Kik and WhatsApp are both popular messaging apps, but they have some key differences. In this article, we’ll compare the features, users, privacy, and overall experience of using Kik vs WhatsApp.
Introducing Kik and WhatsApp
Kik is a free messaging app launched in 2010 by Kik Interactive, a Canadian company. It allows users to chat with friends, join group conversations, and share photos, videos, gifs, and other content. Kik pioneered the concept of bots on messaging platforms and uses usernames rather than phone numbers.
WhatsApp launched in 2009 and was acquired by Facebook in 2014. It is now one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion users. WhatsApp uses phone numbers for identification and allows free messaging and calling over the internet. It also provides features like group chats, voice notes, video calls, and image sharing.
User Base Comparison
One major difference between Kik and WhatsApp is their number of active users. WhatsApp has vastly more users worldwide.
| App | Monthly Active Users |
|---|---|
| 2 billion+ | |
| Kik | Around 300 million at peak usage |
As the above table shows, WhatsApp has over 2 billion monthly active users globally. It is by far the most popular messaging app worldwide across both iOS and Android. WhatsApp is frequently the default messaging app in many countries.
In comparison, Kik’s userbase peaked at around 300 million registered users in 2016, and has declined since then. Most of its users are based in North America. While 300 million is still substantial, Kik never reached the massive scale of WhatsApp.
Features
When it comes to features, WhatsApp tends to have more standard messaging features given its larger user base. However, Kik has carved out some unique aspects as well.
Messaging
Both Kik and WhatsApp support basic instant messaging via one-on-one and group conversations. Users can exchange text messages, photos, videos, animated GIFs, audio messages, contacts, and location.
WhatsApp also allows document sharing and has a standalone WhatsApp Web client for messaging from desktop browsers. Kik lacks a desktop client but has a built-in web browser that opens web links inside the app.
Voice/Video Calling
WhatsApp provides free VoIP voice and video calling support, allowing users to make internet-based calls to individuals and groups. The calls are end-to-end encrypted.
Kik only offers basic voice calls. It does not have support for video calling at this time.
User Profiles
Kik features user profile pages that allow you to share a profile photo, customize your background, add links, etc. You can find people by username and browse public profiles. WhatsApp currently does not have customizable profiles, but shows basic info like profile photos.
Bots
One unique aspect of Kik is its bot platform. Users can interact with chatbots right inside Kik on topics like news, entertainment, shopping, and more. Brands like H&M have launched bots for engagement.
WhatsApp recently introduced the WhatsApp Business API to allow businesses to send notifications and messages via verified accounts, but does not have a true bot platform like Kik.
Multimedia
Both apps allow sending photos, videos, animated GIFs, and voice messages. WhatsApp also supports sending contacts and location. Kik allows you to preview YouTube/Vimeo videos and SoundCloud audio tracks directly inside conversations.
Messaging Features
| Feature | Kik | |
|---|---|---|
| One-on-one messaging | Yes | Yes |
| Group messaging | Yes | Yes |
| Voice calls | Yes | Yes |
| Video calls | Yes | No |
| Desktop client | WhatsApp Web | No |
| File/document sharing | Yes | Limited |
| Location sharing | Yes | No |
Privacy and Security
Privacy and security is important for any messaging app. Both WhatsApp and Kik provide end-to-end encryption for chats and calls. This means messages are secured with encryption between your device and the recipient’s device.
However, there are some differences in their privacy approaches:
- WhatsApp requires a phone number and ties accounts to your device’s phone number. Kik uses usernames.
- WhatsApp backs up your message history to Apple iCloud or Google Drive by default. Kik does not backup chats by default.
- WhatsApp collects more types of metadata than Kik, according to some researchers.
- WhatsApp shares more data with parent company Facebook due to linking phone numbers across services. Kik adopted a username model earlier to avoid this.
Overall, Kik may have a slight edge for users who want complete anonymity without linking personal phone numbers. However, both apps implement encryption and have privacy superior to standard SMS text messaging.
Platform Availability
In terms of platform availability, WhatsApp is again available on more platforms given its popularity worldwide across both iOS and Android devices.
WhatsApp has native apps for:
- iPhone
- Android phones
- Windows Phone
- Nokia S40
Kik is available on iOS and Android only at this time. It does not offer native apps for Windows Phone or other niche platforms.
WhatsApp also has a native iPad app, while Kik does not. But Kik does offer more adaptation to tablets within its iPhone and Android apps.
Given its widespread adoption globally, WhatsApp is generally more accessible across age demographics. Kik has stronger popularity among younger demographics who adopt new messaging apps quickly.
Cost
Both Kik and WhatsApp are free to download and use for messaging, voice calls, and other standard features. There are no subscription fees or upfront costs.
WhatsApp uses a phone number for signup, but there are no carrier charges or fees associated with using the service. Phone credit is not deducted, as data usage occurs over WiFi or mobile internet similar to other internet-based messaging options.
Kik does not require a phone number, avoiding any carrier-related costs entirely during signup and usage.
Revenue Model
While both apps are free to use, their revenue models differ:
- WhatsApp charges businesses to send communications through its WhatsApp Business API.
- Kik generates revenue from advertisements within the app and branded bot experiences.
Neither app sells user data for revenue generation purposes.
Conclusion
While Kik and WhatsApp take different approaches, they both offer robust messaging experiences. WhatsApp is more widely adopted worldwide and offers video calling, while Kik provides anonymity and bots.
For most everyday users, WhatsApp may provide better cross-platform accessibility and connectivity with friends internationally. But Kik appeals uniquely to users who prioritize anonymity and bots/themes over video calling features.
In summary:
- WhatsApp is the global messaging leader with over 2 billion users.
- Kik pioneered the anonymous, username-based messaging model but has a smaller userbase.
- WhatsApp has more standard features like video calling, live location sharing, etc.
- Kik focuses more on chatbots, anonymity, and custom multimedia experiences.
- Both apps provide secure end-to-end encrypted messaging to protect privacy.
While the apps take different approaches, Kik and WhatsApp both deliver robust messaging capabilities with security and privacy in mind. The choice comes down to a user’s specific preferences and needs.