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Facebook Messenger vs Viber
April 10, 2024 | Author: Adam Levine
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Facebook Messenger is an instant messaging service and software application which provides text and voice communication. Available now for Android and iPhone.
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Viber is a mobile app that provides free international calls and text messages to other Viber users using 3G or Wi-Fi. Uses your existing contact list - check out which of your phone contacts and friends is already on Viber so that you can call and text them for free.
Facebook Messenger and Viber are both messaging apps that allow users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share media such as photos and videos. However, there are some key differences between the two:
Ownership and User Base: Facebook Messenger is owned by Facebook, which is one of the largest social media platforms in the world. As a result, it has a large user base with billions of active users worldwide. Viber, on the other hand, is owned by Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce company, and has a smaller user base compared to Facebook Messenger.
Platform: Facebook Messenger is primarily a messaging app that is integrated with the Facebook social media platform. It requires a Facebook account to use and is available on multiple platforms including mobile devices (iOS and Android), web browsers, and desktop applications (Windows and macOS). Viber, on the other hand, is a standalone messaging app that is available on mobile devices (iOS and Android) as well as desktop applications (Windows and macOS).
Privacy and Security: Both Facebook Messenger and Viber offer end-to-end encryption for one-on-one conversations, which means that the messages are encrypted and can only be accessed by the sender and recipient. However, Facebook Messenger's default setting for end-to-end encryption is "off" and users need to enable it manually for each conversation, while Viber has end-to-end encryption enabled by default for all conversations.
Features: While both Facebook Messenger and Viber offer similar messaging features such as text messaging, voice and video calls, and media sharing, they may have some differences in terms of additional features. For example, Facebook Messenger offers features such as Facebook integration, group chats, chatbots, games, and a wide range of stickers and GIFs. Viber, on the other hand, offers features such as Viber Out (for making calls to non-Viber users), secret chats with self-destructing messages, public chat communities, and a built-in sticker market.
Interface and User Experience: The interface and user experience of Facebook Messenger and Viber may also differ in terms of design, layout, and usability. Both apps have their unique interface and user experience, and users may have their personal preference based on their preferences and familiarity with other messaging apps.
In summary, the main differences between Facebook Messenger and Viber include ownership and user base, platform availability, privacy and security settings, features, and interface/user experience. Users should consider their specific communication needs, privacy preferences, and desired features when choosing between the two messaging apps.
See also: Top 10 Business Messaging platforms
Ownership and User Base: Facebook Messenger is owned by Facebook, which is one of the largest social media platforms in the world. As a result, it has a large user base with billions of active users worldwide. Viber, on the other hand, is owned by Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce company, and has a smaller user base compared to Facebook Messenger.
Platform: Facebook Messenger is primarily a messaging app that is integrated with the Facebook social media platform. It requires a Facebook account to use and is available on multiple platforms including mobile devices (iOS and Android), web browsers, and desktop applications (Windows and macOS). Viber, on the other hand, is a standalone messaging app that is available on mobile devices (iOS and Android) as well as desktop applications (Windows and macOS).
Privacy and Security: Both Facebook Messenger and Viber offer end-to-end encryption for one-on-one conversations, which means that the messages are encrypted and can only be accessed by the sender and recipient. However, Facebook Messenger's default setting for end-to-end encryption is "off" and users need to enable it manually for each conversation, while Viber has end-to-end encryption enabled by default for all conversations.
Features: While both Facebook Messenger and Viber offer similar messaging features such as text messaging, voice and video calls, and media sharing, they may have some differences in terms of additional features. For example, Facebook Messenger offers features such as Facebook integration, group chats, chatbots, games, and a wide range of stickers and GIFs. Viber, on the other hand, offers features such as Viber Out (for making calls to non-Viber users), secret chats with self-destructing messages, public chat communities, and a built-in sticker market.
Interface and User Experience: The interface and user experience of Facebook Messenger and Viber may also differ in terms of design, layout, and usability. Both apps have their unique interface and user experience, and users may have their personal preference based on their preferences and familiarity with other messaging apps.
In summary, the main differences between Facebook Messenger and Viber include ownership and user base, platform availability, privacy and security settings, features, and interface/user experience. Users should consider their specific communication needs, privacy preferences, and desired features when choosing between the two messaging apps.
See also: Top 10 Business Messaging platforms
Facebook Messenger vs Viber in our news:
2024. Messenger now lets you create shared albums, send HD photos and share larger files
Meta is introducing new features for Messenger users, enabling the creation of shared albums within chats, the transmission of high-definition photos, and the sharing of larger files up to 100MB in size. This update caters to individuals accustomed to sharing albums or HD images via platforms like Google Drive. Previously, users were limited to viewing a list of photos shared in a chat without the ability to organize them; now, they can create albums in group chats, facilitating organization for various occasions such as vacations or family events. To initiate an album, users select multiple photos from the chat composer and tap "create album," or long-press a photo to do so. Additionally, users can add photos to existing albums by selecting the "Add to album" option. Everyone in a chat can view, add, delete, and download pictures and videos within an album, which can be accessed via the "Media" button in the chat interface. This introduction of shared albums fills a gap in Meta's messaging services, as it's not available on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram DMs, likely making it a welcomed addition for users.
