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Have you ever thought about the evolution of communication from letters to instant messaging?

Before the 1990s, connecting with friends and family meant writing letters to them and then waiting days or, in some cases, months for their response. On the other hand, some people used to make the call through landlines, which is expensive yet inconvenient. 

In the 1990s and early 2000s, mobile phones made it easier, but texting was limited to SMS, and messages were short and expensive. 

As the world grew more connected, so did our need for seamless, instant communication.

Then WhatsApp came into the realm of digital communication. Whether it’s catching up with family members worldwide or sending important work documents in seconds, it has transformed the communication landscape.

If you are also one of those who is considering to develop apps like Whatsapp then it is a great opportunity to revolutionize the way people connect, work and share their experiences.

Before diving deep into the write-up, it is time to understand what makes WhatsApp a great messaging app.

Brief Overview About Whatsapp

Founders: Brian Acton and Jan Koum ( former Yahoo! employees)

Founding Year: 2009

Origin: WhatsApp was conceived by Jan Koum for creating the platform to send status updates and instant messages. Now this has evolved into a full-fledged messaging app. 

Global Reach: WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps, with over 2 billion users globally as of 2023, available in over 180 countries.

Acquisition by Facebook:

In February 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion, making it one of the largest tech acquisitions ever.

About WhatsApp:

WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging app that allows users to send text messages and voice messages, make voice and video calls, share images, and send multimedia files. 

Acquired by Facebook (Meta) in 2014, the app has grown into one of the most popular messaging services, offering seamless communication across Android, iOS, and web platforms. 

Its widespread usage and rich feature set have made it the go-to app for personal and professional communication worldwide.

Current Market Stats to Develop App Like WhatsApp in 2025

Build app like WhatsApp 2025 that requires a comprehensive understanding of the current messaging app market and prevailing trends. Below are the key statistics and insights about it: 

  • According to a study conducted by Statista, approximately 3.51 billion people worldwide use messaging apps by making an increase from 3.42 billion in 2025.
  • An estimated 94.7% of internet users aged 16 to 64 have engaged with chat and messaging apps in the past month, underscoring the ubiquity of these platforms. 
  • Continues to dominate with 2.4 billion users, maintaining its position as the most popular messaging app globally. 
  • They follow closely, benefiting from its integration with the Facebook ecosystem.
  • There are platforms like WeChat in China, LINE in Japan, and KakaoTalk in South Korea that hold significant market shares in their respective regions.
  • When it comes to the market trends and projections, both ad spend and revenue in the mobile app sector saw an increase that is particularly in the non gaming applications. 
  • The integration of Generative AI is anticipated to revolutionize user interactions within messaging apps. For instance, Meta Platforms is exploring AI-powered chatbots on WhatsApp, potentially generating an additional $16.6 billion in revenue by 2025.

Essential Features to Develop App Like WhatsApp

From multimedia sharing to end-to-end encryption, learn about the must-have features for creating a successful WhatsApp-like app.

Develop App Like WhatsApp Features

Real-Time Messaging with Multimedia Support

With the help of this feature users enable to develop messaging app like wechat with the indicators for the delivery, read status and typing notifications. It also helps to share images, videos, voice notes and documents instantly. 

End-to-End Encryption for Data Security

To develop app like WhatsApp this feature is essential as it protects user conversations with the robust end to end encryption for privacy and security. Also it ensures no third parties by including the platform itself. 

Voice and Video Calling with Group Features

It holds the HD voice and video calls for enhancing real time communication. Therefore it helps to support the group calls for both voice and video with the user friendly controls and ensure the low latency and network optimization.

Customizable Group Chats & Communities

This feature allows the users to create the large groups for the communication with the personalized admin roles by introducing the community channels for topic based engagement to provide the options for polls. 

Stories and Status Updates 

This feature allows users to post the photos, videos and texts that are visible for 24 hours. It includes the privacy controls for managing who can view the specific status updates. It includes the privacy controls to manage who can view the specific status updates. 

