Currently, WhatsApp has become the most used messaging tool in the world and has even been adopted by large companies to serve their masses. However, before the app came into existence, other similar platforms were successful among internet users and left a few nostalgic memories of that time.
To remind you of some of these, we’ve brought you a list of the messengers who made their mark in the 90s and 2000s.
Check it out below!
1. MSN
Windows Live Messenger, better known as MSN, was software released by Microsoft between 1999 and 2014 – this month the platform turned 23! Messenger is used by more than 250 million people worldwide and is famous mainly for its features such as being invisible, attracting the attention of colleagues and funny effects.
However, as time went on and Skype developed, the North American company decided to end the program’s activities and incorporate it into the new service.
2. ICQ
Launched in 1996, ICQ was the internet’s first instant messaging app. That’s why millions of users have taken advantage of this innovation to chat remotely with friends, family, and co-workers for the first time in their lives.
Unlike MSN, the software is still available and has taken more resources to regain its popularity worldwide.
3. GoogleTalk
In order to get a share of the expanding market, Google launched Google Talk in 2005. The app basically became famous for only 1 MB of memory occupancy, allowing even users with very little storage to get into the software.
Its available functions mainly included the exchange of messages via text and voice for the operation of an American corporate account. Over time, the program was included in Google Hangouts, which became Gmail and later Google Meet.
4. AOL Instant Messaging
AOL Instant Messenger was released in 1997 and was also one of the first applications to allow instant communication over the internet. Although early versions already offered various functions such as message groups, the software received constant updates that also allow for voice and video communication.
One of its greatest strengths was the release of multiple platforms serving Windows, Mac OS and Linux users. After 20 years of launch, in 2017 AOL chose to discontinue the software and terminated its services.
5. Yahoo! reporter
Yahoo! Messenger originated in 1998 as Yahoo’s instant messaging application. Over time, the software has added new functions that allow sending of voice messages, files and video calls. One of the biggest differences of the program was its integration with YouTube and Flickr, which allows users to share and reproduce their content directly in chat.
Its immense popularity has kept the program in existence for a little over 20 years, and it was discontinued by Yahoo in June 2018.
6. BBM
BlackBerry Messenger, also known as BBM, was released in 2005 and allowed the exchange of messages, voices and files between BlackBerry mobile phone users. Although deactivated in 2019, the program was used by more than 190 million users worldwide, who were part of 87.5% of devices in 2016 in Indonesia, the country where it achieved the best commercial performance.
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Source: Tec Mundo
