Over a decade ago, MSN Messenger was the main form of communicating for young people, but now these updated messaging apps demonstrate a new surge in wanting to reconnect with this way of talking between friends.
Messaging apps have certainly come a long way since the days of MSN, as many services now have video and pictures fully integrated with the overall design. Skype, for instance is essentially a video messaging app, and users can even leave video messages for friends and loved ones. React is an app that allows users to take photos of themselves and use them for emoticons, instead of using the cartoon, illustrated versions.
It's clear that today's online world is a lot more crowded in terms of services for connecting with friends, but with all the developments from various messaging services these days, I don't think that's a bad thing.
13 Updated Messaging Apps
From Covert-Message Browser Apps to Self-Destructing Apps:
Jamie Danielle Munro — Apr 1, 2014 — Tech
13
Anonymous Messaging Apps
The Secret App Lets you Speak Freely with Friends
12
Appliance-Communicating Software
The LG HomeChat Launched at CES 2014 & Gives Life to Appliances
11
Subtle Messaging Apps
The Wut App Lets You Send Messages Disguised as Push Notifications
10
Overprotective Messaging Apps
The Kitestring App Texts Contacts When Users Don't Reply
9
Trustworthy Social Sharing Apps
The Open Messaging Platform App Omlet Debuted at the SXSW 2014
8
Lightning-Fast Messaging Apps
The Telegram Messenger App is Simple, Secure and Super Speedy
7
Covert-Message Browser Apps
The 'Off The Record' Platform Lets you Send Temporary Messages
6
Self-Destructing Messaging Apps
The Privatext App Keeps Your Sent Messages and Images Safe
5
Personalized Photo Messaging Apps
The Bamboo Loop App Lets Users Customize Messages with Photos
4
Self-Destructing Messaging Apps
The Wickr App Offers Privacy and Control
3
Personalized Face Messaging Apps
React Messenger Allows Users to Attach Their Own Smiling Face
2
Futuristic Video Voicemail Features
Communicate More Visually with the New Skype Video Voicemail
1
Location-Based Messaging Apps
The Repudo App Lets You Leave Digital Notes in the Real-World
Related Ideas
Conference Call AR Lenses
Microsoft Team Integrates Snapchat AR Lenses to its Video Chat Feature
Virtual Video Call Makeup
Microsoft Teams Video Calls Now Offer Maybelline Virtual Makeup
Telegram-Style Video Messages
WhatsApp is Launching Instant Video Messaging Features
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Unfiltered Dating Apps
The 'RAW' Dating App Shows a Person's Authentic Self
Algorithm-Free Social Media Apps
'RTRO' Connects Users in a More Positive Online Environment
Sticker-Creating Social Tools
Instagram Releases a New Sticker Creation Feature for Creators
Social Voice Chat Features
WhatsApp Launches a New Voice Chat Feature for Large Groups
AI Messaging Apps
With 'Viber,' Users can Now Chat with a Famous Artificial Intelligence
Startup Task Management Platforms
The 'TaskPal' Task Management App is Simple and Slick to Use
AI Avatar Dating Apps
The Snack App Allow Users to Turn Themselves into an AI Version
Gen Z Mental Health Apps
Chill Pill is a Social Media App Centered Around Mental Health
Gen Z-Centered Health Apps
RTRO Lauches with ChatGPT with a Focus on Mental Health
Disappearing Chat Platform Features
WhatsApp is Rolling out the Keep in Chat Feature
Mobile Supportive Syncing Features
Microsoft Begins Launching iOS Support for Phone Link
AI-Aided Social Networks
Why Be Real Online when you can BeFake
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
Gen Alpha Social Media Apps
'SendIt' is Designed for Youth to Socialize through Games and Chatting
Standalone Friend-Finding Apps
Bumble for Friends (BFF) is Being Tested in Select Markets
Messaging App Chat Organization
WhatsApp Keeps Conversations Organized with Chat Filters
Realistic Chat-Based Avatars
Whatsapp Partners with Tems for the 'Say More With Avatars' Campaign
Video-Style Chat App Features
WhatsApp Instant Video Messages Enables Quick Communication
Dedicated Chatbot Apps
The Android Version Of Microsoft's 'Copilot' Offers Versatile Tools
Running Partner Messaging Apps
Find Your Next Running Partner Through Strava Messaging
IRL Dating Apps
The Blush App Aims to Enhance the Dating Experience with Real-World Connections
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Communication-Based Immersive Exhibitions
Intuit Mailchimp and Design Museum Present Email is Dead
Shoppable Hybrid Apps
Lemon8 is a New Social Media App Combining Aspects of Instagram & Pinterest
Coffee Shop Video Calls