2023. Facebook Messenger is finally adding default end-to-end encryption
Facebook Messenger is enabling end-to-end encryption as the default setting for all personal messages and calls, marking a significant update along with various other improvements. This development is particularly noteworthy for individuals prioritizing online privacy. While Messenger initially introduced end-to-end encryption as an optional feature in 2016, users were required to actively opt in. After announcing tests for default end-to-end encryption in August, Meta, the parent company, is now poised to roll out this security feature for all users. This means that individual Messenger conversations will be completely private, shielded from unauthorized access, including by Meta itself. The encryption covers both text conversations and video calls, though group chats with more than two participants remain without this added protection, at least for the time being.
2022. Messaging app Viber launches Payments - a new digital wallet
Viber, the messaging app owned by the Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten, is introducing Payments on Viber, a new service that enables users to establish digital wallets linked to their Viber accounts. These Payments wallets can be connected to other bank accounts, as well as Visa and Mastercard, allowing users to make bill payments, purchase goods, and transfer money to other individuals. The initial launch of this service will focus on peer-to-peer transfers, which will be free of charge. However, there may be associated fees for services like payments to businesses. The service is initially rolling out in Germany and Greece, with plans to expand across Europe and eventually to Viber's broad global presence in 180 countries, spanning this year and the next.
2021. Facebook is bringing end-to-end encryption to Messenger calls
Facebook has expanded the availability of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to include voice calls and video calls on Facebook Messenger. Since 2016, E2EE has been an option for securing text conversations on Facebook's primary messaging platform. Despite facing pressure from governmental entities to reconsider its plans for end-to-end encryption, Facebook is now extending this safeguard to encompass both voice and video calls made through Messenger. This implies that no one, including Facebook itself, can access or monitor the content of these communications. However, it's important to note that activating encryption is a voluntary action, meaning that without opting in to this new feature, your calls may still be susceptible to unauthorized data access.
2020. Facebook updates Messenger Rooms to take on Zoom
Messenger Rooms, Facebook's competitor to Zoom, is introducing new features to enhance the ease of creating and discovering Rooms, as well as personalizing the Rooms experience. The updated version of Messenger Rooms will prominently display the Rooms to which you've been invited at the top of your Chats tab in your inbox, making them easier to locate. Additionally, the option to create a new Room will be prominently placed in the Chats tab, ensuring its visibility. Various changes have been made to Rooms management as well. You can now create a Room with a default, suggested, or custom activity, set a future start date, and customize your audience selection. Furthermore, the Manage Rooms feature allows you to view, join, edit, or delete the Rooms you have created, as well as invite more people to join an existing Room.
2020. Facebook Messenger's new chat plugin for business websites allows to reach non-Facebook users
Facebook is simplifying the process for businesses to utilize its Messenger service on their respective websites. Previously, the customer chat plugin required visitors to the website to be logged into Facebook in order to engage in direct conversations with businesses. This requirement limited its adoption. However, with the updated plugin, Facebook is removing this limitation by allowing customers to interact with businesses even without being logged in. A new "continue as guest" option will be provided instead. From the business's perspective, they can continue to leverage all their existing tools to effectively manage conversations with these online users, irrespective of whether they are logged in or not.
2020. Businesses on Facebook can now respond to customers in Messenger
Facebook is introducing a new inbox feature on Messenger, enabling business owners to conveniently respond to customer messages using the same app they use for personal conversations with friends and family. This update streamlines communication for businesses, allowing them to handle all their interactions from a single app. No longer will they need to switch between multiple applications to compose and reply to customer inquiries, which many business owners found to be a frustrating process. However, if preferred, business users can still utilize Facebook's Page Manager app to manage their posts, create ads, access Page insights, and respond to messages.
2020. Viber launches group video calls for 20 users
Viber introduces its latest feature, the Group Video Calls, catering to the needs of large meetings and online classes. This new functionality allows for group video calls with a maximum of 20 participants and no time limit. Viber has already gained significant popularity with its Group Audio Calls, accommodating up to 20 individuals, and group chats, supporting up to 250 people. Given the current circumstances, Viber has expanded its capabilities by incorporating video communication. During Group Video Calls, the speaker is visible to all participants; however, users have the option to pin any video to their screen, whether it's their own or another participant's. Moreover, users can mute themselves or disable their video stream, as well as determine if other participants have activated the mute or video-off settings.
2020. Facebook announces Zoom-like clone with Messenger Rooms
Facebook has introduced a new service called Messenger Rooms to rival Zoom. Messenger Rooms offers a tile-view video chat experience capable of accommodating up to 50 participants. Unlike Zoom, joining a Messenger Room does not require a Facebook account. Moreover, there are no time restrictions on calls made through Messenger Rooms. To ensure privacy, Messenger Rooms provides controls for users to manage who can access their rooms, including the ability to lock or unlock them. If a room is unlocked, anyone with the link can join and share it with others. However, the room creator must be present to initiate the call. With the recent security and privacy concerns surrounding Zoom, Messenger Rooms presents an alternative option for individuals seeking a different video conferencing solution.
2020. Facebook takes on Zoom with Messenger desktop app on macOS and Windows
Facebook is set to launch a dedicated desktop app for Messenger on macOS and Windows. With the ongoing global pandemic confining millions of people to their homes, the timing of this release is opportune. It comes at a time when videoconferencing applications like Zoom, Skype, and others are in a race to provide the best remote working experience. The standalone Messenger app offers certain clear advantages, such as the ability to have it in its own window and not having to manage multiple browser tabs. While the features of the standalone Messenger app closely resemble the web-based experience, it does provide the convenience of free, unlimited group video calls that sync seamlessly across both mobile and desktop platforms. Furthermore, standalone apps generally deliver faster performance and enhanced responsiveness compared to browser-based apps.
