Introduction
In today’s digital age, the online chat app has become indispensable, both personally and professionally. With its lightning-fast speed and unparalleled convenience, instant messaging has eclipsed SMS, email, and even calls as the go-to mode of communication.
Did you know that in 2020, people sent a whopping 100 billion messages on WhatsApp every day?
It’s a staggering number that underscores just how important chat apps have become.
But what does it take to create a chat app that truly stands out from the rest?
In this blog, let’s explore the essential features that make for a chat app system design that will truly resonate with your audience.
8 Chat App Features for Android & iOS
Having a top-notch chat app is crucial to gain an edge over your competitors and capture the hearts of your customers. But what makes a chat platform truly exceptional? It’s all about including the right set of features that provide an unparalleled user experience.
In this section, we’ll delve into the top 8 key features of chat apps that every business should consider when building its own platform.
1. Simple Login
The most important feature is that you need to have a simple and hassle-free way to log in to your chat app. After all, who has the patience for a convoluted registration process?
According to recent studies, over 86% of users abandon an app if the sign-up process is too complicated.
To avoid losing potential customers, a chat app must offer easy authentication methods like phone number verification, email validation, or social media integration. And for added security, a two-step authorization process can keep user data safe from prying eyes.
2. Cloud Storage and Backup
In the age of information overload, storage space on our devices is a precious commodity. That’s where cloud storage and automatic backup come in as essential chat app features. Not only do they free up space on our devices, but they also allow us to access our chat data from anywhere.
With cloud storage, users can store contact history, message history, and all sorts of media like images, videos, and files can be stored on the cloud, ensuring that nothing is lost even if their device is damaged or lost.
3. Data Encryption and Security in Chat App
No one wants their private messages or files to fall into the wrong hands. That’s where end-to-end encryption comes in as a crucial chat app feature. By using this powerful security measure, users can rest assured that their messages will only be seen by the intended recipient, without any third-party interference.
With high levels of data security being a key consideration for users, a secure messaging app is a must. After all, trust is the foundation of any successful chat app.
4. Dark and Light Modes
Looks do matter, even in the world of chat apps. While functionality is essential, a great user interface can win you user loyalty. One way to customize your app’s appearance is by offering both dark and light modes. Not only does this add to the app’s visual appeal, but it also has practical benefits.
For instance, enabling dark mode can save device battery power by up to 47%, according to a new study. Additionally, it’s easier on the eyes in low-light conditions, making for a more comfortable user experience.
5. Chat App Broadcasting
It’s crucial to distinguish between group chats and message broadcasting. Group chats allow you to connect with multiple contacts and send messages that everyone in the group can see. In contrast, message broadcasting lets you send similar messages to multiple contacts without creating a shared chat. These messages are received individually without revealing the other recipients.
News agencies and businesses often use message broadcasting to distribute promotional content and newsletters. It’s a powerful tool for targeted communication.
6. Push Notifications
Push notifications have become an indispensable feature for many apps, especially chat apps. They serve a vital purpose by keeping users informed in real time of new messages. In addition to new messages, chat apps can also use push notifications to alert users about new contacts, online status updates, and read receipts.
These notifications help users stay on top of their conversations and maintain a sense of connection with their contacts.
7. Cross-Platform Solution
If you want to reach a broad audience with your messenger app, limiting it to just one platform – web or mobile – could significantly reduce your reach. While many people have transitioned from desktop to mobile, it’s still important not to ignore the power of other devices.
At a minimum, you should aim to create a version of your messenger for web browsers, desktops, and mobile platforms. As you continue to develop and refine your app, you can then expand to include smart devices and tablets.
This cross-platform approach will ensure that your app is accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their preferred device.
8. Audio and Video Calling
You need to offer three quick and easy ways to communicate: live chat, audio calls, and video calls. With multiple options available, users can choose the method that works best for them and avoid the frustration of having to switch to other channels to get in touch with customer support.
Elevate Your Chat App with These Advanced Features
Now that we’ve covered the basic list of chat application features, it’s time to set your app apart from the competition. To provide a truly exceptional user experience and gain a competitive edge, consider incorporating these five advanced features into your white-label chat solution.
Disappearing Messages in Chat App
Popularized by Snapchat and WhatsApp, disappearing messages is a highly sought-after feature among users. With the ability to set the message lifespan and control what stays in the chat, users can keep their conversations confidential and under their control.
Also Read: How To Close All Apps On iPhone At Once?
Feeds
Snapchat’s Stories feature introduced the social media element to chat apps and gave users a reason to open the app beyond receiving messages. Although not yet widely adopted by chat apps, incorporating feeds that revolve around Facebook or Twitter could add an exciting and interactive element for users.
VR and AR
With the rapid growth of the VR and AR market in various industries such as healthcare, construction, education, and the military, integrating these cutting-edge technologies into chat apps can make users feel closer to their virtual worlds. Microsoft is already working on a platform called Microsoft Mesh that allows people from different locations to join one virtual space.
Public Channels
Public channels in chat apps resemble social media groups where people with similar interests can communicate with each other through posts and comments. Telegram has excelled in this area with its ability to create both public and private channels that users can manage and customize to their liking. Incorporating public channels into your chat app can unite users and create a sense of community.
Audio Rooms
Using the chat SDK for Android, iOS, or the web, it’s possible to create audio rooms where like-minded people can connect, interact and learn from one another. Clubhouse has demonstrated the potential of this feature, enabling businesses and trainers to engage with a vast audience at once.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as the chat app industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game by implementing the latest features and functionalities. By keeping in mind the must-have features and level-up features, you can create a chat app using free chat messaging API that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of your users.
So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and build a chat app that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.