Coffee Video Calls Brings the Ambiance of a Cafe to Virtual Calls
One-Way Chat Feature Updates
WhatsApp Launches its New Channels Feature Social Update
Personalized AI Emojis
Emojifyer AI Turns Your Selfies Into Emojis
Connection-Emphasizing Online Dating Coaches
The Rizz App Offers a Meaningful Approach to Dating
Gamified Video Dating Apps
IRLY is a Dating App by Gen Z for Gen Z
Real-Time Translation Apps
The 'Forum' App Can Translate & Transcribe In 20 Different Languages
Image-Based Alternative Social Medias
'Noteit' is a Snapchat-Inspired App for Gen Alpha Users
Personalized Language Education Apps
TalkPal Uses a Personable Approach to Language Learning
Raw Thought Organization Apps
The 'Memosa' App Turns Ideas and Rambling into Organized Text
In-App Recommendation Features
Bumble Boasts the 'Recommend to a Friend' Feature
Young Professional Community Apps
Yuppie Helps Gen Z and Millennials Connect with One Another
Interactive AR Experiences
The Sendit App Engaged Gen Alpha on Valentine's Day
Gen Z Video Apps
Zigazoo is an Invite-Only App with a Focus on Short-Form Videos & Video Replies
Decentralized Social Apps
The 'Bluesky' App is Powered By An Open-Source Protocol
AI-Powered Design Apps
Adobe Launches an AI-Powered Mobile App Called Adobe Express
Meme-Like Social Platforms
Social Platform Spill Launches its Beta with a ‘Meme-Forward’ Aesthetic
Private App-Based Journals
Apple Launches a New Journal App for iPhone Users to Positively Reflect
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Quiver is a Social Media App for Thinkers Seeking Connection
Video Game-Like Chat Platforms
'PFPChat' Gives Online Meetings a More Creative Spin
Minimalist Social Media Platforms
Bluesky is a Simple, Minimalist Social Media Platform
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Communication App Shopping Experiences
WhatsApp Flows Allow for In-App Booking and Shopping
ChatGPT-Powered Social Services
Snapchat is Expanding its My AI Service to All of its Users
Social City Exploration Apps
The 'Geometrik' App Connects Citizens and Businesses Together
Professional Search Engines
Ayraa Merges Professional Communications to Help Keep Track
AI-Powered Socialization Apps
The 'BU' App Takes an AI-Driven Approach to Event Planning
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Engaging Political Update Apps
The 'GovSide' App Encourages Citizens to Get Involved
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Skaldic is an App for Curious Minds
Authenticated Product Review Apps
This App Matchers Shoppers With Brands Looking For Reviews
All-in-One Productivity Apps
Evo Brands Itself as 'The Everything App'
AI Dating Toolkits
Mojo Rizz Helps People Navigate and Understand the Dating World
Film Industry Networking Apps
The 'BeScene' App Takes a Swiping Approach to Networking
Therapeutic Breakup Bots
Text Your Ex Helps People Cope and Process Their Breakups
Immersive Language-Learning Apps
Travel Echo Helps Travelers Engage With Locals Abroad
Social Media AI Chatbots
Instagram Plans to Incorporate its Own AI Chatbots in the App
Chatbot-Equipped Mobile Keyboards
Microsoft is Augmenting SwiftKey with an Updated Bing Chatbot
AI Roleplay Chatboys
DreamPal Lets Users Chat With Intelligent Personality-driven bots
Family Organization Apps
Rejoy Merges Calendars, Lists, meal Planners, and More in One Place
Social Reading Apps
Fable is a Social App for Readers That Goes Beyond Book Clubs
Visual Payment Apps
Vizme Turns the Experience of Sending or Spending Money Into Stories
Chat-Style To-Do Apps
The 'Qept' App Lets Users DM Tasks to Themselves
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Nostalgic Music Discovery Apps
The 'Rewind' App Helps Gen Z Delve Into the Music Of Past Decades
Hidden Social App Mini-Games
Instagram Entices Users with Hidden Games in Their DMs
Cross-Platform Messaging Apps
'Nothing Phone' is Getting its Own Version of iMessage
Parental Social App Controls
Meta Debuts a Series of New Features Across its Social Media Apps
Meme-Based Dating Sites
Schmooze Helps Singles Find Love Through Memes and Jokes
Decentralized Social Apps
Meta is Developing a Decentralized Text-Based App Codenamed "P92"
Newsletter App Messaging Upgrades
Substack is Launching a New Direct-Messaging Feature
Interconnected Messaging Ecosystems
Whatsapp to Introduce Support for Messages Third-Party Apps
AI Smoking Cessation Apps
The 'QuitBot' App Offers Resources To People Trying to Quit Smoking
Conversation-Starting Prompt Decks
Mingler Has Engaging Conversation Starters for Every Topic
AI-Fueled Upcoming Apps
OpenAI Officially Launches a Free ChatGPT App Platform for iOS.
