy loads without compromising performance. Prioritize business logic and innovative features while maintaining system stability under high traffic conditions.

8. Address Security and Privacy

Comply with legal requirements like LGPD, GDPR, and HIPPA for user data privacy and security. Use BaaS services like back4app to facilitate compliance and ensure user trust and confidence in the app.

Challenges And Their Solutions While Creating A Chat Application

Developing a real-time chat messaging app is a complex journey filled with various challenges. However, with a skilled and expert team, these challenges can be overcome, leading to the creation of an app with the potential to become a landmark in the industry.

1. Challenge: Competing with established messaging app giants is daunting in today’s market.

Solution: To differentiate, focus on adding unique features like privacy status updates, file transfer capabilities, custom fonts and stickers, video, and voice calls, and chat muting options after launching an MVP. These additions enhance user satisfaction and competitiveness.

2. Challenge: Selecting the right tech stack for optimal app performance can be complex.

Solution: Study existing apps and case studies to define a robust tech stack that ensures your app performs efficiently. This step is crucial for scalability and seamless integration of new features.

3. Challenge: Ensuring seamless app updates without losing user data is critical for user experience.

Solution: Implement architecture configurations and server setups that support smooth updates while preserving user data integrity. Scalability depends on a well-planned architecture that handles updates without disruptions.

4. Challenge: Managing server overload due to increasing app users requires efficient optimization efforts.

Solution: Invest in robust hardware and scalable server setups to handle high traffic without compromising app performance. A well-optimized app can adapt to varying user loads seamlessly.

5. Challenge: Maintaining a stable connection amidst network disruptions is vital for uninterrupted messaging.

Solution: Design the app to handle network fluctuations gracefully, ensuring message delivery and regenerating lost messages during temporary disruptions. Emphasize reliability as a critical feature to retain user trust.

6. Challenge: Addressing security concerns such as data protection and message encryption is paramount.

Solution: Implement strong security measures like cryptographic keys, privacy policies, secure project architecture, and peer-to-peer encryption protocols. Offering users control over message protection and secure data storage enhances app trustworthiness.

Monetization Strategies After Development of the Messaging App

Now that your real-time chat messaging app is ready, it is wise to start looking for ways to generate revenues. This smart move not only allows you to manage the app expenditures easily but also allows you to be regular with the updates. Following are some monetization strategies for your messaging apps.

1. Advertisements

You can get revenue by having advertisements in your application. You make money from the ads that pay to reach your users.

2. Partnerships

Work together for mutually beneficial outcomes with other companies or platforms. This could involve paying them to integrate their services into your app or doing collaborative marketing campaigns and cross-promotions.

3. Subscriptions

Make premium features or information available via paid subscription services. Users obtain these special perks by paying a regular fee, which gives them a steady income.

4. In-App Purchases

Sell virtual products, upgrades, or extra features inside your app using in-app purchases. Customers can buy these things within the app to improve their experience, which increases your source of income.

5. Freemium Versions

Provide a basic, feature-limited version of your app for free and charge a fee for a premium version with additional capabilities.

Why Choose EmizenTech for Realtime Chat Messaging App Development?

Creating a real-time chat messaging app is a significant undertaking, requiring attention to evolving technology, data security, and robust server infrastructure. EmizenTech can be your trusted partner in this journey. As one of the leading mobile app development companies, we consist of a team of talented IT professionals with extensive experience in web and mobile development. We are also the force behind the successful functioning of many apps all around the globe.

Our apps are not only innovative and attractive, made to entice your users—they’re also responsive. To effectively manage projects and deliver error-free goods on schedule, we adhere to the Agile process. Your real-time chat messaging software will satisfy the highest standards of quality and user happiness when you partner with EmizenTech.

If you’re ready to get started on this exciting journey and build something remarkable, let’s connect and turn your vision into reality.

Conclusion

The creation of mobile chat applications is a potent instrument that facilitates immediate user communication and opens new avenues for connection and cooperation. Real-time chat messaging apps have a vast range of uses, from customer service and commercial communication to personal texting. Features such as chatbots for automated responses, end-to-end encryption for data security, and connectivity with other apps and services are customizable.

Innovative concepts are essential to the development of apps, particularly in a space like real-time chat messaging, where apps may stand out from the competition. Leading mobile app development business, EmizenTech, can assist in transforming your original idea into a profitable app that fulfills customer needs. With our expertise, you can build a cutting-edge, real-time chat messaging app that resonates with your audience and stands out in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions on Chat Messaging app