Over a decade ago, MSN Messenger was the main form of communicating for young people, but now these updated messaging apps demonstrate a new surge in wanting to reconnect with this way of talking between friends.
Messaging apps have certainly come a long way since the days of MSN, as many services now have video and pictures fully integrated with the overall design. Skype, for instance is essentially a video messaging app, and users can even leave video messages for friends and loved ones. React is an app that allows users to take photos of themselves and use them for emoticons, instead of using the cartoon, illustrated versions.
It's clear that today's online world is a lot more crowded in terms of services for connecting with friends, but with all the developments from various messaging services these days, I don't think that's a bad thing.
13 Updated Messaging Apps
From Covert-Message Browser Apps to Self-Destructing Apps:
Jamie Danielle Munro — Apr 1, 2014 — Tech
13
Anonymous Messaging Apps
The Secret App Lets you Speak Freely with Friends
12
Appliance-Communicating Software
The LG HomeChat Launched at CES 2014 & Gives Life to Appliances
11
Subtle Messaging Apps
The Wut App Lets You Send Messages Disguised as Push Notifications
10
Overprotective Messaging Apps
The Kitestring App Texts Contacts When Users Don't Reply
9
Trustworthy Social Sharing Apps
The Open Messaging Platform App Omlet Debuted at the SXSW 2014
8
Lightning-Fast Messaging Apps
The Telegram Messenger App is Simple, Secure and Super Speedy
7
Covert-Message Browser Apps
The 'Off The Record' Platform Lets you Send Temporary Messages
6
Self-Destructing Messaging Apps
The Privatext App Keeps Your Sent Messages and Images Safe
5
Personalized Photo Messaging Apps
The Bamboo Loop App Lets Users Customize Messages with Photos
4
Self-Destructing Messaging Apps
The Wickr App Offers Privacy and Control
3
Personalized Face Messaging Apps
React Messenger Allows Users to Attach Their Own Smiling Face
2
Futuristic Video Voicemail Features
Communicate More Visually with the New Skype Video Voicemail
1
Location-Based Messaging Apps
The Repudo App Lets You Leave Digital Notes in the Real-World
Related Ideas
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Traveling Tech Enthusiast Chatbots
'Wanna Catchup?' Connects Tech Lovers When They Travel
Next-Gen News Apps
Shades is a News and Culture App for Gen Z and Gen Alpha
Text-to-Emoji Converters
NeatEmoji is a Chrome Extension That Widens Communication Possibilities
Social Voice Chat Features
WhatsApp Launches a New Voice Chat Feature for Large Groups
Startup Task Management Platforms
The 'TaskPal' Task Management App is Simple and Slick to Use
Social Video Reaction Apps
The 'Seen' App Lets Users Capture Footage of Themselves Viewing Content
Gen Z-Centered Health Apps
RTRO Lauches with ChatGPT with a Focus on Mental Health
Authenticity-Promoting Social Media Apps
The Viberse App Emphasizes Authenticity and Spontaneity
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
Gen Alpha Social Media Apps
'SendIt' is Designed for Youth to Socialize through Games and Chatting
Minimalist Smartphone Apps
The Dumb Phone App Provides a Pared-Back Experience for iOS Users
Dedicated Chatbot Apps
The Android Version Of Microsoft's 'Copilot' Offers Versatile Tools
IRL Dating Apps
The Blush App Aims to Enhance the Dating Experience with Real-World Connections
Running Partner Messaging Apps
Find Your Next Running Partner Through Strava Messaging
Social Media Notes Expansions
TikTok Notes Puts Text and Images to the Forefront of Social Sharing
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Communication-Based Immersive Exhibitions
Intuit Mailchimp and Design Museum Present Email is Dead
Two-Way Kids Messaging Wearables
The BoT Talk Communicator Keeps Kids Connected to Parents
Social Sports Applications
EA is Launching the EA Sports Social App on Web and Mobile
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Personalized AI Emojis
Emojifyer AI Turns Your Selfies Into Emojis
Connection-Emphasizing Online Dating Coaches