Payments and In-App Transactions Integration

This feature secures the peer to peer money transfers that are directly from the chat interfaces by partnering with chat app development company. On the other hand it provides the integration with the popular payment gateways for the global transactions. It includes transaction history and notifications.

Next-Gen Features to Develop App Like WhatsApp for Gen Z Users

Include futuristic features such as develop apps like chatGPT, AR stickers, voice-to-text conversion, and AI-driven messaging for Gen Z users.

1. AR-Enhanced Messaging

It integrates the augmented reality filters for the photos and videos to elevate the user’s creativity. It helps to enable the interactive stickers and face filters for personalized media content. Also, it provides the virtual try on options for media sharing. 

2. Gamified Communication Elements

It is essential to introduce the message streaks, daily rewards and achievement badges for enhancing the engagement. On the other hand, it encourages the users to maintain connections with fun challenges and interactive goals. 

3. AI-Powered Chatbots & Smart Replies

With the assistance of AI-powered chatbots, users can leverage the AI for smart response suggestions that are tailored to the conversation context to create chatbots. It enables virtual assistants to set reminders, schedule messages, and event tracking.

4. Voice-First Features

The voice first feature helps to offer voice commands for sending messages, making calls, and navigating the app. Also, it supports voice-to-text functionality for quick and hands-free communication.

5. Collaborative Digital Spaces 

Collaboration with the digital spaces helps to create the virtual spaces where the users can co watch the videos and co edit files in the real time. On the other hand, it provides interactive tools like the whiteboards for dynamic group activities.

6. NFTs & Digital Collectibles Sharing

It enables the users to display, trade and manage the NFTs within the chats. On the other hand, it supports blockchain wallet integration for the secure digital asset transactions. Also, it helps to offer the limited edition stickers. 

How AI Powers the Development of App Like WhatsApp?

AI plays a crucial role in enhancing personalization, security, and automation for messaging create app like WhatsApp:

Smart Chatbots and Customer Support

AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries, provide automated responses, and enhance chatbot business communication efficiency.

Enhanced Message Filtering and Moderation

AI helps filter spam, abusive messages, and inappropriate content to maintain a secure communication environment.

Personalized User Experiences

AI analyzes user behavior to offer personalized content recommendations and improve user engagement by hire mobile app developers for custom solutions tailored to your goals..

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP enables real-time language translation, sentiment analysis, and smoother user communication across different languages.

Voice and Video Call Enhancements

AI-powered noise cancellation and call quality optimization ensure seamless voice and video communication.

Data Security and Fraud Detection

AI helps identify potential security threats, unauthorized access, and fraudulent activities, making the platform more secure.

AI-Powered Search and Smart Suggestions

Advanced search features and auto-suggestions for frequently used contacts or chat phrases enhance usability.

Expert Opinion on WhatsApp

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption ensures that only the communicating users can read the messages, providing a high level of security.
Nidhi Rastogi, Cybersecurity Researcher

How Does an App Like WhatsApp Work?

Develop app like WhatsApp helps to operate by leveraging the several technologies and mechanisms that help in facilitating the instant messaging, voice and video communication between the users.

Below mentioned is the simplified breakdown of how the app works:

How Does an App Like WhatsApp Work?

1. User Registration & Authentication

  • Users can register using their phone number.
  • An OTP is sent to verify the number.
  • Once the number is verified, then, the app assigns the phone number as the unique user identifier.

2. End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

  • The messages, calls, images, and videos are encrypted on the sender’s device, and they are decrypted only on the receiver’s device.
  • End-to-end encryption ensures that no third party, including WhatsApp itself, can read the communication.

3. Messaging Protocol

  • When a user sends the message, it’s immediately encrypted and sent to WhatsApp servers. 
  • Then, it routes the message to the recipient.
  • If the recipient is online, the message is delivered instantly. If offline, the server holds the message until the user comes online.
  • Double ticks indicate delivery; blue ticks indicate the message was read.

4. Push Notifications

  • Notifications are triggered while using Apple’s APNs or Google Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for informing the users about incoming messages or calls. 

