Looking for the most popular messaging apps in the UK? Then you have landed on the right post. We are living a sophisticated life with the presence of high-speed internet. Daily habits have changed drastically, and people spend more time on social media platforms than in day-to-day life. So the importance of messaging apps has skyrocketed.
People aren’t just using messaging apps to make plans with friends or simply talk about their day. Messaging apps are becoming a vital medium for sharing photos, files, stickers, videos, and much more. These days, many social media platforms are equipped with messaging features that boost user experience.
Now it’s time to make a clustered list of messaging apps that are widely used in the United Kingdom. Whether you want to have some casual talk or business-related uses, the below apps would be very helpful.
So let’s get started.
Best Messaging Apps in the UK 2023
We have done extensive research to find the best and most widely used messaging apps. A simple Google search can call thousands of messaging apps, and one might quickly get confused. To make the process simpler, we have shortlisted a few apps. So let’s check them in detail.
1: WhatsApp – FREE Messaging And Video Calling App
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the United Kingdom, used by millions of users. It is a go-to destination for people who want to stay connected with friends and family.
All the messages and audio/video calls are heavily encrypted with end-to-end encryption. All you need is your mobile number to log in and start communicating. Make group video call with up to 8 people simultaneously. The location-sharing option is also available in your individual and group chat.
Share documents, videos, stickers, GIFs, and more in individual and group chat. You can share appealing status that will disappear in 24 hours. Choose who can view your status and share your feelings.
The WhatsApp app has more than 5 billion downloads and a 4.1 rating in Google Play Store.
2: Messenger – All-in-One Communication App
Messenger is an all-in-one communication app designed by Meta (formally known as Facebook). You can make unlimited text, video, and group conversation features. The cross-app messaging and calling feature allows you to converse with users on any device.
The vanish mode allows you to send disappearing messages after the recipient. Send a link to join the group even if they don’t have a messenger. Messenger allows you to host group video calls with up to 50 people with no limit. With high-quality video and crystal clear audio quality, you would have the best experience.
Express your emotions through stickers, GIFs, emojis, and much more. Want to look stunning during a video call? Use face filters for beauty effects, and put some impact on the recipient. Messenger has recently added the payment feature where you can use send and receive money securely.
The messenger app has more than 5 billion downloads and a 4.2 rating in Google Play Store.
3: Telegram – Fastest Messaging App
Telegram is one of the fastest-growing instant messaging apps for connecting with people. It has the most straightforward and most secure chat interface to keep the discussion going. The distributed data centers around the world ensure the fastest message forwarding.
All the app data sync with all the connected devices, including mobiles, tablets, and computers. All your chat history will be securely stored on the Telegram server. So there is no need to have huge space on your device. All the chat and media files transmitted through Telegram use 256-bit encryption and secure key exchange.
You would get a photo editing tool, customizable themes, and stickers to have the best chatting experience. Your privacy would be maintained seriously, and your metadata information never shared with third-party services.
The telegram app has more than 1 billion downloads and a 4.3 rating in Google Play Store.
4: Google Messages – Google’s Official Chat App
Google Messages is one of the most robust instant messaging apps for United Kingdom users. Anyone can instantly send text and multimedia messages. The clean and initiative interface makes the app easier for beginners.
This messaging app allows you to stay organized to get the most out of it. Sort messages into different categories to find new conversations easily. Delete your OTP after 24 hours of receiving it automatically. Send photo, video, and audio files comfortably using Google Messages app.
You can search for messages or senders using the powerful search feature. Google Assistant is equipped inside the chat app so that you don’t have to leave the app. Built-in spam protection automatically detects unwanted messages and labels a spam warning. The group chatting feature is also available to make conversation with many people.
Google Messages app has more than 1 billion downloads and a 4.3 rating in Google Play Store.
5: WeChat – Social Media App
WeChat is another popular messaging app used in the United Kingdom. Want to stay connected with your friends and families through instant chat? Then WeChat allows you to make video chats and text chats for free.
Share your experience and feelings through the status feature. Enjoy high-quality video streaming anywhere in the world and keep the discussion going. The group video calling feature allows up to 9 people. You would get the highest level of privacy in this app.
WeChat is famous for its massive collection of stickers. Browse through thousands of stickers in any category and impress your chat partner. The real-time translation feature allows you to stay away from the language barrier. Share your current location in just one click and guide a user.
WeChat app has more than 100 million downloads and a 3.7 rating in Google Play Store.
6: Viber – Safe Chats And Calls
Viber is a reliable and secure messaging app for beginners. It would be a great platform for chat and video calls and stay connected all the time. Make a secure 1-to-1 video call and there is no time limit. React to messages with stickers, emojis, and text directly from the notification area.
