Use prompts to turn ideas into messaging platforms
Topics
What are the must-have features for an app like Line?
How long does it take to build a Line-like app?
Is it possible to effectively monetize a messaging app?
What makes Line more than just a chat app? This quick guide shows how to build an app like Line—covering features, development steps, and smart ways to scale and monetize for today’s competitive market.
Did you know Line, the messaging giant in Asia, connects with over 70% of Japan’s population? It’s more than a messenger—Line grew into a super app with services like chat, news, and mobile payments.
What makes an app like Line stand out in a crowded market full of messaging options?
This article breaks down how to create an app like Line. It covers the full development process, key features, and challenges. Additionally, it highlights why there's still demand for region-specific apps that provide more than just messaging.
You’ll get a clear roadmap for building, scaling, and monetizing your product.
Before diving into code, understanding your target audience and market context is vital. Line's success stems from its alignment with Asian user behavior, particularly the affinity for stickers, anonymity, and multifunctionality.
Localized content and cultural understanding are non-negotiable.
Key market insights include:
Regional Behavior: Asian users, particularly in Japan and Thailand, appreciate expressive communication through stickers.
Competitor Landscape: Analyze WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and other similar apps to identify feature gaps.
Cultural Fit: Localized UX/UI and content (e.g., anime stickers) drive stronger engagement.
Target Audience Needs: Elderly populations appreciate simplicity, while younger users want vibrant features.
Line is known for its robust and versatile messaging app capabilities. These are the essential features your version must include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Text & Multimedia Chat | Send images, videos, voice notes, and documents |
| Voice and Video Calls | High-quality calls using WebRTC |
| Stickers & Emoji Store | User-created stickers with animation and sound |
| Group Chats | Chat with 500+ users, add polls, and manage members |
| Social Feed/Timeline | Let users post updates like a mini-social network |
| File Sharing | Share files of various types securely |
| Location Sharing | Share real-time location through integrated maps |
These features, especially chat, voice, video, and instant messaging should form the foundation of your app development.
A great user interface encourages daily usage and builds an emotional connection. For an app like Line, where personalization is key, interface design must accommodate both casual and power users. Regional aesthetics and functionality go hand-in-hand.
Focus areas for design and UX include:
Easy Navigation: Simple layout to help users navigate across chats, calls, and settings.
Sticker Integration: Make stickers easily accessible and usable during chats.
Customization Options: Offer fonts, themes, and notification sounds that users can personalize.
Language and Cultural Adaptation: Include multilingual support and region-specific visual elements.
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A structured development process supported by the right tech stack ensures smooth progress. Building an instant messaging app means managing real-time messaging, privacy, data handling, and performance.
Here’s how to approach the development process:
Frontend:
◦ Android: Kotlin or Java
◦ iOS: Swift with native UI frameworks
Backend:
◦ Node.js or Python with Redis and PostgreSQL
◦ AWS or Google Cloud for scalability
Real-Time Systems:
◦ Use Socket.io for real-time messenger functionality
◦ WebRTC for video calls and voice communication
Other Services:
◦ Firebase for notifications
◦ Google Maps for location sharing
◦ OAuth integrations for login with Facebook or Google
One reason Line thrives is its sticker economy. Users don’t just use stickers, they create and buy them. A strong sticker platform supports community creativity, monetization, and brand engagement.
Your sticker feature should include:
Creation Tools: Let users create custom PNG stickers and preview them in chat.
Marketplace: Enable buying/selling using in-app coins or real money.
Integration with Messaging: Place stickers within chat UI for quick access.
Moderation: Review user submissions for quality and safety.
These capabilities help users engage more deeply and turn your messaging app into a creative platform.
Security can make or break your messenger. From casual chats to confidential messages, users expect advanced security features. Complying with laws and encrypting data is critical.
Ensure your app addresses:
End-to-End Encryption: Protects messages, files, and video calls.
Secure Architecture: Use HTTPS, secure APIs, and routine vulnerability testing.
Compliance: Follow GDPR, CCPA, and local privacy laws.
Data Handling: Store user information securely and avoid unnecessary data collection.
Regular updates and secure coding practices keep your messaging app trusted.
As your app grows, so does the load on your backend. Design your platform for elasticity, so it supports millions without slowdowns. Line, for instance, efficiently handles over 200 million users.
Key steps for scalability:
Cloud Hosting: Use AWS or Google Cloud to scale dynamically.
Load Balancers: Distribute traffic to avoid crashes during peak usage.
Offline Handling: Sync missed messages once users reconnect.
Message Persistence: Never lose messages due to server issues.
These steps ensure your app performs smoothly and delivers a seamless user experience.
You can recover app development costs and build sustainable revenue through a few proven models. Line uses a mix of in-app purchases, advertising, and partnerships.
Popular monetization methods include:
In-App Purchases: Premium stickers, fonts, and themes.
Subscription Plans: Offer access to exclusive features.
Branded Content: Collaborate with brands for sponsored stickers.
Ads: Use targeted, non-intrusive ads to monetize your platform.
Select your model based on your target audience and business goals.
A well-planned launch ensures visibility and adoption. Even the best messaging app can fail without user traction. Start lean, iterate fast, and communicate with early adopters.
Steps to launch:
Early Access & Surveys: Gather pre-launch feedback.
Influencer Promotion: Collaborate with regional micro-influencers.
App Store Optimization: Use relevant keywords like “messenger” and “chat app”.
Community Building: Use forums, Discord, and beta groups to drive early adoption.
Keep adding new features post-launch based on user behavior and feedback.
Despite the best planning, every app development project encounters obstacles. Being prepared for them reduces downtime and helps your development team act quickly.
Watch for these challenges:
Data Migration Issues: Plan for seamless updates without data loss.
Security Gaps: Use automated scanning tools to detect vulnerabilities.
Localization Bugs: Language-specific layouts may break UI.
Real-time Sync: Keep all devices updated consistently.
Addressing these issues upfront ensures a polished chat app experience.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated time and team effort:
| Component | Time (in hours) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Android App | 800–1100 | Broad device support |
| iOS App | 700–900 | More consistent devices |
| Backend | 500–700 | Real-time services included |
| UI/UX Design | 60–80 | Focus on accessibility |
| QA & Testing | 200–300 | Includes performance testing |
Creating an app like Line solves key challenges that many businesses and developers face: standing out in a saturated messaging app market, meeting modern user expectations for security, and delivering a truly engaging and scalable chat app experience. By combining thoughtful design, robust functionality, and region-specific customization, you can transcend basic instant messaging and create a powerful, community-driven platform.
With user behaviors shifting rapidly, the need for a secure, feature-rich, and user-friendly messaging solution has never been more critical. Whether you're targeting Asia's tech-savvy audience or looking to disrupt global markets, this is your opportunity to lead with innovation.
Start planning your development roadmap now, and turn your messaging idea into a successful, high-impact app.