5. Media Sharing

  • Images, videos, and documents are compressed and encrypted before being sent.
  • The app temporarily stores media on its servers until it’s delivered.

6. Voice & Video Calls

  • WhatsApp uses VoIP (Voice over IP) technology.
  • Calls are made over the internet using data packets instead of traditional telecom networks.
  • Adaptive bitrate and echo cancellation ensure better call quality even with poor connections.

7. Data Synchronization

  • Chats, contacts, and group details are synced between devices.
  • WhatsApp Web and multi-device features allow simultaneous access from multiple devices.

8. Group Chats

  • Messages are multicast to all members of a group using encrypted communication channels.

9. Status Feature

  • Temporary multimedia updates are uploaded to WhatsApp servers and automatically deleted after 24 hours.

10. Security & Privacy

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security.
  • Blocking, reporting, and privacy settings enable user control.

Top 5 Alternatives to Develop App Like WhatsApp

Discover leading platforms and technologies to build competitive alternatives to WhatsApp. For instance, develop app like telegram:

App NamePlatformSecurityMonetization
TelegramiOS, Android, WebEnd-to-end encryption (optional)Subscription (Telegram Premium)
SignaliOS, Android, DesktopEnd-to-end encryptionDonation-based
ViberiOS, Android, DesktopEnd-to-end encryptionIn-app purchases (stickers, Viber Out)
ThreemaiOS, AndroidEnd-to-end encryptionOne-time purchase
WeChatiOS, AndroidEnd-to-end encryption (partial)In-app purchases, payments fees

Why Invest to Develop App Like WhatsApp?

Below are the compelling reasons why you need to invest in create app like WhatsApp:

Rising Demand for Communication Platforms

Nowadays with the increased need for instant communication, messaging apps remain popular and a growing market. Users prefer the fast, secure and versatile communication options.

Global Connectivity Potential

By building an app that is similar to WhatsApp helps in offering the opportunities that help to connect the people globally and create a loyal user base. 

Multi-Platform Usability

There are app like WhatsApp that thrive due to cross platform compatibility that allows the users to create seamlessly across the devices. 

Value-Added Features for Business Users

With features like WhatsApp Business and automated chatbot support, investing in such apps can help to attract small and large businesses by enhancing the customer engagement and streamlining the business communication.

End-to-end encryption and privacy features are in high demand. For the reason, an app with strong security measures can capture user trust and loyalty.

Data Insights and Analytics

However, messaging apps generate vast amounts of data, which can be leveraged for market insights, trend analysis, and predictive user behavior.

Growing Digital Economy

With the digital economy flourishing, there is a rising trend for all-in-one communication platforms that support payments, media sharing, and collaborations.

Core Technologies to Develop App Like WhatsApp

Explore the technical stack, including programming languages, databases, and APIs required for app development companies:

ComponentTechnology/ToolPurpose
Programming LanguageKotlin, Swift, React NativeNative Android and iOS development
Backend DevelopmentNode.js, Python, GolangServer-side logic and APIs
DatabaseMongoDB, PostgreSQLStoring user messages and data
Real-Time CommunicationWebSocket, XMPP ProtocolInstant messaging functionality
Voice & Video CallsWebRTC, VoIP ProtocolReal-time communication features
Cloud StorageAWS S3, Firebase StorageMedia storage and scalability
Push NotificationsFirebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), APNsNotifications for new messages
AuthenticationFirebase Auth, OAuth 2.0Secure user login and authentication
EncryptionAES-256, End-to-End EncryptionSecure data transmission
Media CompressionFFmpegOptimizing multimedia file sizes
AnalyticsGoogle Analytics, FirebaseUser behavior tracking
Payment IntegrationStripe, RazorpayOptional in-app payments for advanced features
Deployment PlatformsGoogle Cloud, AWSApp hosting and backend management

Step-by-Step Process to Develop App Like WhatsApp

Checkout the detailed WhatsApp development roadmap from ideation and design to deployment and maintenance:

Market Research & Planning

It is important to understand the user needs, competitors, and feature requirements before creating the roadmap. 

