What does it take to build a WhatsApp-like application? Find out how to create a chat application like WhatsApp, which features and technology stack such an app should have, what the development process could be like, and the possible cost estimate.
Messaging has become the lifeblood of the way we communicate in our interconnected world. But how do you unleash the potential of communication in such a dynamic landscape? And is there room for more applications that could compete with WhatsApp?
Although there are already many established players out there (like Telegram, Snapchat, Skype, and iMessage), the mobile messaging market is still on the rise. In fact, it is expected to grow by almost 16% within the next ten years.
However, WhatsApp-like app development isn’t easy. If you decide not to opt for software development kits (such as Twilio), the manual coding process will be quite intricate, costly, and time-consuming.
In general, the app will have to include such features as:
🔶 Instant messaging
🔶 Voice or video call
🔶 Multimedia sharing
🔶 Group chats
🔶 Push notifications
🔶 Read receipts
🔶 Emojis, GIFs, stickers
🔶 Message editing and deletion
🔶 User profile
🔶 End-to-end encryption
Will it be easy to bring to life? The journey of creating an app like WhatsApp in 2023 is rather challenging. Yet, if you’re armed with the required knowledge and insights, you’ll be well-equipped to make a great solution that could compete, be beneficial to the users, and bring innovation to a more-or-less established market.
Keep reading to find out which technology stack to choose for the frontend and backend if you decide to build a WhatsApp-like app. Plus, the guide is fitted with a detailed explanation of the development process (from discovery, design and prototyping to MVP development, testing, launch, and post-launch expansion) and a detailed estimation of the cost and timeline required to create such a product 👇
