If you want to build a chatting app like WhatsApp that can scale globally, protect user privacy, and attract millions, you’ll need three essentials:

• A secure and scalable WhatsApp tech stack.
• Clarity on your MVP features.
• A phased launch plan that starts lean but prepares for growth.

Why does this matter? Because WhatsApp isn’t just a messaging tool anymore, it’s a global communication ecosystem. In 2025, WhatsApp has over 2.7 billion monthly active users worldwide, making it the most popular mobile messenger app. That dominance is why founders, startups, and enterprises often ask: “How can I create a chat app like WhatsApp?”

The good news? You don’t need a billion-dollar budget to get started. Whether you use a chat app maker, explore WhatsApp source code options, or invest in custom WhatsApp-like app development, there’s a clear roadmap. You can get in touch with a renowned Android or iOS App development company.

In this blog, you’ll learn everything from WhatsApp programming language choices to how to create a messaging app like WhatsApp for free, all framed strategically so you get the key points up front and the details that follow.

Market Analysis: Is There a Place for Your Chat App?

• WhatsApp now has 3 billion monthly active users, making it the most popular messaging app globally.
• According to Future Market Insights, the global mobile messaging market was valued at USD 136.2 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 595.8 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of15.9%.
• Meanwhile, according to the business research insights, the instant messaging app market (just apps, not full messaging platforms) was around USD 28.9 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 64.39 billion by 2033 (CAGR 9.3%).

What this means for you / your app idea

• There is strong demand and huge growth in messaging/ chatting apps, both in user base and revenue.
• But you’ll be entering a mature market dominated by big players (WhatsApp, WeChat, Telegram). To succeed, you’ll need one or more strong differentiators (privacy, localization, low-data use, niche target, etc.).
• If your app idea addresses a specific gap (e.g., underserved geographies, language, high privacy, better UX), the market stats show there’s room for new entrants.

Why Build a Chatting App Like WhatsApp in 2025?

Unmatched Popularity

• WhatsApp dominates with nearly 3 billion active users, making it the benchmark for anyone asking how to make an app like WhatsApp.
• By studying the WhatsApp programming language and WhatsApp tech stack, you gain insights into building a scalable solution.

Apps Similar to WhatsApp Are Thriving

• Telegram, Signal, and WeChat continue to grow, proving demand for apps similar to WhatsApp. Other than these, an app like Facebook can also be considered quite similar to WhatsApp.
• This shows that the market welcomes new entrants if you create a chat app like WhatsApp with unique features.

Huge Business Opportunity

• With the WhatsApp Business API used by millions, WhatsApp-like app development offers revenue through subscriptions, ads, and APIs.
• Learning how to make a messaging app isn’t just about chat it’s about enabling businesses to reach customers directly.

Privacy Is a Differentiator

• Concerns over data sharing push users toward new platforms.
• If you make a chatting app with end-to-end encryption and transparency, you can attract trust-sensitive audiences.

No-Code and Low-Code Options Exist

• Tools now let you create chat app free without coding, making entry easier for startups.
• However, for scale, many still explore WhatsApp source code or custom builds with a solid WhatsApp tech stack.

Global Market Growth

• The messaging market is projected to hit USD 64+ billion by 2033.
• Entrepreneurs exploring how to create a messaging app like WhatsApp for free or custom development are tapping into a growing industry.

Building a chatting app like WhatsApp in 2025 is a smart move because messaging is growing, businesses are adopting it, and users want secure, fast, and engaging apps. Whether you make a chatting app through a chat app maker or invest in WhatsApp-like app development, the market shows clear demand, and the right WhatsApp tech stack can turn your idea into the next big success.

WhatsApp Programming Language and Tech Stack

One of the most common questions among developers is: “What programming language does WhatsApp use?” Understanding this helps anyone aiming to make a chatting app or explore WhatsApp-like app development.

WhatsApp Programming Language Choices

• Erlang: The core WhatsApp programming language, chosen for its concurrency, fault tolerance, and reliability. It allows millions of messages to be delivered in real time without delays.
• C++: Used for performance-heavy operations, especially on the client side.
• Java & Kotlin: Core languages for building the Android version of the app.
• Swift: Used for the iOS application, ensuring smooth and secure performance.
• FreeBSD: The server operating system powering WhatsApp infrastructure.

The WhatsApp Tech Stack in 2025

If you want to build a chat app like WhatsApp, here are your modern options:

• Backend: Erlang, Elixir, or Node.js with WebSockets/MQTT for real-time communication.
• Database: PostgreSQL, Cassandra, or MongoDB to handle billions of messages daily.
• Frontend: React Native or Flutter for cross-platform apps, or native Android/iOS for full performance.
• Infrastructure: Kubernetes, CDNs, and load balancers to ensure scaling and global reach.

