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This article provides a complete guide to building a secure, high-performance messaging app like Viber. It covers essential features, recommended tech stack, and each development phase from planning to launch. You'll also find insights on creating a user-first experience that stands out in a competitive market.
Can you build a secure, feature-rich app like Viber that meets modern user needs?
Today, billions use messaging apps for texting, voice and video calls, group chats, and other purposes. They also expect strong privacy and smooth access across all their devices.
With so many options already available, creating a fast, reliable, and unique app has become a serious challenge for developers.
One proven approach is to build a platform like Rakuten Viber, which is known for private chats, free calls, and global reach.
This blog explains how to create a messaging app like Viber. It provides a full breakdown of features, tech stack, and development steps—from planning to launch—so you can confidently build a secure and user-friendly app.
While Viber excels in voice calling, video calls, and group chats, there are some areas where it may fall short:
Battery Drain: Continuous use, especially for video calls, can rapidly consume iOS and Android batteries.
Storage Usage: With frequent media sharing, voice messages, and video message files, users may run into storage issues on their mobile phones.
Limited Customization: Although stickers personalize conversations, some users find interface themes and features less customizable than those of competitors.
Blocked Features in Certain Regions: In some countries, parts of Viber’s functionality, such as free staying connected over international calls, may be restricted.
Rakuten Viber Messenger, developed by Viber Media (a part of the Rakuten Group), is a full-featured messaging app and calling app that allows users to:
Send messages instantly, including text, images, files, and video content.
Make free audio and international calls with low rates, even to landline numbers.
Host large group chats with people who share similar interests.
Share interesting messages, set reminders, and create notes so users don't forget important tasks.
Use voice and video to stay connected in real time, on mobile, desktop platforms like Windows, and even tablet devices.
Enjoy end-to-end encryption, which ensures their conversations remain private and secure.
Additionally, Viber supports disappearing messages, voice messages, reactions to messages, and meaningful links within chats, enhancing the Rakuten Viber experience.
Most Viber users utilize the platform for real-time communication and social interaction. The most common use cases include:
Personal voice and video conversations with friends and family.
Sharing interesting messages and media in group chats with their community.
Video calls for remote meetings or check-ins.
Broadcasting messages or updates to large audiences through public chats or communities.
Scheduling and remembering tasks with set reminders prevents users from missing important tasks.
Engaging in exciting messaging with beautifying Viber lenses, stickers, and voice notes.
Viber bridges personal and professional communication needs as a secure, reliable alternative to other messaging apps.
Building a successful messaging app like Viber starts with understanding user expectations. Over 3.1 billion users globally use messaging platforms. Analyze competitors like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram to find gaps your app can fill.
Focus on:
High call quality
Secure chat and calling
Feature-rich group chats
Cross-platform support on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms
Set clear goals. Will your app support e-commerce, serve business communications, or focus on social group chats? Define your specific destination and work backwards from user needs.
Here’s what your app, like Viber, must include:
| Core Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Text Messaging | Enable users to send messages instantly. |
| Voice and Video Calling | Key for maintaining personal and business connections. |
| Group Chats | Support larger communities and own community spaces. |
| Disappearing Messages | Maintain privacy and secure sensitive information. |
| Stickers Personalize | Boost user engagement through fun communication. |
| Voice Messages | Allow asynchronous voice communication. |
| Video Message | Help users share moments visually. |
| End to End Encryption | Build trust and confidence knowing their data is safe. |
| Create Notes | Let users jot down important ideas or messages. |
| Set Reminders | Ensure users don’t forget important tasks. |
React Native: Ideal for fast development across iOS and Android.
Electron or Flutter for desktop platforms like Windows.
Node.js or Python for scalable performance.
WebSockets for real-time messaging.
WebRTC for high-quality voice and video communication.
MongoDB/PostgreSQL for flexible data management.
Implement:
End-to-end encryption using Signal Protocol
Two-factor authentication
Encrypted log and session data
Regular vulnerability scans to ensure all messages remain private
Set up a development environment with version control
Build and test frontend interfaces: chat, contacts, settings
Integrate backend APIs for login, send messages, and group chats
Implement real-time features: voice and video, media sharing, free text
Test on multiple mobile and desktop platforms
Functional: Ensure all chat and calling features work
Performance: Test under high user loads
Security: Simulate attacks to test encryption
UX Feedback: Use early testers to refine the experience
Publish to Google Play, Apple App Store
Monitor performance with analytics tools
Collect feedback and improve call reliability, sticker variety, or Rakuten Viber integrations
Introduce public group chats, low-cost calls, or commerce and financial services
Support multiple languages and region-based regulations. Consider international calls optimization and bandwidth-saving techniques for video calls.
Options include:
Free model with premium features
Ads via e-commerce integrations
Subscription-based upgrades for high-quality video and free, staying connected worldwide
Platforms like Appy Pie let non-developer users build messaging apps, though customization is limited.
Building an app like Viber goes beyond adding features—it involves creating a secure and reliable communication tool people can trust. With user expectations rising, strong encryption, high-quality calls, and smooth performance across devices are no longer optional.
As mobile communication continues to grow, now is a smart time to build a solution that meets real user needs and stands out. Start planning your messaging app today and deliver a product that connects people, one private message and clear call at a time.
