“Instant messaging platform has opened enormous doors and opportunities for the next era of communication”

Well, none can deny it as ever since technology evolved and new advancements were made in every sector, the communication process also revolutionized to such an extent that it looked like an optical illusion on a desert.

And particularly post the pandemic when things were going haywire, instant messaging apps also known by many as IM apps saw their popularity. From taking over business’s internal communication on a positive note to seamless marketplace interactions to dedicated e-learning programs, IM platforms became intense.

Not just the fact that it would ease the difficulties of emails and faxes for an instant response but also greatly aids in collaboration.

Now, the common question that arises among us What is an instant messenger? Which one do I need for my business? And what are all the primary features of an instant messaging program?

Thus, in the post below, let us understand the top-performing instant messaging apps of this year. 

Before anything, it is time for vocabulary.

What is an Instant Messaging Platform?

Instant messaging or simply IM is a communication mode that helps two or more users to connect with each other in real-time for to and fro conversations. Usually, an IM platform is known for establishing P2P connections powered by AIM messenger.

Due to its faster and quicker response benefit, around 8 billion instant messaging accounts existed in the year 2022. Amazing does it sound right? All thanks to its features like group chats, group calls, conferencing, screen sharing, file sharing, and sturdy encryption which were positives for its usage.

Finally, understanding that there is growth in this sector, many companies started to build chat apps from scratch, missing the point that it may be time-consuming and difficult. However, very few caught hold of the integration of the chat features concept using an API.

Some of the instant messaging Platform examples for individuals include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, etc. But for business communications, instant messaging APIs and apps play a vital role.

Especially businesses focused on integrating chat APIs to build business instant messaging platforms and tools. They also added messaging features that make enterprise instant messaging easier.

Let us see the top enterprise and corporate instant messaging platforms below.

Best IM Platforms For Business Communications

Instant messaging solutions that are used for internal communication usually cater to a friendly approach between teams in helping them boost productivity and manage deadlines 

Some of the few listed below offer free trials whereas others are known for exceptional requisites. Starting our top picks with,

1. Signal

A completely free chat platform to use for instantaneous communication around the world, Signal is a prominent provider among millions of users. From sending and receiving high-fidelity messages to engaging in HD-quality video calls to multiple numbers of features, Signal proves to be the best in every use case.

Along with this, Signal also supports advanced privacy features and collaboration techniques.

Features:

• Private/group voice & video calls
• Instant messaging
• Group chat
• In-app payments
• Push notifications

Location: Signal has users from different parts of the world, with a strong presence in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Use Cases: Signal provides secure communication solutions to various industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and education.

2. Rocket.Chat

From countless collaboration features to high-end security protocols to offering a seamless user experience, rocket. chat is growing to outshine itself as a popular instant messaging platform for businesses to communicate internally.

Initially started as a remote-based firm, they understand what features best suit a remote team. Further to help teams easily connect with other peers, they have prebuilt traits like threads, channels, groups, and more. If you do not know then let us tell you that rocket. chat is an open-source portal and so, anyone can customize chats according to their needs and preferences. 

Features:

• Instant messaging
• Audio and video calls
• File sharing
• Video conferencing
• End-to-end encryptions

Location: Rocket.Chat has users worldwide, with a strong presence in South America, Europe, and Asia.

Use Cases: Rocket.Chat provides communication solutions to industries like education, healthcare, government, and finance.

3. MS Teams

Yet another IM solution provider that is known well across the world for offering top team chat app facilities, is proven to be beneficial only for MS Teams users. Because they get teams for free and even look over to the collaboration part, they stand strong within its product limits. 

What’s annoying is that when compared to other competitors in the market, their collaboration or communication features are restricted to only a few. Thus, many try other alternatives to MS Teams. 

Features:

• Screen sharing
• Instant messaging
• Team meetings
• Voice & video calls
• Push notifications

Location: MS Teams has users worldwide, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Use Cases: MS Teams provides collaboration solutions to various industries, including healthcare, education, finance, and government.