The Rizz App Offers a Meaningful Approach to Dating
Phone Breakup Newsletters
The Guardian's 'Reclaim Your Brain' Newsletter Helps Reduce Screen Time
Image-Based Alternative Social Medias
'Noteit' is a Snapchat-Inspired App for Gen Alpha Users
Raw Thought Organization Apps
The 'Memosa' App Turns Ideas and Rambling into Organized Text
Matchmaking Dating Apps
The 'Cheers' Dating App Incorporates Friend into the Experience
In-App Recommendation Features
Bumble Boasts the 'Recommend to a Friend' Feature
Conversational Language Learning Apps
Babyl Uses AI to Present a Personalized Language Buddy
Interactive AR Experiences
The Sendit App Engaged Gen Alpha on Valentine's Day
AI-Powered Design Apps
Adobe Launches an AI-Powered Mobile App Called Adobe Express
Coffee Shop Video Calls
Coffee Video Calls Brings the Ambiance of a Cafe to Virtual Calls
Private App-Based Journals
Apple Launches a New Journal App for iPhone Users to Positively Reflect
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Quiver is a Social Media App for Thinkers Seeking Connection
Customizable Profile Social Platforms
The 'noplace' App Prioritizes Socialization
Minimalist Social Media Platforms
Bluesky is a Simple, Minimalist Social Media Platform
Redesigned Messaging App Platforms
The New WhatsApp Update Features More Neutral Tones
Messaging App Chat Organization
WhatsApp Keeps Conversations Organized with Chat Filters
Communication App Shopping Experiences
WhatsApp Flows Allow for In-App Booking and Shopping
Best-Friend Social Media Features
NoteIt Allows Users to Pick 5 'BFFs' for Special Features
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
In-App Face Swaps
SwapMyFace Lets Users Insert Their Own Faces into Any Picture from the Web
Professional Search Engines
Ayraa Merges Professional Communications to Help Keep Track
AI Dating Coach Apps
'Rizzed' Uses Tech To Help Daters Forge Real-World Connections
Child-Targeted Starter Smartphone Apps
The 'Screenable' App Downgrades Features for Younger Users
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
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
Film Industry Networking Apps
The 'BeScene' App Takes a Swiping Approach to Networking
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
Mobile Content Creator Apps
Microsoft Brought its 'Designer' Copilot App to Android
Family Organization Apps
Rejoy Merges Calendars, Lists, meal Planners, and More in One Place
Introvert Networking Platforms
The 'IONA' Platform Connects Users Together Daily Over Email
Emoji-Based Mood Trackers
MoodTrack Helps Monitor Emotions in a Fun and Accessible Way
Socially Connected Workout Apps
The 'SocialPump' App Connects Athletes to Their Friends
Visual Payment Apps
Vizme Turns the Experience of Sending or Spending Money Into Stories
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
Chat-Style To-Do Apps
The 'Qept' App Lets Users DM Tasks to Themselves
Spontaneous Chat Room Meetups
RandCall Offers 1V1 Calls with Other Young People
AI Dating Toolkits
Mojo Rizz Helps People Navigate and Understand the Dating World
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
Handwritten Digital Messaging
Lettre.app Connects Users with Penpals Through Handwritten Messages
Cross-Platform Messaging Apps
'Nothing Phone' is Getting its Own Version of iMessage
Meme-Based Dating Sites
Schmooze Helps Singles Find Love Through Memes and Jokes
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Newsletter App Messaging Upgrades
Substack is Launching a New Direct-Messaging Feature
Social Vlogging Apps
Shortake Let's Users Capture a Few Moments Every Day
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
Social Music Experiences
Dila Connects Users by Creating Friendships Through Playlists
Authentic Dating Apps
Menta Social is a Dating App For People Looking for Real Connections
AI-Powered Teen Dating Apps
AskElle is a safe space for teens to make connections
Community-Driven Collector Apps
Connectible is a First-of-Its-Kind Social Media App for Collectors
Emotion-Driven Messaging Platforms
