From handwritten letters to real-time messaging, communication has rapidly evolved. Today, more than 3 billion people interact through chat apps every month—whether for business, customer support, or social networking. This surge in usage has sparked a growing interest in how to create a chat app that people actually enjoy using.
In this detailed guide, we at PWH Services will help you explore the complete journey—from choosing your development method to identifying essential features, tools, and tech stack for building a real-time chat application that stands out.
Whether you’re a startup founder or an enterprise innovator, you’ll gain clarity on the entire process of creating a chat app that is scalable, secure, and engaging.
What is a Chat App?
A chat app is a real-time communication platform that lets users send messages, images, voice notes, videos, and documents across the globe via the internet. These apps work across devices and allow individuals or groups to stay connected effortlessly. Some of the most notable examples include WhatsApp, Messenger, and Slack—bridging communication gaps in both personal and professional settings.
Why Create a Chat App in 2025?
Growing Market
According to Statista, by the end of 2025, the number of chat app users is projected to reach 3.6 billion. That’s nearly half of the global population relying on instant messaging every month—a ripe opportunity for anyone looking to create a unique chat platform.
Rising User Expectations
Studies show that 82% of users expect a response in less than 10 minutes. Real-time messaging, push notifications, and smart automation have become necessities. Offering these features can drastically boost your app’s user engagement and retention.
Untapped Niche Markets
Despite the dominance of WhatsApp and Messenger, there’s room for niche-specific chat platforms—for example, private chat for fan communities, internal team collaboration in healthcare, or secure communication in finance.
Monetization Potential
Chat apps can be monetized through paid features, premium groups, branded themes, and subscription models. With the right monetization strategy, your app can generate steady revenue.
Tech Readiness
Innovations in artificial intelligence, real-time data processing, and encryption have made it easier than ever to build feature-rich, secure, and scalable chat applications.
What Are the Most Popular Chat App Examples?
| Chat App | Global Users | Key Features | Best Known For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.78 billion | End-tond encryption, file/media sharing | International messaging | ||
| Facebook Messenger | 1.04 billion | Text, voicice, group chat, chatbot integration | Social communication | |
| Google Messages | 1 billion | RCS and SMS, media sharing | Native Android messaging | |
| Telegram | 900 million | Secret chats, channels, multi-device sync | Privacy and broadcasting | |
| Snapchat | 800 million | Ephemeral messaging, AR filters | Youth engagement | |
| Discord | 560 million | Voice, video, chat rooms | Gaming and communities | |
| Signal | 40 million | Encryption, no data collection | Privacy-focused users |
Core Features To Create a Chat App
A high-performing chat app needs to do more than just send messages. It must offer security, real-time interaction, multi-device support, and reliability. Let’s break down the features that matter.
Basic Features
- Real-Time Messaging: Fast and reliable delivery is essential. Apps like Messenger and WhatsApp manage billions of messages with sub-second latency.
- Message History & Sync: Enables users to access previous chats across all devices seamlessly.
- Push Notifications: Keeps users informed and engaged, prompting them to return to the app.
- Media & File Sharing: Basic expectations now include sharing images, videos, and even documents. Apps like WhatsApp support up to 2GB file transfers.
Advanced Features
- End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Protects user data against breaches and ensures message confidentiality.
- Typing Indicators & Read Receipts: Adds a sense of presence and urgency, making conversations feel live.
- Group Chat & Broadcasting: Essential for community management, internal team discussions, or marketing announcements.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Your chat app should work smoothly across Android, iOS, and web platforms with consistent UI and performance.
How to Create Chat App Online?
There are three practical methods to build a chat app in 2025:
- No-Code Platforms
- Custom Development
- Third-Party SDKs or APIs
Each option has its own pros and cons depending on your business model and technical needs.
Method 1: Create Chat App for Free Using No-Code Platforms
No-code tools are ideal for MVPs, solo founders, or those without programming skills. Tools like Adalo, Thunkable, and Glide allow you to:
- Choose chat-friendly templates
- Integrate Firebase for authentication and messaging
- Customize UI with drag-and-drop elements
- Launch as Android/iOS apps or PWA
Pros:
- No technical knowledge required
- Fastest go-to-market method
Cons:
- Limited feature flexibility
- Less control over performance and scaling
Method 2: Custom Development From Scratch
Custom-built apps offer full control over design, logic, and scalability.
Steps include:
- Use React Native or Flutter for front-end
- Implement WebSockets or Firebase Realtime DB for messaging
- Backend options: Node.js, Django, or Spring Boot
- Choose a database: MongoDB, MySQL, or PostgreSQL
- Set up media handling, notifications, and authentication
- Deploy on AWS, Heroku, or similar cloud platforms
Pros:
- High scalability and performance
- Custom UX and branding
Cons:
- Requires time, money, and technical skills
Method 3: Use Chat SDKs or APIs
If speed and features are a priority, go for ready-made SDKs like Sendbird, CometChat, or GetStream.
Steps include:
- Register and get API keys
- Integrate SDK into your mobile or web app
- Link user authentication system
- Customize chat interface using built-in UI kits
Pros:
- Saves months of development
- Offers enterprise-grade features
Cons:
- Ongoing subscription costs
- Limited by SDK vendor’s roadmap
How Much It Costs to Build a Chat App?
Development cost varies by complexity. Below is a rough estimate:
| Feature | Dev Time | Cost (avg @ $50/hr) |
| Authentication | 60–80 hrs | $3,000–$4,000 |
| Messaging Core | 80–100 hrs | $4,000–$5,000 |
| Group Chat | 100–120 hrs | $5,000–$6,000 |
| File Sharing | 80–100 hrs | $4,000–$5,000 |
| Voice/Video Chat | 200–250 hrs | $10,000–$12,500 |
| Encryption | 150–200 hrs | $7,500–$10,000 |
Total: $25,000 to $250,000+
Additional costs include backend infrastructure, maintenance, and compliance.
Essential Technology Stack
- Backend: Node.js, Python, WebSockets
- Frontend: React Native, Flutter, Swift, Kotlin
- Security: JWT, OAuth2, TLS, End-to-End Encryption
- Hosting & Cloud: AWS, Firebase, Google Cloud
How Long Does It Take?
| App Complexity | Estimated Time | Dev Hours |
| Basic/MVP | 2–4 months | 150–400 hrs |
| Medium | 4–7 months | 400–800 hrs |
| Complex | 7–12 months | 800–1600+ hrs |
Challenges in Chat App Development
- Scalability & Performance: Use WebSockets and load balancing to handle millions of concurrent users.
- Delayed Launches: Focus on MVP first; scale based on user feedback.
- Security Risks: Encrypt messages, use secure tokens, and comply with GDPR/HIPAA.
- Moderation Issues: Implement spam filters, keyword blockers, and user report features.
Why Choose PWH Services?
At PWH Services, we understand that building a chat app is more than just coding features. It’s about delivering a seamless, secure, and scalable user experience.
Whether you want to build an internal communication tool, a consumer messaging app, or a specialized solution, we have the design and development expertise to bring your vision to life.
Let’s create something powerful together. Contact us today to get started.