4. Slack

Come on guys! Who does not know slack? It is the most synonymous and alternate term for the instant messaging platform. The reason is from offering dedicated channels and groups for internal project discussions to collaboration features for easy understanding to an intuitive and flexible user interface, Slack is swirling in the minds of people as a preferred option. 

However, we often notice data security concerns concerning Slack and this main cause has led its peers and competitors to take hold of the market share. 

Features

• Instant messaging
• Third-party integrations
• Team collaboration tools
• In-app notifications
• Privacy regulations compatible with HIPAA and GDPR

Location: Slack has users worldwide, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Use Cases: Slack provides communication and collaboration solutions to various industries, including technology, media, finance, and e-commerce.

5. Glip

Next up on the link is an instant chat app created by RingCentral. Glip is known for its chatting capabilities, group calls, event schedule, and screen-sharing features that are all top-notch and captivating to the eye. Further, using this app often leads to improved productivity, says businesses. How does it achieve this? The answer to this can be found only after analyzing it. 

Additionally, they support third-party integrations meaning that users who are into other messaging platforms can very well adapt to this via simple integrations. 

Features:

• Instant messaging service
• Multi-platform support
• Team collaboration tools
• End-to-end encrypted

Location: Glip has users worldwide, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Use Cases: Glip provides communication and collaboration solutions to various industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.

6. Flock

As goes with the name, this IM platform groups together all individuals in one place effortlessly with its communication and collaboration features. Their traits or so-called exquisites are known to boost productivity, keep the user focused on tasks, and offer help for remote teams. 

Just like Glip, Flock supports third-party integrations aiding users to connect to their desired apps. 

Features:

• Instant messaging service
• Multi-platform support
• Team collaboration tools
• End-to-end encrypted

Location: Flock has users worldwide, with a strong presence in India, the United States, and Europe.

Use Cases: Flock provides communication and collaboration solutions to various industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.

Most Promising Instant Messaging Platforms Loved By Customers

Did you know that many businesses are drawn toward instant messaging software from customer-oriented apps? And, the ones we have listed below are all the leading platforms with multiple accounts in each category. 

7. Telegram

Considered to be a real-time messaging platform, Telegram is a solution that offers seamless communication and security features to users with its modern app design. From engaging in single chats to conference calling to sharing screens, this chat platform is indeed making way for many people around the globe. 

Plus, standing top on our list as the best and most secure software, this particular app is said to be prevalent in any country and region.

Features:

• Private and group Instant messaging
• Push notifications
• Auto-translation services
• File sharing
• Voice & video calls

Location: Telegram has users worldwide, with a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Use Cases: Telecom provides communication solutions to various industries, including media, finance, and e-commerce.

8. WeChat

A popular chat platform in China, this app is named to be China’s Super app because in addition to the collaboration and communication features that it holds, they also offer video game facilities to users.

Features:

• Instant messaging service
• Push notifications
• Private or group voice & video calls
• File sharing
• AES-128 security standards

Location: WeChat has users primarily in China and Southeast Asia.

Use Cases: WeChat provides communication and e-commerce solutions to various industries, including finance, education, and healthcare.

9. Facebook Messenger

Everyone is aware of the Facebook Messenger app, from instant and quick messaging to creating groups for both professional and personal grounds and calling facilities, FaceBook is a parent product for all other messaging platforms. There are a billion users using FB to date.

Features:

• Buyer seller chat
• Instant messaging
• Feeds and stories promotions
• In-app payments
• Voice & Video calls

Location: Facebook Messenger has users worldwide, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Use Cases: Facebook Messenger provides communication and customer service solutions to various industries, including e-commerce/ marketplace, finance, and healthcare.

10. WhatsApp

Presently used by over 2 billion users all across the globe, WhatsApp spans its popularity as the best instant messaging platform ever. 