Emochat Offers a Range of Ways for Users to Express Themselves
Social Media-Limiting Apps
Elqi Intervenes with Meditation to Limit Social Media Time
Photo-Organizing Apps
Journeys Simplifies the Process of Organizing One's Photos
Authenticated News Apps
Digital Trust Network 'Click' Challenges the Threat of Misinformation
Retro-Inspired Animated Stickers
Apple Rolls Out New Stickers Ahead of this Year's WWDC
Social Gathering-Scheduling Apps
Tecatita Light Debuts the Convenience-Focused Momentitos App
Global Phone Call Solutions
Callmama is a Virtual Phone Numbers App Spanning 150 Counteries
Vintage Photo Camera Apps
mood.camera Brings Back Nostalgia in a Digital Age
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
Immersive Language-Learning Apps
Lingo Looper Prioritizes Engaging Conversation to Help Learners
Conversation-Starting Prompt Decks
Mingler Has Engaging Conversation Starters for Every Topic
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
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
Smart Life-Planning Apps
Last Plannr is More Than a Traditional To-Do List
Encrypted Decentralized Chat Apps
Positive-Intentions Ensures Conversations Remain Secure
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
Video Call Shopping Services
Apple's Specialist over Video Service Enhances Personalization
Intimate Social Media Websites
Bubbl Widget Builds a Small Online Community of Close Friends
Connection-Fostering Workplace Apps
TeamDay Helps Remote Workers Build Bonds
Unread Message Consolidation Tools
BriefInbox Converts Unread Messages into a Daily Newsletter
Connection-Building Dating Platforms
Happie Aims to Build Meaningful Connections Between Users
Chatbot-Integrated Browser Apps
The 'Arc Search' iOS App Offers Customized Search Outputs
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
Social Media-Building Tools
ReplyMore Helps Small Accounts Build Their Followings Through Replies
Private Social Media Services
Instagram Now Allows Posts and Reels to be Shared with Close Friends
Nostalgic Web Browser Apps
iPod Social Turns Your Browser Into The Beloved Music Player
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
Chat-Based Language Learning
With FlipChat, You Can Learn a Language While Chatting with Friends
All-in-One Team Communication Tools
ZoomShift Allows For Messages, Announcements and Updates
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
Safety-Oriented Social Tools
Instagram Aims to Protect Vulnerable Teens with its New Safety Update
Invite-Only Family Memory Hubs
Kinnect Unveils its New and Enhanced Mobile Application
Chat Customer Support
With Digital Connect, Companies Can Streamline Their Customer Interactions
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
Updated Social Web Apps
Mastodon's New Update Streamlines Notifications and Posting Capabilities
Real-Time Home Screen Sharing
Snapshare Widget Lets Users Share Content Right to Friends' Screens
Personalized Film Apps
Movie Me Helps Individuals Discover New Movies
Enhanced Note-Taking Apps
The Sticky Notes App Has Been Updated with a New Modern Design
Personalized Heartfelt Digital Greetings
Merrygram Emerges as a More Meaningful Alternative
Group Chat Organization Apps
Natros Makes Planning Seamless With a Host of Features
Remote Team Collaboration Tools
Team Board Shares Who is Working Remotely and Who is in the Office
Dynamic Visual Communication Platforms
ConverStory Transforms Speech into Captivating Images
TV-Specific Pop Informants
COVER Emerges as the Essential App for TV Show Aficionados
Live Shoppable Streams
CommentSold Introduces a New Shopify Feature for Live Shopping
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Private Social Media Notes
Minders Offers a Private Space for Reflection and Thoughts
Important Sharing Apps
The FinhApp Let's You Share Wills or Messages with Loved Ones
Location-Based Message Sharing
Sharepath Brings Location-Based Messaging Inspired by Souls Games
90s Graphic Editor Updates
Microsoft is Finally Updating its MS Paint app with New Layers