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How much does it cost to build an instant messaging app for the consumer sector?

Standard price for an instant messaging app for the consumer sector: $37,500

Find out the cost to build your own custom instant messaging app for the consumer sector:

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What is an instant messaging app for the consumer sector?

Instant messaging apps are one of the most popular types of mobile apps. An instant messaging app provides real-time text chatting capabilities to users over a mobile network or Wi-Fi connection. Some instant messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, also allow users to share images and videos with each other. Instant messaging apps may be free or paid and usually require some type of signup process before use.

Instant messaging apps are similar to other social networking apps like professional networking apps, meetup apps, and event planning apps. Popular instant messaging applications today include Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Viber.

Here are some recent instant messaging app for the consumer sector examples built with Xperts:

  • An instant messaging app that alerts users to free goods in their area using data from Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor, and similar platforms.

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  • Build this app

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What is the typical cost to build an instant messaging app for the consumer sector?

An instant messaging app for the consumer sector usually costs $37,500 to build. However, the total cost can be as low as $25,000 or as high as $50,000. An instant messaging app for the consumer sector with a low number of features (also known as a "minimum viable product", or MVP) will be more affordable than an app that includes all intended functionality.

For example, here are some recent price quotes for an instant messaging app for the consumer sector from Xperts:

  • $16,199

How long does it take to build an instant messaging app for the consumer sector?

An instant messaging app for the consumer sector usually takes 216 hours to build. However, an instant messaging app for the consumer sector can be built in as few as 133 hours, or in as many as 267 hours. The exact timeline mostly depends on how complicated your app is. As a general rule, it will take longer if you require highly custom designs, niche features, or non-standard release platforms.

For example, Xperts produced the following recent hourly estimates for an instant messaging app for the consumer sector:

  • 216

How to successfully grow your instant messaging app for the consumer sector

An instant messaging app can grow its user base among the consumer sector by encouraging users to invite their friends through a referral program. In order to achieve viral growth, messaging apps need to show users that they have a large pool of potential contacts on the platform. Apps that allow users to send messages for free or have a large number of active users may be more successful than other messaging apps.

Risks and challenges of building an instant messaging app for the consumer sector

IM apps are often used for marketing, advertising, and financial services, making them susceptible to consumer fraud, phishing scams, and data theft. The most common risks associated with instant messaging include the unsafe handling of user financial information, the exposure of personal data to third parties, and the collection of sensitive personal information without disclosure.

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