Back to blog

How to Create a Messaging App Like Facebook Messenger?

---

One of the biggest catalysts in the evolution of modern communication is the use of instant messaging apps. Messaging apps like Facebook Messenger have made it possible for app users to connect instantly with friends and family. Today, more than 3 billion people in the world use messaging apps.

These instant messaging apps can prove to be a great communication tool for app users and an efficient way to stay in touch with anyone they want without a long wait. Instant messaging apps have become more popular than typical social media apps.

With 3 billion users, messaging apps present a fabulous business opportunity for small businesses, communication enthusiasts, developers, and entrepreneurs. Creating a mobile app from scratch requires heavy financial investment and months of hard work by skilled programmers. Not everyone has access to such resources. Hence, Appy Pie’s no-code app development platform provides the perfect solution for everyone involved.

What is Facebook Messenger?

Facebook Messenger started off as a simple, in-app chat feature that was a part of the older web-only version of Facebook. Eventually, the Messenger feature was separated from the parent app to create a standalone app named Facebook Messenger. Today, you cannot access your chats from within the Facebook app without downloading the app separately.

The app has all the basic and some of the more advanced features that help make an instant messaging app successful. Facebook Messenger is the second most popular messaging app in the world.

Features that make Facebook Messenger so popular

Facebook Messenger has emerged as the second most popular messenger app in the world today, and granted, it is primarily because of the brand value and popularity enjoyed by Facebook. However, Facebook Messenger has some of the most brilliant features that make the app particularly popular among its users.

1. Registration and login

   If you plan to make a Messenger app, first, you need to authorize the app user, and the best way to do that is through registration. Let your app users register for your app and log in every time they want to use it. One critical aspect of this feature is to ensure that the registration process is simple and hassle-free. Consider allowing registration through email addresses or social media profiles.

2. Import or sync contacts

   When you automatically import all the user contacts to your Messenger app, it significantly elevates the entire user experience. Add a feature that will scan the app user’s phone book and indicate those who already have an account on your messenger app. This feature helps create an immediately interesting network for new users, and they are motivated to begin using the app and start quick chats with people they already know!

3. Instant messaging

   The core of any chat app – the instant messaging feature, lets all the app users connect and communicate with fellow app users. Though there are multiple technical ways to do it, you can use Appy Pie’s no-code app builder to implement the feature with a simple drag-and-drop action.

4. File sharing

   A great functionality that increases app engagement levels is the ability to share documents, files, photos, videos, or any other such content. If you plan to build Facebook Messenger app clone, make sure that your app users can send files that were already saved on the device or take pictures, videos, audio, etc. from within the app.

5. Encryption and security

   Personal data is a soft target for most unscrupulous elements. Data theft is a genuine concern among most internet users. When you make an app like Messenger, employ optimum encryption and other security measures to ensure data privacy and security.

6. Voice and video calls

   Expand beyond the text chats and include voice and video call features in your Facebook Messenger-like app. We are visual beings and are more inclined towards visual modes of communication. No matter how far your friends and family may be, a voice or video call reduces the distance.

7. Location sharing

   Let app users share their current or live location so that they can coordinate their meetings better. Add the geolocation feature to enable the app users to track other users should they need to.

How to make an instant messaging app like Facebook Messenger?

At this stage in the blog, you know the Facebook Messenger app and the features that make it a massive success. Let us now address the primary question – how to make an app like Messenger.

Mobile app development, though lucrative as a business channel, is not for everyone. It requires months of hard work, deep coding knowledge, and a sizeable budget to create an app from scratch. Most small businesses, startups, or entrepreneurs do not have access to these resources, so most have to abandon their app ideas.

Appy Pie presents the perfect solution for just this situation. Its no-code app builder lets the platform users create an app in minutes without learning to code or spending a fortune on the same.

1. Name your app

   After naming your app, choose an app category, design theme, and layout. Add your brand logo to personalize your app.

2. Add the right features

   Consult the feature list above and add them to your app through the drag-and-drop interface. Edit your app to perfection.

3. Test and launch!

   Test your app on real devices and straighten out any kinks or bugs in the app. Your app is now ready to go live on any app store.