With the release of fun messaging apps like Slingshot and Bolt, communication is becoming more entertaining, but also easier and faster than ever. Beyond what's already offered on your phone, there are tons of alternative messaging apps to choose from for Android and Apple devices. Some of the most fun ones like Imoji, UltraText and Xpress let you turn your own selfies into emojis, making messages more personal than ever. Since it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the tone of a text message no matter how many cryptic emojis you add, these apps make it a lot easier to gauge an individual's true feelings by their real facial expressions.
In addition to there being a ton of apps that are highly visual, there are also apps that improve upon text messaging, making it easier to do offline or with access to wifi.
31 Fun Messaging Apps
33
Surprisingly Simplistic Apps
The Yo App Only Allows People to Message Each Other the Word 'Yo'
32
Rival Photo Messaging Apps
Facebook's Slingshot App Will Launch as a Direct Snapchat Competitor
31
Anonymous Messaging Apps
The Secret App Lets you Speak Freely with Friends
30
Rival Messaging Apps (UPDATE)
The Facebook Slingshot App Sends Photo Status Updates
29
Coupled-Up Communication Apps
The New You&Me Messaging App is Content Comprehensive
28
Ephermeral Messaging Apps
Instagram Bolt Shares Images Instantly to Smaller Groups of People
27
Expansive Messaging Apps
The Talk Path App Makes Messaging Friends, Family and Businesses Easy
26
Vanishing Message Apps
The Confide App Shows off Its Snapchat-Like Messaging at CES 2014
25
Call-Simulating Apps
The Knock Android App Reminds Friends to Respond to Texts
24
Emotional Messaging Apps
The Xpress App Uses Replaces Emojis with Your Own Expressive Selfies
23
Snarky Safety-Tweeting Apps
The IAmAliveVIP Emergency Notification App Tweets After Bombings
22
Medieval Messaging Apps
The Yo, Hodor Parody App Lets You Shout 'Hodor Hodor' To Your Friends
21
Subtle Messaging Apps
The Wut App Lets You Send Messages Disguised as Push Notifications
20
Customizable Emoticon Apps
The Imoji App Lets Smartphone Users Create Their Own iPhone Emojis
19
Emotional Outburst Apps
The Vent App Saves You from Having to Vent on Social Media
18
Overprotective Messaging Apps
The Kitestring App Texts Contacts When Users Don't Reply
17
Incognito Flirting Apps
The Truth App Lets You Flirt Anonymously
16
Catty Social Networking Apps
The MeowChat App Combines Social Networking, Dating and Cartoon Cats
15
Internet-Independent Chat Apps
'FireChat' Lets You Chat without Internet or a Cellphone Signal
14
Trustworthy Social Sharing Apps
The Open Messaging Platform App Omlet Debuted at the SXSW 2014
13
Text-Mimicking Email Apps
E-mail Gets a Modern Facelift with Ping
12
Lightning-Fast Messaging Apps
The Telegram Messenger App is Simple, Secure and Super Speedy
11
Musical Messaging Apps
The La-La App Allows You To Chat Via Song
10
Animation Texting Apps
The UltraText App Lets You Make Homemade GIFs to Send to Your Friends
9
Wifi Texting Apps
Text Using Wifi with The Three inTouch App
8
Couples Messaging Apps
The Couple App for Couples Provides a Dedicated Network for Two
7
Selfie Messaging Apps
iOS Messenger App React Lets You Have Entire Conversations of Just Selfies
6
Self-Destructing Messaging Apps
The Wickr App Offers Privacy and Control
5
Personalized Face Messaging Apps
React Messenger Allows Users to Attach Their Own Smiling Face
4
Location-Based Messaging Apps
The Repudo App Lets You Leave Digital Notes in the Real-World
3
Reaction-Capturing Apps
The Reactr App will Let you See Friends Reactions to Your Photo
2
Speedy Messaging Apps
The Tap App Claims to Be the World's Fastest Messaging App
1
Translation-Enabled Chat Platforms
The Globr Chat Platform Can Translate Users' Messages
Related Ideas
Emoji-Only Communication Toys
The SEGA Emojam Lets Users Send 1,100 Emoji Characters to Friends