Send instant messages to friends in one tap and see when he/she appeared last time on the platform. A group video call on Viber allows up to 40 people simultaneously. You can create a chat room and invite users through the link. Reply using speech to text option as well.
End-to-end encryption is by default in all private and chat groups. The self-destruction message is assigned with a timer. Once the time limit crosses, the message will be automatically deleted. Express your emotions through GIFs and stickers and add some more fun.
The Viber app has more than 1 billion downloads and a 4.1 rating in Google Play Store.
7: Imo – International Calls & Chat
Imo is one of the fastest and most free video calling apps. Make domestic and international calls to your friends and families instantly. Imo has an optimized platform for providing best-in-class video quality, regardless of your network.
It would also consume less mobile data with efficiency. The cross-device support allows you to access the Imo app from Android, iOS, and Windows. You can directly log in to the app using your mobile number.
Share messages, photos, audio, documents, etc., in individual and group chats. All the messages and files would be securely stored in the Imo cloud. When someone sends you a text message or video call, you will get instant notifications on your device.
IMO app has over 1 billion downloads and a 4.1 rating in Google Play Store.
8: Kakao Talk – Mobile, Desktop & Wearable Devices
Kakao Talk is another most popular messaging app in the UK. Connect instantly with your friends and family members using this platform and keep your discussion going.
Experience HD video calling in individual or group chat in any network. There are thousands of fun stickers and emojis to express your feeling in chat. You can keep a status that supports photos, video, and text.
This app also supports wearable devices. So you can send or reply to messages from these devices. All the chat history and documents would be stored securely on your device. You can change the chart’s appearance by changing the theme.
Kakao Talk app has more than 100 million downloads and a 4.0 rating in Google Play Store.
9: Line – Calls & Messages
The line is a very popular instant messaging app that millions of people use worldwide. Most people use this app for sharing funny stickers. There are thousands of stickers for every occasion. You can use the Line app on a smartphone, tablet, desktop, etc.
This app uses this app to send text messages, make video calls to individuals and groups, share documents, etc. Use different funny face filters and beauty effects to look stunning. The line now supports up to 500 users in group video calling. Participants can only join a group video call by clicking the shared URL.
You would get easy to use payment option inside the app. Express yourself with unique avatars and customize the appearance. Line Voom allows you to discover trending posts and profiles. You can follow a person and stay connected.
Line app has more than 500K million downloads and a 3.9 rating in Google Play Store.
10: Snapchat – Fast & Fun Way to Share the Moment
Stay in touch with your friends and family using the Snapchat app. Many people use this app for instant communications and camera filters. Just open your camera and explore the magic filters. Experience augmented reality in real-time and do experiments with them.
You can group video chat with up to 16 people simultaneously. You can share images, text, documents, and more in an individual chat. Enjoy some fun games in the chat window, and both can play them. A photo editing feature is also available to give a personalized look. Try new lenses daily and have more fun.
Spotlight is one of the newest features of Snapchat. You can record and upload short videos just like TikTok. Share your location with friends securely using ghost mode. Explore live stories and posts across the world.
The Snapchat app has more than 1 billion downloads and a 4.2 rating in Google Play Store.
11: Signal – Private Messenger
The signal is another secure communication app used by millions of people. This user-friendly app can instantly communicate through text messaging and video/audio calls. It is a free app and works on any network you are using.
To keep your conversation secure, Signal comes with end-to-end encryption. The security key of a message is only present in the receiver’s device and no one in between can read the message. Messages are delivered quickly and securely.
Stay connected with a bunch of friends using group conversation. The disappearing message feature keeps your intimate discussion secret and automatically erased after the period. You would also get a built-in image editor for modifying images before sending.
The signal app has more than 100 million downloads and a 4.3 rating in Google Play Store.
12: Hike – Sticker Messaging Experience
The hike is one of the most popular messaging apps in the UK. The instant message delivery feature transfer conversation quickly. The app was introduced with normal text conversation and later added with video/audio calls.
The hiking app makes the regular conversation super easy, more creative, fun, and exciting. As you know, every image says thousands of words. There is an extensive library of stickers to choose from. You would get a sticker for almost every occasion.
The story feature allows you to share the best movements, and it would stay 48 hours. You can capture a short video clip and share the story with cool filters. Connect to your friends and keep your discussion going through the Hike app.
The hike app has more than 100 million downloads and a 4.4 rating in Google Play Store.
13: Skype – Instant Message, Voice or Video Call
Skype is a widely used messaging app in the world. You can also make HD-quality video calls to anyone using this platform. All the connections are secure and free up to a certain limit. Reach to people instantly and make a video call with a single tap.
Small and medium-sized companies mostly use Skype for video conferencing. The group video calling feature allows you to connect with 50 participants. After creating a video conferencing room, you can share the link to join other users.
