Chat App Development : Tips You Should Know Before Building

Given the present virtual times, the way people conduct conversations has drastically changed. Thanks to chat apps and robust internet connections, people can instantly connect with each other in real-time. Have you been planning to develop a chat app of your own? That’s great! Because this article is going to be really useful for you. Here we shall discuss how you can build an online chat platform in 2022.

What is a Chat App and Why does it Gain Popularity?

Before we answer this question, let us quickly discuss what a chat app is. A chat app can be described as any platform that accelerates communication between people via instant text, audio calls, and video chats.

Do you know the famous chat app, WhatsApp, was reported to have 2 billion users as per a July 2021 Statista report

Given the huge figures, it’s quite evident that people are fond of chat apps. Hence, it totally makes sense to invest in a chat app for your business. It is essential that you perform thorough research on the market and check what others are doing. Then, you need to chalk out a strategy that sets you apart from others.

Also Read : How Enterprise Application Services can Benefit your Business

Build Realtime Chat App with Modern Features

In order to build a chat app for Android, iOS, or the web, it is important to fulfill the basic chat features requirements. You need to make sure that you incorporate modern chat functions that people look forward to. In this section, we shall discuss some of the most basic features that your app should have. Let’s discuss them one by one.

1.Sign-in process 

There are different ways you can provide authorization access to your app users. Some of them being their phone numbers, email, and social media accounts. Leading chat apps like WhatsApp and Viber are phone number based. 

2. Profile setting & customization

Your app users should be able to personalize their app account. They should have a functionality to turn off their notifications and change their profile pictures.

3. One-on-one conversation & group chats

It is essential that you build an custom chat platform that has basic functionalities like exchange of texts and voice & video calls. You can apply different kinds of technologies to strengthen these features including cloud servers.

4. Media file exchange

Make sure that you develop a chat app that enables users to share files easily. It should allow users to share electronic tickets or full-sized photos and text documents. They should also be able to attach files to their texts.

5. Contacts import

Develop a chat app that empowers users with automated social network connections and phone book data export. Such functions  save user’s time and make your app smooth and fun to interact with.

6. Location share

Focus on building a chat app that provides users with modern features such as location sharing so that users are able to share their location for the next meeting or quickly pin something on an interactive map. For instance, WhatsApp allows users to share their live location. Thanks to its in-built smartphone tools.

7. Secret chatroom and data encryption

Whether you’re building a chat app for Android, iOS, and web, it is important that it has a secured chat system and supports end to end encryption. Security should be one of your top priorities while designing your app. 

8. Push notification feature

Push notification is an indispensable feature that you should include while designing your app. It helps you let users into your app more frequently.

Advanced Features Required To Build Online Chat Platform

It is essential that you develop a chat app that can scale with changing times and changing requirements. Here is a list of new-age modern features that you must include in your app:

1. Audio & video calls

If you want to establish your app as a successful one, it is important that you move beyond offering just basic chat features. Audio & video calling is a must to keep your audience hooked to your app. After all, who doesn’t like instant high-quality communications.

2. Channels

An efficient chat app allows users to create channels for different purposes. For instance, a business team can create channels for different projects and carry out all work-related projects there.

3. Stickers & GIFs

If you want to build a real-time chat app that succeeds, you need to make sure that you add fun elements to your platform. Functions like animation, stickers, and pictures are popular elements of entertainment that elicit positive emotions from your platform.

4. Video conferencing

Video conferencing is a must have function for your app. Many businesses look forward to it for team collaborations and instant communication with customers. Hence, you should concentrate on creating an app with modern video calling features.

Challenges you Miight Face While Building a Chat App for Android, iOS, & Web

Building a chat app is not a one day task. A lot of thought and time goes into it. In this section, we’ll talk about some challenges that you need to take care of while crafting a chat app for yourself. Let’s have a look at them one by one.

1.Chat security

 If you want to develop a successful chat app, you need to make sure that you prioritize data security. You need to include modern features that prevent data loss and theft. Make sure that you provide end-to-end encryption to your customers.

2. Updates

Build an online chat platform that is consistent with updates and can scale with changing times. If your app fails to evolve and upgrade, your audience may lose interest.

3. User-interface

It is important that you design an interface that is easy-to-use. It tends to increase customer engagements. And more engagements lead to higher customer satisfaction.

Top In App Messaging  API & SDK Provider for Building a Chat App 

Creating a chat app from scratch consumes a lot of time and money. But thanks to In App Messaging API providers, you can build your app in no time. Modern APIs come with in-built chat features that ensure smooth conversations. Let us have a look at some of the best chat SDK providers.

1. CONTUS MirrorFly – Best Chat API & SDK Provider

CONTUS MirrorFly is a self-hosted chat solution that enables developers to build a secure real-time chat app. With 300+ messaging architects, future centric technologies, devops grounded development, on-premises and on-cloud, MirrorFly can be your top preference. It is 100% customizable and can help you build a white-label messaging app. Developers can access a plethora of modern chat functions such as 1-to-1 private & group chat, personalized profiles, multi channels, secure file sharing, video calling, and much more.

Conclusion 

We hope our article helped you understand the important aspects revolving around the development of a chat app. So, wait no more! Take your initiative towards building an efficient chat app today! We wish you good luck for your endeavours.