Traveling Tech Enthusiast Chatbots
'Wanna Catchup?' Connects Tech Lovers When They Travel
Custom Wrapping Paper Prints
UScellular Launched the Group Chat Wrap
Emotion-Regulating Mobile Apps
Feeling Great is a New Therapy App by Psychiatrist Dr. David Burns
Text-to-Emoji Converters
NeatEmoji is a Chrome Extension That Widens Communication Possibilities
Driving App Enhancements
Waze Voice Feature Update Enhances Hands-Free Driving Safety
AI-Powered News Apps
The 'Particle' App Uses AI to Organize and Summarize Articles
Social Video Reaction Apps
The 'Seen' App Lets Users Capture Footage of Themselves Viewing Content
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
Gen Alpha Social Media Apps
'SendIt' is Designed for Youth to Socialize through Games and Chatting
Emotive Smartphone Camera Covers
Yifan Hu Designs the Emoji-Inspired Smartphone Accessories
Messaging App Color Customizations
Whatsapp's Color Customization Will Rollout Soon
Minimalist Smartphone Apps
The Dumb Phone App Provides a Pared-Back Experience for iOS Users
AI Dating App Assistants
WooWell is an AI Dating Keyboard to Help Users Find Love
Daily Motivation Apps
'Motivation' is an Empowering App Helping People Make the Most of Their Days
Dedicated Chatbot Apps
The Android Version Of Microsoft's 'Copilot' Offers Versatile Tools
Social Media Notes Expansions
TikTok Notes Puts Text and Images to the Forefront of Social Sharing
Two-Way Kids Messaging Wearables
The BoT Talk Communicator Keeps Kids Connected to Parents
Personalized AI Emojis
Emojifyer AI Turns Your Selfies Into Emojis
Matchmaking Dating Apps
The 'Cheers' Dating App Incorporates Friend into the Experience
Connection-Emphasizing Online Dating Coaches
The Rizz App Offers a Meaningful Approach to Dating
Anti-Late Night Texting Tools
HOP WTR Debuts the DNT TXT lockbox to Prevent Impulsive Texting
Image-Based Alternative Social Medias
'Noteit' is a Snapchat-Inspired App for Gen Alpha Users
Speech-to-Text Tools
Voxio Can Create Formatted text From Your Thoughts in Minutes
Conversational Language Learning Apps
Babyl Uses AI to Present a Personalized Language Buddy
AI-Powered Design Apps
Adobe Launches an AI-Powered Mobile App Called Adobe Express
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Quiver is a Social Media App for Thinkers Seeking Connection
Redesigned Messaging App Platforms
The New WhatsApp Update Features More Neutral Tones
Messaging App Chat Organization
WhatsApp Keeps Conversations Organized with Chat Filters
Best-Friend Social Media Features
NoteIt Allows Users to Pick 5 'BFFs' for Special Features
All-in-One Pet Care Apps
Dotsy Offers Tracking and Recording for Pet Owners
Distraction-Blocking Apps
The 'FlowBuddy' App Helps Users Cut Down on Screen Time
Personality-Focused Dating Apps
The Bokay App Expands Its Services Across Canada
Mobile Escape Rooms
Phone Escape: Hopeless Takes Mobile Entertainment to New Dimensions
In-App Face Swaps
SwapMyFace Lets Users Insert Their Own Faces into Any Picture from the Web
Car-Identifying Apps
Scout Helps Enthusiasts Identify a Vehicle
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Skaldic is an App for Curious Minds
Social Camera Fitness Apps
SnapFit Lets Users Document Their Journey with Photos
Empathy-Building Anxiety Simulators
This Tool Let's You Practice Talking to Someone with Anxiety
All-in-One Productivity Apps
Evo Brands Itself as 'The Everything App'
Chat-Based Language Lessons
'Pal' Offers a Personalized Spanish Tutoring Session Through WhatsApp
AI Storytelling Apps
The Storyteller Offers an Endless Supply of AI-Written Stories
Immersive Language-Learning Apps
Travel Echo Helps Travelers Engage With Locals Abroad
Relationship Management Apps
With LoveSpace, Couples Can Share Updates, Feelings, and Calendars
Therapeutic Breakup Bots
Text Your Ex Helps People Cope and Process Their Breakups
Immersive Language-Learning Tools
