Kik vs Signal

2024. Signal now lets you keep your phone number private with the launch of usernames



Signal is introducing usernames, a new feature that eliminates the need to share your phone number to connect with others on the platform. This update, currently in beta, will be gradually available to all users in the upcoming weeks. While Signal still mandates a phone number during registration, this move enhances privacy by allowing users to maintain their phone numbers confidential. This step reinforces Signal's reputation as a leader in secure, end-to-end encrypted messaging, as it mitigates a potential loophole exploited by hackers who could gain access to users' messages by hijacking registered phone numbers at the carrier level.


2021. Signal expands encrypted group video calls to 40 people



The messaging app Signal has expanded its group video chat capabilities to accommodate up to 40 participants, a significant increase from the previous limit of five. Importantly, the end-to-end encryption feature remains intact, ensuring that only the participants in the call have access to the messages or video content. This means that neither the messaging provider, government authorities, nor hackers can view the calls, unless a participant grants them access to the video session or compromises your device's security.


2020. Signal adds encrypted group video calls



Signal, the popular encrypted messaging app known for its commitment to privacy and security, has introduced a new feature: end-to-end encrypted group video calls. This feature allows up to five participants to engage in a video call within a Signal group, providing seamless connectivity and flexibility. Unlike Facebook's Messenger Rooms, Signal ensures that all group video calls are end-to-end encrypted, prioritizing the privacy of its users. Initiating a video call in an existing Signal group is as simple as tapping the video icon located in the upper-right corner of the screen. Once the call has started, group members can freely join or leave the call at any time, enhancing the convenience and accessibility of group communication.


2017. Encrypted messenger Signal adds voice and video calling



A beta version of the encrypted chat application Signal has recently introduced voice and video calling functionality. As mentioned in the app's changelog, beta users now have the opportunity to test this new feature with others who have also enabled it. While Signal primarily targets privacy-conscious users, it competes more broadly with messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Google Duo, all of which offer video calling capabilities. Nowadays, incorporating these features has become a standard requirement for messaging apps that aim to provide alternative client options. Signal is gradually catching up with its competitors in terms of feature set; however, the app faces challenges when it comes to user adoption due to its intentional avoidance of network effects and social integration. Unlike other apps, Signal does not import contacts from social networks, upload address books, or offer features like Snapchat's Snapcodes to facilitate adding new friends. This deliberate approach aligns with Signal's commitment to prioritize security and privacy.


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.