The WhatsApp tech stack proves that concurrency and fault tolerance matter more than flashy tools. While Erlang powers WhatsApp, you can choose a stack that fits your team’s expertise and growth plans, ensuring your chatting app, like WhatsApp, can scale securely and reliably.

Step-by-Step: How to Make an App Like WhatsApp

Step 1: Define Core Features

Before diving into WhatsApp like app development, outline the must-have functionalities:

• Real-time messaging (text, voice notes, emojis, stickers).
• Voice & video calls with high-quality codecs for low-bandwidth regions.
• Group chats with admin controls and moderation tools.
• File & media sharing (images, videos, PDFs, docs).
• End-to-end encryption to build user trust.
• Push notifications to keep users engaged and updated instantly.

Step 2: Choose Development Approach

There are multiple ways to create a chat app like WhatsApp depending on goals and budget:

• Custom Development: Best for startups or enterprises building a long-term, scalable product with advanced features.
• Chat App Maker SDKs/APIs: Faster time-to-market with SDKs like Sendbird, Twilio, or Firebase Chat. Great balance of speed and security.
• No-Code Platforms: The best no-code app builders enable you to create a chat app without coding skills. Ideal for MVPs or early validation before investing in a full build.

Step 3: Explore WhatsApp Source Code (Carefully)

A common search term is “WhatsApp source code.” While open-source clones exist, using them directly can create legal risks, copyright issues, and major security flaws. Instead, treat them as learning resources, never as production-ready bases. Building from scratch ensures security, scalability, and compliance.

Step 4: Build and Secure

When developing apps similar to WhatsApp, security is non-negotiable:

• Implement end-to-end encryption using protocols like Signal.
• Add two-factor authentication (2FA) and secure key management.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, DSA, HIPAA (if health-related), or other relevant laws.
• Optimize servers for concurrency and real-time delivery.

Step 5: Test and Launch

A chat app must handle massive concurrent loads. Run stress tests, penetration tests, and usability tests before launch. Begin with a limited release in one market, gather feedback, fix bottlenecks, and then scale globally with proper infrastructure (CDNs, load balancers, Kubernetes).

To build a chat app like WhatsApp, start lean with no-code or SDKs, validate demand, and then invest in custom mobile app development for scalability. Focus on encryption, compliance, and performance to succeed in 2025’s competitive messaging market.

How Much Does WhatsApp-Like App Development Cost?

Building a chatting app like WhatsApp requires a significant investment, but the cost varies based on complexity, features, technology stack, and the development team’s location. Whether you’re building a basic MVP or a full-scale WhatsApp alternative, budgeting realistically is key.

Cost Breakdown by App Stage

Type of App	Key Features	Estimated Cost (USD)	Development Timeline
Basic App	Real-time messaging, user registration, push notifications	$30,000 – $100,000	3–5 months
Mid-Range App	Messaging + voice/video calls, file sharing, end-to-end encryption	$100,000 – $200,000	5–9 months
Full-Scale WhatsApp-Like App	Advanced encryption, group calls, media servers, scaling infrastructure, cross-platform support, AI chatbots	$250,000+	9–18 months

Factors That Influence Cost

• Features & Complexity: Adding video calls, encryption, or AI moderation drives costs up.
• Development Approach: No-code or SDKs lower costs; custom app development is more expensive but scalable.
• Location of Developers:
  • US/UK: $80–$150 per hour
  • Eastern Europe: $40–$70 per hour
  • India/Asia: $20–$50 per hour
• Infrastructure & Security: High-quality servers, load balancers, and compliance frameworks add to the budget.

Recommended Read: How to Reduce App Development Costs Without Compromising Quality

Real-World Perspective

WhatsApp itself began with just $250,000 in seed funding, but grew into a global messaging giant that Facebook later acquired for $19 billion. This shows that starting small and scaling smartly can still lead to massive success.

To make a chatting app like WhatsApp, you’ll need at least $30K–$100K for an MVP and upwards of $250K+ for a full-scale solution. Start lean, test demand, and scale only when you’re sure of product-market fit.

Top Competitors: Apps Similar to WhatsApp

Understanding your competitors is critical before starting WhatsApp-like app development. Studying apps similar to WhatsApp helps you identify gaps and refine your unique selling proposition (USP).