VisionFlow Transforms Spoken English Learning with Talkit
Mobile Content Creator Apps
Microsoft Brought its 'Designer' Copilot App to Android
Emoji-Based Mood Trackers
MoodTrack Helps Monitor Emotions in a Fun and Accessible Way
AI SMS Categorization Tools
Curatio Instantly Categorizes SMS Messages as Transactional or Junk
Text-to-Image AI Apps
The Bonkers App Quickly Creates Images using AI
Socially Connected Workout Apps
The 'SocialPump' App Connects Athletes to Their Friends
Randomized Emoji Generators
This Tool Helps People Communicate Through a Gallery of 5,000 Emojis
AI-Powered Notetaker Apps
'Mumble Note' Turns Fleeting Thoughts into Actionable Notes
AI Student Chat Apps
Student Life with Zapshot Enhances Communication with Artificial Intelligence
Enhanced Video Chat Platforms
WhatsApp is Elevating its Video-Call Functions with Screen-Shares
AI Dating Aid Bots
WittyWingMan Helps Users Craft the Perfect Text Response
Relationship-Rating Couples Apps
The 'Kuziu' App Helps Couples Strengthen Their Bond
AI Language Apps
MoBuddy is Fluent in 11 Languages and Offers Around-the-Clock Support
AI-Fuelled Mobile Design Apps
Adobe Launches its Express Mobile App for Design On-the-Go
Hidden Social App Mini-Games
Instagram Entices Users with Hidden Games in Their DMs
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Digitized Note-Taking Apps
FlowNote Turns Note-Taking Into an Art
Social Vlogging Apps
Shortake Let's Users Capture a Few Moments Every Day
Pleasing Productivity Apps
Aime Takes a Holistic Approach to Productivity
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
AI-Powered Teen Dating Apps
AskElle is a safe space for teens to make connections
Text-To-Video Animation Tools
SnippetSnap Turns Text and Code into Typewriter Animations with Ease
Relationship-Strengthening Dating Ideas
Perfect Dates is an App Inspiring Stronger Bonds
Quizzing Language Apps
Multilingue is a Versatile Language-Learning App with Over 30 Languages
Handwritten Digital Messaging
Lettre.app Connects Users with Penpals Through Handwritten Messages
Interest-Based Matchmaker Apps
Wana Matches People Based on Shared Interests
Retro-Inspired Animated Stickers
Apple Rolls Out New Stickers Ahead of this Year's WWDC
Relaxing Brain Teaser Games
Sprinkle Words Takes a Non-Competitive Approach to Phone Games
Social Gathering-Scheduling Apps
Tecatita Light Debuts the Convenience-Focused Momentitos App
AI Dating Support
Flirt Like a Pro Uses AI To Create Witty Responses to Romantic Texts
Global Phone Call Solutions
Callmama is a Virtual Phone Numbers App Spanning 150 Counteries
Joy-Infused Writing Support
InkJot is an App That Adds More Fun to the Writing Process
Vintage Photo Camera Apps
mood.camera Brings Back Nostalgia in a Digital Age
Streamlined Note Interfaces
HashTagNotes Lets Users Send Themselves Notes and Reminders
Work Message Summarizers
Recap for Slack Summarizes Your Messages Into Action Items
Community-Oriented Meetup Apps
The 'Flying Pig' App Connects People for Hanging Out
Mental Health Messaging Apps
Koala Messenger is a Place to Share When You Don't Feel Your Best
AI-Powered Language Apps
The Memrise App Welcomes More Than 70 Million Users
Immersive Language-Learning Apps
Lingo Looper Prioritizes Engaging Conversation to Help Learners
Organizational Reminder Apps
The Todo Reminder App Enhances Productivity With a Few Simple Steps
Conversation-Starting Prompt Decks
Mingler Has Engaging Conversation Starters for Every Topic
Note-Syncing Phone Updates
Bebop Seamlessly Captures and Syncs Notes to iCloud on iOS
Meaningful Connection-Driven Dating Apps
Moonlight Dating App Brings Singles Together
Childhood Memory Capturing Apps
Dear Little One Allows Parents to Record Messages for Their Child
Personalized AI Stickers
This Site Turns Text and Face Photos Into Custom Stickers
AI Typing Experiences
KeysAI is an AI-Powered Keyboard App That Enhances Typing Efficiency