All the text chats are end-to-end encrypted and provide a secure environment for users. It also offers a live translation feature to stay away from language barriers. Participants can join a video conference either directly from their favorite browser or the Skype app on any supported device.
The Skype app has more than 1 billion downloads and a 4.1 rating in Google Play Store.
14: Discord – Talk, Chat & Hang Out
Discord is an easy-to-use text communication app mostly used by gamers. Many people also use it for communicating with friends and strangers. You can create chat servers that can only be accessed through a special invitation link.
Send a message directly to friends and make the conversation going. Just create a chat room and share the link with your friends. You can also make low-latency audio and video calls in the same room.
One of the cool features is a custom emoji maker. You can convert an image into custom emoji to share with friends. Find topic-based channels to collaborate with other users and have an in-depth discussion.
Discord app has more than 100 million downloads and a 4.5 rating in Google Play Store.
15: Wire – Secure Messenger App
Wire is termed as one of the most secure apps for messaging. Communicate with your team and individuals privately like never before. In the chat windows, you can share documents, messages, links, and audio/video files.
The secure file sharing option makes the process hacking-proof. You can experience encrypted voice and video conferencing features. Protect your chat through fingerprint and screen patterns. You would get HD-quality video streaming while making individual or group video calls.
The industry-leading security and privacy feature make it a better choice. All the text chats are end-to-end encrypted, and no one can read them during transmission. You can integrate Wire with your business application and services.
Wire app has more than 1 million downloads and a 3.5 rating in Google Play Store.
16: Wickr Me – Private Messenger App
Wickr Me is another secure app for connecting with your loved ones. The trusted end-to-end encryption gives peace of mind and hustle-free chatting. The Wicker Me app never reads your messages and saves your contact list.
No email address or phone number is required to use this app. No metadata is stored or shared with third-party services. The group video calling feature allows up to 10 people simultaneously. You can invite users to your group through a shareable link.
Set the expiry time for each message, and it will automatically delete all your messages. The multi-layer encryption and secure messaging platform make your intimate conversation easy. The team is working around the clock to make it one of the trusted messaging apps.
Wickr Me app has more than 5 million downloads and a 4.0 rating in Google Play Store.
17: Session – Privacy, Anonymity, and Security
The session is another most popular messaging app in the UK that truly keep your messages private. The end-to-end encryption makes it impossible to leak anyone’s data. It offers a safe place to chat with friends and family and keep the discussion going.
The full anonymous account creation process doesn’t require a phone number or email address. The decentralized server network makes it impossible to track user activity and current location. The session doesn’t store or track your chat history or metadata.
The special routing protocol securely protects your IP address. Make a group video call with 100 people with end-to-end encryption. Send attachments securely through the Session app and feel it as a private place.
Session app has more than 1 million downloads and a 4.1 rating in Google Play Store.
18: Kik – Messaging & Chat App
Kik is a free instant messaging app to start a discussion with friends. You can make a new friend from the Kik community and start building a relationship. Express your emotions and send messages daily to make your connection strong.
Group chat with like-minded people and have fun. Invite people through a link, and users can directly join the chat room. Send photos, GIFs, emojis, files, and everything you want to share with individuals and group chat.
Each Kik profile has a unique QR code in the settings section. You can quickly show the QR code to add a friend to your chat list. Explore the Kik community, where people will discuss almost all the topics. You will always find something new and surprising in the Kik app.
Kik app has more than 100 million downloads and a 4.1 rating in Google Play Store.
19: Confide – Communicate Privately with Confidential
Confide is a private messaging app that allows you to send messages in confidence. If you want to make an absolutely private discussion, then this app would be beneficial. The built-in encryption allows you to send secure messages while maintaining privacy.
Disappearing messages is another cool feature of this app. Set a timer, and the message would be permanently deleted from both devices. The incognito mode allows you to send messages anonymously.
One can’t take the screenshot of the chat window and use it as a clue. Read messages line by line as they would be covered by fog. You can unsend unread messages in private messaging.
Confide app has more than 1 million downloads and a 3.4 rating in Google Play Store.
20: GroupMe – Free, simple & Secure
Stay connected with your loved ones and send them instant messages using the GroupMe app. You would get an easy-to-use and distraction-free interface to keep the conversation going. This app can send text, images, GIFs, and videos.
There is an exclusive emoji package and stickers to add more fun to the conversation. So you can make a hilarious conversation with these things.
Create a group and send the invitation URL to appropriate users. The notification settings can be modified, and you can mute specific chat notifications.
GroupMe app has more than 10 million downloads and a 3.8 rating in Google Play Store.
Conclusion
So these are the most popular messaging apps in the UK. Staying in touch with friends and family has never been easier before instant messaging apps. You can install one of the above apps and start the conversation.
