Did you know that most people now spend more time on messaging apps than on any other type of digital platform? According to the latest global report from Datareportal, chat apps are leading the way in how people connect online in 2025.
But how do preferences differ from country to country? And more importantly, what does this mean for businesses looking to connect with their audiences? In this overview, Netmill breaks down the global landscape of messaging apps and what it means for customer engagement strategies.
Top 10 messaging apps globally by monthly active users
From long-standing favorites to rising stars, messaging apps continue to grow in reach and functionality. Here’s how the leading apps rank by monthly active users (MAUs) in 2025.
1. WhatsApp: 3 billion MAUs
Still holding the top position, WhatsApp now has more than 3 billion active users worldwide, including over 100 million in the United States alone.
2. WeChat: 1.39 billion MAUs
Tencent’s WeChat (and its local version Weixin) serves users both in and outside of China, with a combined total of 1.385 billion MAUs.
3. Messenger: over 1 billion MAUs
Facebook’s Messenger app has bounced back in 2025, again surpassing the 1 billion user mark after fluctuating figures in recent years.
4. Telegram: 1 billion MAUs
Telegram continues its strong global expansion, now reaching 1 billion MAUs according to founder Pavel Durov.
5. Snapchat: over 900 million MAUs
Popular especially among younger demographics, Snapchat now reports more than 900 million monthly users.
6. QQ: 562 million MAUs
Also owned by Tencent, QQ remains influential, particularly in China, where it attracts over 562 million users.
7. Viber: estimated 260 million MAUs
Viber is especially strong in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Southeast Asia. Although official updates are rare, usage is estimated at around 260 million MAUs.
8. Line: 197.8 million MAUs
Line continues to thrive in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia, with total MAUs approaching 198 million.
9. Signal: 40 to 100 million MAUs
Security-focused Signal reports an active user base between 70 and 100 million, although some estimates place it lower.
10. KakaoTalk: 54 million MAUs
In South Korea, KakaoTalk dominates the messaging space, with nearly all of its 54 million users based in the country.
Honorable mentions: Instagram Direct, iMessage, and Discord
While not traditional messaging apps, these platforms also play a major role in daily communication.
Instagram Direct is widely used for both personal and business communication, although Meta doesn’t release individual usage stats. It’s estimated that message volume is on par with Messenger’s billion-plus users.
iMessage, Apple’s built-in iOS messaging tool, is used by a large portion of the 1.38 billion global iPhone owners. Exact numbers are unknown, but the user base is likely significant.
Discord, popular with gaming communities, also functions as a robust messaging platform. It currently has around 200 million MAUs.
| Country | Messaging App |
|---|---|
| Australia | Messenger |
| Austria | |
| Belgium | |
| Brazil | |
| Canada | Messenger |
| China | |
| Colombia | |
| Denmark | Messenger |
| Estonia | |
| Finland | Telegram |
| France | |
| Germany | |
| India | |
| Indonesia | |
| Ireland | |
| Italy | |
| Japan | Line |
| Kenya | |
| South Korea | KakaoTalk |
| Mexico | |
| New Zealand | Messenger |
| Nigeria | |
| Pakistan | |
| Peru | |
| Philippines | Messenger |
| Russia | Telegram |
| Singapore | |
| Spain | |
| Turkey | |
| UK | |
| Ukraine | Telegram |
| USA | Messenger |
Country-by-country preferences
Although WhatsApp leads globally, regional differences are notable. Here’s how the top messaging apps break down by country:
-
WhatsApp is the top app in 26 countries
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Messenger leads in 8 countries
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Telegram is number one in 2 countries
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Line, WeChat, KakaoTalk, and Zalo each lead in 1 country
This variation highlights the importance of tailoring your communication strategy to local preferences. Many users switch between multiple apps depending on context, so businesses need to be flexible.
What this means for businesses
Messaging apps are no longer limited to personal chats. More than ever, consumers expect to engage with businesses on the same platforms they use with friends and family.
That’s why WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, and others now offer business-friendly solutions. These tools allow brands to deliver support, send updates, and build meaningful interactions.
At Netmill, we help businesses connect with customers through the messaging apps they already use and trust. Our multichannel platform lets you engage audiences across WhatsApp, Messenger, Apple Messages for Business, Telegram, Viber, and more — all from a single interface. You can also integrate SMS and RCS to reach users on any device.
Getting started with the right channels
Choosing the right messaging platform depends on where your audience is most active. Netmill’s global messaging solutions are designed to help you identify and engage your customers on the right channels, at the right time.
If you’re ready to enhance your communication strategy, explore our global messaging guide or contact Netmill to get started.
