What is instant messaging? How does it work?

Mohamedasar Published On January 9th, 2026 Share it on

We use instant messaging software almost every day. But do we know how it started? What technology does it use?

Are there features we use without realizing it? Which feature in our chat app can we not live without?

In this post, I’ll answer these questions in simple terms and share useful insights to help you better understand instant messaging.

1. What is instant messaging (IM)?

Instant Messaging (IM) is a real-time online communication method that enables users to exchange messages with each other in real time over the internet.

Email communication is asynchronous. Unlike them, instant messaging software is designed for synchronous, real-time communication where the conversations happen immediately and continuously.

They also differ from traditional SMS or text messaging by supporting more than plain text. Users can share multimedia, voice notes, video calls, and also enable read receipts, online presence indicators, and typing indicators.

2. How does instant messaging work?

Instant messaging works on a client-server model. In a mobile or web app, when a user sends out a message, real-time communication protocols like WebSockets or MQTT transmit the message to a central messaging server.

The server authenticates the user, processes the message, stores it if required, and then routes it to the intended recipient. If the recipient is online, the message is delivered to their chat app instantly. If the recipient is offline, the message stays in the queue and is then delivered using push notification service.

3. Why should businesses and individuals use IM?

In most business or personal settings, IM is preferred as a primary mode of communication since there is no delay. It has an extensive range of collaboration features, allowing users to communicate instantly, and engage in real time when compared to email or phone calls.

Especially across business communication, IM helps faster coordination across teams, locations, and time zones, eventually reducing internal email volume.

4. What is new in instant messaging today?

Modern instant messaging is moving towards automation and intelligent communication through AI. Several chat apps now adopt AI chatbots, voice agents, automated responses, and message summarization. This is transforming the way we communicate on chat platforms. 

Many apps also support integrating with business tools like CRM, help desks, calendars, and analytics systems. This unifies multiple communication channels into one omnichannel platform rather than keeping chat as the only stand-alone feature.

5. What are the most popular instant messaging platforms?

MirrorFly, and Apphitect are the most popular instant messaging platforms. They help businesses build their own custom chat apps in 24-48 hrs with pre-built SDKs and APIs.

These platforms offer 15+ instant messaging software solutions that help companies build AI-powered communication apps for web, and mobile with full customization, white-labeling, data control, and self-hosting options.

6. How secure is Instant Messaging?

The security of any instant messaging app depends on its architecture and the encryption model built around it. Most IM platforms have end-to-end encryption that keeps the conversation between the sender and intended recipient without allowing any third-party access. It also ensures not even the service provider has access to the message data.

Above this, providers like MirrorFly allow businesses to customize their enterprise messaging platforms with additional security layers as per business demands, without any restrictions. They also support region-specific compliances to meet the regulatory requirements of each business beyond the basic GDPR, or HIPAA compatibility.

7. How has instant messaging changed over time?

Instant messaging initially started only with basic text messaging on desktop computers. As years rolled, it widened its capabilities to run on mobile platforms with features like multimedia sharing, cloud backups, end-to-end encryption, and now AI-powered features.

The technology, which was once considered a sophistication, is now being primarily used for real-time communication in enterprises, healthcare, and the banking sector.

8. What are the benefits of using IM for business communication?

In a business setting, IM platforms are primarily used for instant communication. Team members can connect with each other by just hitting the send message button on their office messaging software, without having to wait for email replies. They can connect over group discussions, share files with each other, and also work remotely without missing out on the loop.

These corporate instant messaging platforms can also help teams stay aligned and reduce the volume of emails sent and received. Plus, the platforms can connect with tools like CRMs and calendars that the teams use on a day-to-day basis.

9. What does the future hold for Instant Messaging?

The future of IM platforms is highly dependent on AI and automation. Most secure instant messaging software have already started introducing AI chatbots and voice-based assistants to handle customer support, internal queries, and also assistance with decision-making around a product or service.

Besides, IM platforms will also lean towards multilingual communication, stronger privacy controls, and integration with enterprise systems.

10. What are self-hosted messenger apps?

Self-hosted messenger apps allow companies to deploy and manage the messaging systems on their own servers or private cloud infrastructure. This type of deployment provides businesses full control over their data, security, and customization.

MirrorFly and Apphitect are the most popular self-hosted business instant messaging solutions that support businesses in building their own chat apps and let them host the platforms on any server they prefer, without any limitations.