Community-Driven Collector Apps
Connectible is a First-of-Its-Kind Social Media App for Collectors
Video-Enabled Dating Apps
The 'Candid' Dating App Lets Users Show Their Personality with Video
iOS-Influenced Travel Apps
Uber’s Redesigned App Uses the Latest iPhone Features on iOS 16
Photo-Organizing Apps
Journeys Simplifies the Process of Organizing One's Photos
Social Media-Limiting Apps
Elqi Intervenes with Meditation to Limit Social Media Time
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Animated-Photo AI-Fueled Chat Apps
EmbodyMe Unveils its New Xpression Chat Platform
Authenticated News Apps
Digital Trust Network 'Click' Challenges the Threat of Misinformation
AI-Fuelled Mobile Design Apps
Adobe Launches its Express Mobile App for Design On-the-Go
Privacy-Focused Messenger Features
WhatsApp is Rolling Out a 'Chat Lock' Feature for all Users
Social Digital Nomad Apps
The 'Citizen Remote' App Supports Remote Workers and More
Photo-Based Messenger Services
Snapchat Users will Soon be able to Pay to Restore Lost Streaks
Video Conferencing Avatar Features
Meta is Presenting a New Cartoon Avatar Feature
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Predictive AI-Fueled Chat Updates
Google is Introducing Smart Compose with Suggestive Phrases
Simplified Social Sharing Features
Reddit is Announcing its New Shared Link for Text Posts
3D Video Call Avatars
Avatars for Microsoft Teams Give Users a Break from Being on Camera
Childhood Memory Capturing Apps
Dear Little One Allows Parents to Record Messages for Their Child
Smart Life-Planning Apps
Last Plannr is More Than a Traditional To-Do List
Versatile Workforce Platforms
Neat Unveils a Large-Scale Expansion with its New App Platform
AI Chat Companions
My AI Offers a New Way for Snapchat Users to Engage Generative AI
Social Telegrammed Messaging Features
Instagram's Broadcast Channels Will Soon Launch Globally
Video Call Shopping Services
Apple's Specialist over Video Service Enhances Personalization
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
Social Media Silencing Features
Instagram Quiet Mode Helps Users Take a Scheduled Break
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
West African Super Apps
'ShaQ Express' has Evolved from Logistics to a Super App in a Few Years
Connection-Building Dating Platforms
Happie Aims to Build Meaningful Connections Between Users
Chatbot-Integrated Browser Apps
The 'Arc Search' iOS App Offers Customized Search Outputs
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Social Media-Building Tools
ReplyMore Helps Small Accounts Build Their Followings Through Replies
Private Social Media Services
Instagram Now Allows Posts and Reels to be Shared with Close Friends
App-Facilitated VR Integrations
WhatsApp's New Update Includes VR Integration with Meta Headsets
Social Group Voice-Chat Features
WhatsApp's New Feature Allow Control in Group Voice Chats
Social Sticker-Making Features
WhatsApp Launches a New In-App Custom Sticker Maker
All-in-One Team Communication Tools
ZoomShift Allows For Messages, Announcements and Updates
Gamer Organization Apps
Skich Debuts New Features for its Tinder-Style Game Recommendation App
Chat-Based Language Learning
With FlipChat, You Can Learn a Language While Chatting with Friends
Invitational Social App Expansions
The Bluesky App is Only Available by Invitation
Visually Inclusive Smartphone Features
Apple Adds the New Bold Assistive Access Feature
Video-Verification Dating Apps
Tinder's Photo Verified Cuties Initiates Video Selfie Procedures
Remote Worker Networking Apps
Midstay is an App for Remote Workers to Connect
Connection-Building Prompt Apps
Quiver's Daily Questions Will Connect You to Friends and Strangers
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Phone-Based User-Targeted Campaigns
PlugSMS Helps Users Launch Campaigns From Their Phones
Notification-Silencing App Features
Instagram Debuts 'Quiet Mode' to Encourage Users to Disconnect
Personalized Film Apps
Movie Me Helps Individuals Discover New Movies
Enhanced Note-Taking Apps
The Sticky Notes App Has Been Updated with a New Modern Design
Personalized Heartfelt Digital Greetings
Merrygram Emerges as a More Meaningful Alternative
Remote Team Collaboration Tools
Team Board Shares Who is Working Remotely and Who is in the Office
Group Chat Organization Apps
Natros Makes Planning Seamless With a Host of Features
Live Shoppable Streams
CommentSold Introduces a New Shopify Feature for Live Shopping
Visualized Screen Time Apps
The 'Cyte' App Helps Users Search Their Digital History with Ease
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Private Social Media Notes
Minders Offers a Private Space for Reflection and Thoughts
Broadcast-Like Social Channels
Meta is Launching New Broadcast Channels to Instagram and More
90s Graphic Editor Updates
Microsoft is Finally Updating its MS Paint app with New Layers