• Telegram: Known for massive group chats and public channels, Telegram has over 800 million active users in 2025. Its appeal lies in speed, cloud storage, and advanced customization features. If you’re building a chat app like WhatsApp, Telegram’s public group model shows a demand for community-driven messaging.
• Signal: Ultra-private messaging platform with end-to-end encryption as the default. It appeals to privacy-conscious users. Incorporating strong encryption in your WhatsApp-like app development can differentiate your app.
• Viber: Popular in Eastern Europe, Viber combines messaging with social features and VoIP calls. Its growth highlights the importance of voice and video calls in any chat app maker strategy.
• WeChat: The quintessential super-app in China, combining messaging, payments, and mini-apps. While it is hard to replicate entirely, understanding its ecosystem helps plan advanced features for apps similar to WhatsApp.

Don’t just copy WhatsApp. Focus on a niche, feature gap, or region-specific advantage. By analyzing competitors like Telegram, Signal, and Viber, you can identify what users value most and integrate it into your WhatsApp programming language stack and UX for success.

Can You Create a Messenger App Free Without Coding?

Yes! Platforms like Appy Pie, Glide, and Bubble let you create a messaging app like WhatsApp for free. This approach is ideal for testing an MVP or validating your concept before investing in full WhatsApp-like app development.

Pros of No-Code Platforms

• Fast Launch: Apps can be live in days instead of months.
• Minimal Cost: Great for startups and MVPs with tight budgets.
• Easy Testing: Quickly validate features like messaging, notifications, and file sharing without coding expertise.

Cons of No-Code Platforms

• Limited Scalability: Can’t handle millions of users efficiently.
• Weak Security: End-to-end encryption and data compliance may be limited.
• Not Enterprise-Ready: Advanced features like group admin controls, AI moderation, or payment integration are challenging.

Even if you create a chat app for free without coding, plan to transition to a custom mobile app development company for scalability, security, and long-term growth.

Use no-code tools for experimentation and MVPs, but scale into WhatsApp-like app development when demand validates your idea. This ensures your chatting app like WhatsApp is both reliable and competitive.

Scaling and Security in WhatsApp-Like Apps

Once your MVP is validated, scaling and security become crucial for any chat app like WhatsApp.

Scaling Strategies

• Horizontal Scaling & Microservices: Separate services (chat, calls, notifications) across servers for better performance.
• Cloud Storage: Store media and files in AWS S3, GCP, or Azure to support large volumes efficiently.
• Load Balancers & CDNs: Ensure low latency and high availability globally.

Security Best Practices

• End-to-End Encryption: Default for all messages, calls, and files.
• Multi-Device Security Checks: Detect suspicious logins and enforce 2FA.
• Compliance: Adhere to GDPR, HIPAA, DSA, or regional privacy laws to build trust.
• Secure Key Management: Protect encryption keys with hardware security modules (HSMs) or cloud-based key vaults.

In 2025, privacy-conscious users drive app adoption. According to surveys, 72% of users choose apps with strong security and encryption. Ignoring these practices can lead to churn or regulatory penalties.

For WhatsApp-like app development, reliability, speed, and trust are the biggest growth drivers. Proper scaling, microservices architecture, and end-to-end encryption ensure your chatting app like WhatsApp can handle millions safely while maintaining user confidence.

Monetization Models for Chat Apps

Building a chatting app like WhatsApp is exciting, but to sustain it, you need a clear monetization strategy. Here are the top models used in 2025:

• Freemium Model: Offer core messaging free, but charge for premium features like larger group limits, cloud storage, advanced media sharing, or stickers. Many apps similar to WhatsApp successfully use this.
• In-App Ads: Display non-intrusive ads within chat feeds or status updates. Focus on relevant and privacy-compliant ad platforms to avoid annoying users.
• Subscription Plans: Monthly or yearly subscriptions for businesses using your app for communication, or for users accessing premium features. WhatsApp Business-style models prove this works.
• Payment & Marketplace Integration: Integrate digital wallets or in-app purchases for products/services. Super-app models like WeChat generate huge revenue from this.
• Data-Driven Insights (Privacy-Compliant): Analyze anonymized user trends for business insights, ensuring full GDPR and DSA compliance.

Even if you start with a no-code chat app maker, planning monetization early helps scale effectively. The right mix of freemium, subscription, and business APIs can turn your WhatsApp-like app development into a profitable venture while maintaining user trust.

Final Words

Creating a chat app like WhatsApp in 2025 requires more than just coding; it demands strategic planning, market analysis, and attention to security, scalability, and user experience.

From understanding the WhatsApp programming language and tech stack to testing no-code MVPs, each step contributes to building a reliable and engaging platform.

Partnering with a professional mobile app development company can make a huge difference, ensuring your WhatsApp-like app development leverages best practices in encryption, infrastructure, and user interface design.

With careful planning, a clear monetization model, and a strong focus on security, your chat app can stand out in a competitive market, deliver exceptional value, and capture the growing demand for real-time communication worldwide.