Touchscreen Satellite Communicators
The Iridium GO! Exec Satellite Communicator Supports Many Apps
Curated Flight Deal Apps
The Going App Offers Expert and Personalized Travel Deals
Genuine Connection Platforms
Youmetalks Prioritizes Authentic Connection in a Digital Age
Media Release Monitoring Apps
The 'Upcoming' App Helps Users Track Favorite Media and Explore
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Intimate Social Media Websites
Bubbl Widget Builds a Small Online Community of Close Friends
Personalized Home Screen Characters
Dippy Adds AI Friends to Home Screens To Chat and Enjoy
Connective Sports Apps
Acti Forges Connections Between Like-Minded Sports Lovers
Effortless Email Voice Messaging
Beep for Gmail Lets You Send Messages Directly in the App
Connection-Building Dating Platforms
Happie Aims to Build Meaningful Connections Between Users
Web3 Gamified Messaging Apps
PlaysOut is Bringing Web3 Gaming to the Telegram Messenger
Speech-to-Text Notes Apps
Talk2Note Uses AI To Effortlessly Transform Thoughts to Text
Phone Puzzle Games
Word Search Game Offers Mental Stimulation with Word-Based Challenges
Social Sticker-Making Features
WhatsApp Launches a New In-App Custom Sticker Maker
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
Seamless Online Pasteboards
OkShare Eliminates the Need for Transfers or Multiple Apps
Meaningful Chat Apps
Oom Helps People Connect on a Deeper Level By Skipping Small Talk
Emergency Distress Signals
SOS Light App Provides a Simple Morse-Code Distress Signal Tool
Lighthearted Meme Apps
Goodday is a Meme App Designed to Inspire Happiness
AI Dating Assistants
Flamer is a Witty AI Tool Helping People Enjoy Their Dating Lives
Chat-Based Language Learning
With FlipChat, You Can Learn a Language While Chatting with Friends
Text Reply Assistants
Generate Personalized, Human-Like Text Replies Quickly with WhatToText AI
Expansive Emoticon Libraries
Amicons Offer 300 Friendly and Personality-Filled Emoticons
Emoji-Deciphering Puzzle Games
Emoji Riddle Challenge Has Players Decipher Emoji Sequences
All-in-One Team Communication Tools
ZoomShift Allows For Messages, Announcements and Updates
AI Social Media Enhancement
Attract AI Elevates Charm on Social Media with a Few Taps
Personalized Notification Tools
Good Vibes Notifications Offers a Daily Dose of Information
Connection-Building Prompt Apps
Quiver's Daily Questions Will Connect You to Friends and Strangers
Remote Worker Networking Apps
Midstay is an App for Remote Workers to Connect
Texting Publication Services
'My Forever Books' Turns Texts into Printed Books
Sentimental AI Speech Writers
Toast Tracker Sends Well Wishes to Loved Ones
Task Management SMS Assistants
Hody Stops Procrastinating Through Friendly Text Messages
Interactive Presentation Polls
MeetMoji Uses AI to Create Engaging and Interactive Meetings
Connective Time Zone Apps
Clockwise Helps You Stay In Sync Across The Globe
Comprehensive Sports Apps
OutyPlay Builds Community for Sports Enthusiasts
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
Personalized Emoji Experiences
Emojibu Uses Chat AI Features to Pick the Perfect Emojis
Real-Time Home Screen Sharing
Snapshare Widget Lets Users Share Content Right to Friends' Screens
Personalized Heartfelt Digital Greetings
Merrygram Emerges as a More Meaningful Alternative
Dynamic Visual Communication Platforms
ConverStory Transforms Speech into Captivating Images
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Important Sharing Apps
The FinhApp Let's You Share Wills or Messages with Loved Ones
Surprising Romantic Inspiration
Love Fuel Offers 450 Ideas to Liven Up a Relationship
Location-Based Message Sharing
Sharepath Brings Location-Based Messaging Inspired by Souls Games
Spam-Sifting Messaging Apps
Silter Helps Identify Spam Messages
Communication Tone Coaches
Micro Culture Lite Evaluates Emotional Tone in Slack Messages