From popularizing unique encryption standards to adding extra features to making it a user-friendly tool, WhatsApp developers found it mountain-challenging for creating the best-known personal and professional messaging platforms.

Features:

• Instant messaging service
• Broadcast messaging
• Whatsapp status
• Business catalog
• Audio & video calls

Location: WhatsApp has users worldwide, with a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Use Cases: WhatsApp provides communication solutions to various industries, including finance, e-commerce, gaming, transportation, logistics and healthcare.

What is the benefit of Instant Messaging in Business Communication?

The prime benefit of any instant messaging app is the ability to help people communicate with each other in real-time. Additionally, IM tools ease the process of file sharing, mentions, status sharing, status settings, and other capabilities. 

These features that are described above can be used for both business and casual purposes. However, to dig deeper into answering why is IM platform beneficial for business communication, here’s a breakdown:

• Boosting Team Collaboration

As per a recent percentile, it is proven that over 86% of employees and executives lack collaboration capacity thus leading to workplace failures. Thus, many organizations must realize the fact that collaboration is the prime aspect of any team’s success, be it productivity or meeting deadlines.

• Fostering Productivity

If your employees are given an instant messaging tool or platform to help communicate and collaborate on the topics they face difficulty with, then ultimately their productivity rises by shortening the period in each project.

A report shows that over 25% of organizations succeed in productivity rates whose employees are well connected.

• Improving Employee Engagement

If employees can connect with each other well in discussing their work parameters and strategies, then it results in improved employee engagement. Further, the availability of bots in instant messaging platforms can help employees pose and get answers to different questions making them engaged with the platform.

• Eases Remote Working

Asynchronous real-time communication helps coworkers to connect and collaborate with ease via instant messaging apps. These apps can render flexibility in team communication even when they reside in different time zones and locations.

• Strengthens Company Grounds

Employees who love the quality of their work seem to be a lot more attached, and you can even bring it to your business by adding instant messaging platforms and creating channels in it for employees to connect on both business and professional grounds.

This small tiny step can help your employee’s retention levels in the organization.

• Highly-liked by Gen Z Groups

Gone are the days when managers used to call employees to discuss project matters because with the multiple features and benefits that instant messaging platform offers, many new millennials and gen Z groups are more attracted to tools that boost collaboration and communication in good ways.

Because a recent survey shows that over 75% of employees love to exchange instant messages rather than getting engaged in calls. 

How to choose the right instant messaging platform?

Looking at the various instant messaging platforms above, you may seem a little precipitated on which to choose. Below, we will list a few features to help you select the best one without giving it a second thought.

They are:

• Secured encryption protocols and standards
• Unique collaboration features like recording, screen sharing, and file attachments
• Ready-to-use UI kits and push notifications
• Delivery and read receipts in addition to chat moderation features
• Search history and multi-tenancy option

If you find a platform with all the above-mentioned, you can give it a tick. 

Build A Secure Instant Messaging App With MirrorFly!

With MirrorFly’s chat SDKs, building an instant messaging app with the features you wish to include and customize is quite simple. From offering exquisite features like scalability, analytics, and moderation to keeping our pricing parameters affordable, our APIs go above and beyond satisfying every business need.

Plus, you may find the top features that we have devised under SaaS & Self-hosted categories.

Here’s what you get with our SaaS Model:

1. Video, Voice & Chat APIs

2. Effortless Pre-built UI Kits

3. Flexible monthly and yearly plans

4. Safe and secure Cloud hosting

Our Self-hosted Chat API Plans give you:

1. Whitelabel chat solution to rebrand our APIs as you wish to

2. 100% customizable features & get complete ownership at a one-time license fee

3. Hire a dedicated team & experience comprehensive assistance

See, MirrorFly can come of great help in building custom apps for your businesses. In case you agree with us and wish to travel along, contact us to request for a quick demo for a detailed analysis. 

Get started now with our chat API!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)