Kakao Talk vs Kik

June 03, 2023 | Author: Adam Levine
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Kakao Talk
KakaoTalk is a multi-platform texting app that allows iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry users to send and receive messages for free. Talk around the clock, all around the world with up to five friends at once — for free. Easily send photos, contact info, voice notes or your location.
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Kik
chat on your terms. Looking for a new and engaging way to interact with your audience? Have amazing content or a cool experience you'd love to get discovered? Kik offers brands and content providers unique ways to talk with their fans, and find new followers too!

KakaoTalk and Kik are both popular messaging apps, but they differ in terms of their features, target audience, and overall functionality.

KakaoTalk, developed by Kakao Corporation, is a messaging app that originated in South Korea. It offers a range of features including free text messaging, voice and video calls, multimedia sharing, stickers, and integrated services like gaming and shopping. KakaoTalk is known for its strong presence in South Korea and its user-friendly interface. It caters to a diverse user base and emphasizes a comprehensive communication and entertainment experience.

Kik, on the other hand, is a messaging app that gained popularity for its anonymity and focus on connecting people with new friends. It allows users to chat with others without requiring their phone number, using unique usernames instead. Kik offers features like text messaging, multimedia sharing, stickers, and bots for various purposes. It is designed to appeal to a younger audience and promotes a social networking aspect by allowing users to join public groups and discover new contacts based on shared interests.

See also: Top 10 Business Messaging platforms
Kakao Talk vs Kik in our news:

2015. Messenger Kik adds QR codes to connect users and brands


Mobile messenger Kik has taken inspiration from WeChat by introducing QR codes to enable various interactions directly within the app. These interactions range from purchasing a soda to printing a photo. While Kik aims to achieve extensive engagement in the long run, their initial implementation of 'Kik Codes' is relatively basic. By scanning these codes, users can connect with each other, add new participants to a group chat, or establish a connection with a brand on the platform, which is particularly intriguing. Kik had previously introduced promoted chats to enable brands like Burger King to engage with users officially. The company revealed that more than 16 million users have interacted with branded bots, resulting in over half a billion messages exchanged. Kik Codes align well with this concept, as they facilitate connections that would otherwise be challenging to establish. For instance, a code offering a free pizza or a monetary incentive can entice users to scan and engage, enhancing the overall experience.


2015. Messenger Kik raised $50M



The Canadian company behind the messaging app Kik has recently secured $50 million in funding from Tencent, the renowned creator of WeChat. Kik has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation in an industry that witnesses rapid turnovers. Moreover, Kik has successfully generated revenue. As of now, Kik holds the 30th position among the top free apps on the App Store and ranks 7th in the social networking category, both within the United States. By collaborating with Tencent, Kik aims to compete with messaging giants such as Facebook by continuously exploring novel ideas and experimenting until they discover a breakthrough—something at which Tencent has excelled.


2015. Messenger Kik unveiled in-chat web browser



Kik has taken a step further in integrating the web into its chat platform by upgrading its in-app sidebar browser into a fully functional browser for its messaging app. This upgrade allows Kik users to now access a complete browser within their conversations with colleagues. Previously, the browser was limited as it was loaded from the sidebar within the chat window. This enhancement offers a more immersive experience, enabling Kik's 200 million registered users to browse the web while engaging in conversations. Additionally, it provides them with the convenience of easily sharing web pages and services during chats. This is particularly significant as Kik's content platform is based on HTML. The company has plans to introduce a payments service this year and subsequently incorporate commerce and other services within its app, all built on HTML and the browser experience.


2014. Messenger Kakao Talk Begins adds encryption



Chat app Kakao Talk has responded to recent concerns regarding user data by introducing a new end-to-end encryption feature. This security enhancement, called Secret Chat, is now accessible on Android devices, with iOS compatibility coming soon. Users can activate the feature in two ways: either through a drop-down menu within existing chats or by utilizing a dedicated button that initiates a new Secret Chat. Initially, this feature is available only for one-on-one conversations, but within the first three months of next year, it will be extended to include group chats as well. Additionally, the company has made a minor privacy adjustment, allowing users to permanently leave group chats and preventing any subsequent re-addition.

Author: Adam Levine
Adam is an expert in project management, collaboration and productivity technologies, team management, and motivation. With an extensive background working at prestigious companies such as Microsoft and Accenture, Adam's in-depth knowledge and experience in the field make him a sought-after professional. Currently, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a thriving consulting and training agency where he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies to individuals and organizations, empowering them to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. You can contact Adam via email adam@liventerprise.com