Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, and WeChat have changed the way we communicate with each other. They help us stay connected with family and friends wherever they are.

In April 2020, cloud-based mobile messaging app Telegram reported over 400 million monthly active users worldwide.

Simply put, messengers are more popular than ever. So, now is the best time for you to build your own messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram (or better)!

Follow these simple steps to create a super cool new chat app.

Step 1: Research the market and determine what problem your app will solve.

Step 2: Determine the best app business model to effectively monetize your app.

Step 3: Hire an app development team experienced in developing messaging apps. WhatsApp and Telegram.

Step 4: Build the architecture of your app.

Step 5: Build an excellent design for your messaging app.

Here are the essential features you must include in your app:

• Sending Text Messages
• Sending Media Files (photos and videos)
• Sending Audio and Video Messages
• Exchange of Live locations
• Sending Contact Cards

Now, the big question is how much it will cost to build an app like WhatsApp or Telegram. Well, calculating the overall cost of developing a messaging app isn't an easy task. Nevertheless, the approximate cost to develop a chat app can be around $50,000 to $60,000 per platform (Android and iOS). However, the cost can vary depending on the project needs, complexity, features, and functionality you want in your app.
If you are wondering how to create your own messaging app, here are the steps to bring your app idea into reality.
Several factors can affect the cost of developing a messaging app, including technical complexity, devices, and OS, UI, development company's location (obviously, a US-based development company will charge more than one in Eastern Europe or India), etc.

The total cost of a WhatsApp-like app for two platforms (iOS and Android) may vary from $110K to $160K.

Check out our latest article on how much it costs to build an app