What is Viber? A Comprehensive Guide to the Messaging App

Viber is a popular cross-platform messaging app that allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share multimedia content with other users. It is available on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, and operates on both iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to Viber and its features:

What is Viber?

Viber is a communication app that enables free texting, voice calls, video calls, and multimedia sharing over the internet (using Wi-Fi or mobile data). It is known for its ease of use and high-quality calls, making it a popular alternative to traditional messaging and calling services.

Viber was initially released in 2010 by the Israeli company Viber Media, which was later acquired by the Japanese tech giant Rakuten in 2014.

Key Features of Viber

  1. Text Messaging
    Viber allows users to send free text messages to anyone who has the app installed. These messages can include:

    • Plain text
    • Emojis, stickers, and GIFs
    • Files (photos, videos, documents)
    • Voice messages
  2. Voice and Video Calls
    Users can make high-quality voice and video calls to other Viber users, regardless of location, as long as both parties are connected to the internet. Calls are free when using Wi-Fi or mobile data.
  3. Group Chats
    Viber allows users to create group chats with up to 250 participants. You can send texts, photos, videos, and voice messages, as well as share your location. Group calls can include up to 20 participants.
  4. Viber Out
    Viber Out allows users to make calls to non-Viber users or landline and mobile phone numbers at affordable rates. This is useful when you need to call someone who doesn’t have Viber or is outside your network of Viber users.
  5. Public Accounts and Communities
    Businesses, celebrities, or organizations can create public accounts to interact with customers, fans, or followers. Additionally, users can join Communities which are large group chats or forums for various interests, where they can share content and communicate.
  6. End-to-End Encryption
    Viber ensures the privacy and security of its users by offering end-to-end encryption for all one-on-one calls, messages, and shared media. This means only the sender and recipient can view the content.
  7. Secret Chats
    Viber also provides Secret Chats, which are private conversations with additional security features such as:

    • Self-destructing messages
    • No screenshot capability
    • Higher-level encryption
  8. Cross-Platform Syncing
    You can use Viber across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Your messages and calls sync seamlessly across all devices.
  9. Viber Sticker Market
    One of Viber’s most popular features is its extensive sticker market. Users can download and share thousands of fun, animated stickers to add personality and emotion to their messages.
  10. Location Sharing
    Viber allows users to share their live location with others, making it easier to coordinate meetings and share directions.

How to Use Viber

  1. Download the App
    • Viber is available for free on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play, or install the desktop version from the official Viber website.
  2. Create an Account
    After downloading the app, you’ll need to sign up using your phone number. The app will send a confirmation code to your phone to verify your identity.
  3. Start Messaging and Calling
    Once set up, you can start sending messages, making calls, and sharing media with friends and family who have the app installed. Simply search for a contact in your phone’s address book or enter a phone number.
  4. Explore Additional Features
    Dive deeper into Viber’s features, such as creating group chats, exploring stickers, using Viber Out, and interacting with public accounts or communities.

Viber vs. Other Messaging Apps

Here’s how Viber compares to other popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram:

  • Privacy: Viber emphasizes end-to-end encryption and secure messaging. While WhatsApp and Telegram also offer encryption, Viber’s encryption is available for all messages and calls by default, not just one-on-one chats.
  • Calls: Like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, Viber allows free internet-based calls, but it also offers the option to make calls to non-users or landlines with Viber Out.
  • Cross-Platform Use: Viber supports multiple platforms, similar to WhatsApp and Telegram. However, unlike WhatsApp, Viber allows the use of its app on more devices, including desktops with full functionality.
  • Stickers: Viber is well-known for its rich sticker collection, which is more extensive compared to the simple emoji or sticker systems used by other apps.

Is Viber Free?

Viber is free to use for messaging and calling other Viber users, provided both parties have an internet connection (via Wi-Fi or mobile data). However, Viber Out (for calling non-Viber users) requires a paid credit, which can be bought within the app. Prices vary depending on the destination and the calling plan.

Viber for Businesses

Viber also offers features tailored to businesses, including:

  • Viber for Business: Brands can create a presence with verified accounts and engage with users directly.
  • Bot Integration: Companies can build automated bots to handle customer service inquiries or send promotional messages.
  • Viber Ads: Businesses can run targeted advertisements within the app.

Pros of Using Viber

  • Free voice and video calls to other Viber users.
  • End-to-end encryption for private conversations.
  • A wide selection of stickers and fun features to enhance messaging.
  • Multi-platform syncing for seamless use across devices.
  • Allows international calls to landlines and non-Viber users via Viber Out at affordable rates.

Cons of Using Viber

  • Requires an internet connection for all features (Wi-Fi or data).
  • Less popular than other messaging apps like WhatsApp, meaning fewer contacts may use it.
  • Viber Out credits are needed to call non-Viber users or landlines.

Conclusion

Viber is a versatile messaging app with a wide range of features for personal and business use. It stands out for its high-quality calls, strong privacy features, and fun, interactive messaging elements like stickers and GIFs. If you’re looking for an app that combines messaging, calling, and entertainment with a focus on security, Viber is a strong contender. Whether you want to keep in touch with loved ones or manage customer communications for your business, Viber has plenty to offer.

 

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