Readers like you keep news free for everyone.
More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.
For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.
Readers like you keep news free for everyone.
More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.
For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.
CONSIDERING WE’RE ONLY a few days away, there’s going to be a lot of messages of good will sent around the world between now and New Year’s Day.
Not everyone is going to see each other in person so the next best thing is to send a Christmas message. Whether you want to go for the generic ‘Merry Christmas’ tweet or go a step further, here are the most popular messaging apps that can help you do this.
WhatsApp
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
One of the most popular instant messaging apps out there, WhatsApp isn’t as flashy as the others in this list, but it’s still one of the most reliable services out there. Always reliable and to the point, the service is always there should you need to send a quick message.
Instagram
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
As a messaging app, Instagram Direct always felt like a tacked on idea despite the hype around it, and has struggled to take off when compared to its more illustrious rivals. However, it would certainly be a nice surprise to share a photo taken specifically for them, and the range of filters and editing tools allows you to put some effort into it.
Instagram / Vimeo
Viber
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Another popular instant messaging app. Viber’s main appeal is it’s focused on voice calls and while it has instant messaging and stickers to send, it’s the strongest features on it.
Skype
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Honestly, you can’t beat some of the classics and as far as video messaging is concerned, there are few that can beat Skype. The obvious issue is making sure both parties are able to take a call, but once that’s sorted, you can chat away or settle for instant messaging.
The self-destructing photo and video app is handy for quick messages, and for some impromptu art should your photo lack the sufficient amount of festiveness. Actually, it’s the art and drawing that will make your photosstand out from others messages of good will.
Line
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
The cooler version of Snapchat, Line is more popular with those in Asia and it’s likely if you have some friends working over there, they’re using it. Stickers, voice calls, instant messages, videos and other features show you why it’s so popular.
Vine
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Like Instagram, another example of an app thattacked on a direct message feature without much thought, but even if you don’t have much creativity, putting together a six second video is easy, especially since you can now upload (and edit) videos directly.
Vine / Vimeo
Facebook Messenger
For: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
Considering how many people have Facebook already, it’s not a bad idea to use the messaging service that comes included with it. Everything you associate with Facebook’s messaging service is included here alongside some additional features like voice messages, photos and videosmakes it more useful than you think.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site