Wireframing & UI/UX Design

Wireframing and UI/UX design helps in creating the user friendly interfaces with the simple navigation for seamless communication experiences.

Backend and Frontend Development

This is the third stage of the development process that helps in creating the robust backend architecture for data handling and frontend for user interactions using frameworks like Node.js, React Native, or Flutter.

Integration of Core Features

To develop app like whatsapp, it is important to implement messaging, multimedia sharing, voice/video calls, encryption, and push notifications.

Security Implementation

Security implementation helps in adding end-to-end encryption, user authentication, and data protection features.

Testing & Quality Assurance

Testing and quality assurance helps in performing unit, performance, and security testing to ensure smooth functionality and bug-free operations.

Deployment

In the deployment stage, the app will be published on platforms like Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Post-Launch Maintenance

Post-launch maintenance helps to provide regular updates, server management, and bug fixes to maintain app performance.

Monetization Strategies to Develop App Like WhatsApp

Explore monetization strategies to create messaging apps or develop apps like Snapchat with creative user engagement. Below are the revenue models for build app like WhatsApp:

Subscription Model

The subscription model charges users a nominal fee for accessing the premium or ad-free versions of the app.

Business APIs

Business APIs help to generate revenue by offering messaging APIs for enterprises to engage with customers.

In-App Advertisements

In-app advertisements help to show targeted ads between chats or in status sections for free users to make a chat app.

Freemium Model

Freemium models help offer a free version with essential features and a paid version with advanced functionalities.

In-App Purchases

The in-app purchases help to sell stickers, themes, and other digital items for user customization.

Payment Gateway Fees

Payment gateway fees earn transaction fees by integrating in-app payment systems for peer-to-peer transfers or purchases.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop App Like WhatsApp?

Before moving ahead with the mobile app development cost involved get a breakdown of expenses based on features and technologies:

Development AspectDescriptionEstimated Cost Range (USD)
Platform SelectionAndroid, iOS, or both$10,000 – $30,000
UI/UX DesignWireframing, Prototyping, User Design$5,000 – $15,000
Backend DevelopmentServer setup, database architecture$20,000 – $50,000
Front-End DevelopmentCoding app interfaces$15,000 – $40,000
Messaging FeaturesText messaging, multimedia sharing$10,000 – $25,000
Voice & Video CallsReal-time communication integration$20,000 – $50,000
Security FeaturesEnd-to-end encryption, data protection$15,000 – $35,000
User AuthenticationOTP verification, two-factor auth$5,000 – $10,000
NotificationsPush notifications setup$3,000 – $7,000
Database ManagementCloud integration, storage solutions$10,000 – $30,000
Testing & QABug fixes, performance optimization$8,000 – $15,000
Maintenance & UpdatesPost-launch support$10,000 – $20,000 annually

Total Estimated Cost

  • MVP (Minimum Viable Product): $80,000 – $120,000
  • Full-Featured App: $150,000 – $300,000

Final Words on Developing an App Like WhatsApp

When it comes to investing in an app like WhatsApp is the lucrative opportunity in today’s digital era. It is where instant communication and data security are paramount. 

With the help of the rising user demand and evolving monetization models, the messaging apps have become more than the communication tools for everyone. 

For this reason, they are the platforms for business growth, customer engagement, and innovation. 

With the incorporation of advanced features like end to end encryption. payment gateways, and business APIs entrepreneurs can carve a competitive edge in the thriving market.

Why Choose Octal IT Solution?

Octal IT Solution specializes in developing scalable, secure, and feature-rich messaging apps customized to meet your unique business needs.

With years of experience in mobile app development services and a team of industry experts, we deliver cutting-edge solutions with a focus on user experience, innovation, and cost-efficiency. 

Our proven expertise in delivering app like WhatsApp ensures that your investment translates into success. 

Partner with us to turn your app idea into a reality!

Common Questions About Develop Apps like WhatsApp:

THE AUTHOR
Project Manager
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Dinesh Shilak, a tech enthusiast and dedicated writer, provides fresh insights into technology through his engaging blog posts. His keen interest in the latest advancements & passion for the field are evident in his writing.

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