One of the most difficult questions that people are faced with when they get a new mobile phone is which messaging app they should download and use. What one you pick depends on many things, such as which app your friends use, what phone you have and the features that you want to get out of it. It is looking likely that by 2018, mobile messaging apps will be used by 2 billion people worldwide. Due to these incredible figures, it is no wonder that mobile messaging apps are continually competing for the top spot, all claiming to offer something more than its predecessor.

1. WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. One of its biggest perks is that it is completely free to use. It is also easy to use and set up because you don't have to make an account, it will automatically connect you to other people that are using WhatsApp by using your contact list. One of the most attractive features is its security, as the app has an end-to-end encryption for privacy.
2. Facebook Messenger will also automatically populate your contacts while also allowing you to add new contacts quickly. There are lots of free gifs and games you can use, plus there is the unique feature of ‘chat heads’ for Android users. This allows you to keep a chat icon on your screen when using other apps. 
3. Line is extremely popular in Asia and has a social media element to it, much like Facebook. It has all the standard features of a messaging app along with the ability to follow your favorite people, such as artists, bands, and celebrities. 
4. Viber is another of the most popular messaging apps that allow the users to send stickers, emoticons, make video and voice calls, share videos and photos and more. It also has a Viber Out feature which lets users make international calls at a very low rate.  
5. WeChat is most popular in China and has a lot of additional features compared to other messaging apps such as the ability to send money and make purchases through the app. To find out more about the differences between these apps, use the infographic offered by skilled for more detailed information.

Get more insights into similarities and differences of these messenger apps in the below infographic from Skilled.