Signal vs Viber

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.


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. 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.


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.


2017. Viber acquired shopping keyboard startup Chatter Commerce



Earlier this year, messaging app Viber ventured into shopping services with its Instant Shopping feature, enabling users to search for items available for purchase directly within the app's interface. In a strategic move to compete with alternative platforms, Viber has recently acquired Chatter Commerce, the startup that played a significant role in developing this feature. This acquisition positions Viber to enhance its shopping capabilities. Speculations suggest that even Amazon is working on a consumer-centric messaging app. Additionally, Facebook has been expanding Messenger beyond basic chat, incorporating transactional features, bots, and other services. This highlights a notable trend among messaging apps, leveraging their existing user engagement to drive business growth through various avenues.


2017. Viber introduced secret chats with self-destructing messages



Viber has released an update for its iOS and Android versions, introducing the highly anticipated feature of "Secret Chats" to the service. Following in the footsteps of Snapchat, Facebook, Telegram, and other platforms, Viber now allows its users to set timers on their messages, resulting in self-destruction after a specified duration. Additionally, this new feature notifies the sender if the recipient takes a screenshot, a functionality initially popularized by Snapchat. Viber appears to be emphasizing its commitment to security by showcasing these features, setting itself apart from other messaging platforms. The introduction of end-to-end encryption and hidden chats last year further solidified Viber's dedication to privacy and security.


2017. Viber adds e-commerce feature



Messaging app Viber, owned by e-commerce company Rakuten, aims to capitalize on e-commerce while avoiding intrusive advertising. Viber plans to introduce a new feature where users can explore items for sale related to their current chat by tapping on a small shopping bag icon at the bottom of the screen and conducting a search. The initial launch of this feature will take place in the U.S. on March 6, with plans to expand to other markets later. Users will not be able to make purchases directly within Viber; instead, they will be redirected to the relevant page in the respective brand's app via a deeplink.


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.


2016. Viber launched Public Accounts for businesses



Messaging app Viber is introducing Public Accounts for businesses and brands seeking to engage with Viber users for marketing purposes, customer service, or a combination of both, without the requirement of adding the account as a contact first. Users can now simply subscribe to these accounts. Additionally, by the end of November, Viber's API will be seamlessly integrated with approximately 10 to 15 popular CRM packages, enabling businesses to manage their Viber messages alongside their other social media, email, and messaging interactions. With the introduction of Public Accounts, Viber joins the ranks of other consumer-focused messaging apps such as WeChat, Line, and Facebook Messenger, all of which offer similar features.