In today’s hyper-connected world, social chatting apps aren’t just a luxury for brands. They’re a necessity. It’s an effective way to meet your customers where they already are, glean valuable insights, and tap into new markets. 

With 4.76 billion social media users worldwide, brands ‌need help prioritizing the right platforms. Which ones should you choose? What networks are the most popular among your target audience? And what apps are “dying?”

Let demographics guide the way. Here are the five best social chatting apps to foster stronger customer connections based on demographics. 

 

1. Eastern Europeans love Viber

 

Viber is a cross-functional voice-over IP and instant messaging app with 1.17 billion users worldwide. While Viber is available in 190+ countries, it is one of the most popular social apps in the CIS region, with a monthly active user (MAU) smartphone penetration of 76%.  

With the CIS region predicted to experience substantial economic growth over the next few years, Viber is an excellent opportunity for brands to engage customers in this lucrative market. 

 

2. More Americans are using WhatsApp

 

With over 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store and two billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is still one of the most popular social apps in the United States. Almost 78% of WhatsApp users in the US log onto the app at least once a week. 

With 80% of WhatsApp messages read within the first five minutes, it’s an effective tool for brands to drive ROI and interact with customers. Furthermore, WhatsApp messages have 99% open and 60% click rates. 

 

3. SMS is the hot social chatting platform for millennials

 

It’s no secret that millennials love texting. In fact, 75% of millennials said they’d prefer a text-only phone over a voice-only phone. This generation demands speed and convenience. Brands looking to attract more millennial shoppers can use SMS to send them direct, personalized, and impactful messages instantaneously.

With 98% open rates, SMS effectively engages consumers who avoid answering phone calls. And with more than 25% of millennials using their phones as their primary source for content, your messages are guaranteed to be seen. 

 

4. Gen Z prefers Instagram over other social chatting apps

 

Gen Z was the first generation to grow up with the internet. While Gen Z enjoys texting as much as millennials, brands can also engage younger consumers on Instagram. These social media junkies are visually oriented and respond best to rich communications and prompt support.

When engaging with Zoomers, businesses should aim to establish rapport and build trust with meaningful, personalized communications. Almost half of Gen Z customers reported having a “strong connection or loyalty” to particular brands, and 66% will stick to buying from a favorite brand for years. 

 

5. Facebook’s popularity isn’t going anywhere

 

With nearly 3 billion active monthly users, Facebook is the OG social messaging app. While many wrongly assumed that Facebook was losing traction, it is the most popular social media app among boomers, with 78% using it. Baby boomers are the second-largest population group in the US making this market a treasure trove for businesses looking to attract new demographics. 

Brands that want to effectively target this generation of folks entering their 60s and 70s need to avoid using slang, provide relevant and helpful information, and refrain from using terms like “old” or “elderly.”

 

Mitto helps brands connect with new customers worldwide

 

Do you want to attract customers in new regions or demographics? Mitto is a global communications service provider with access to all the aforementioned channels. Our unmatched omnichannel reach allows you to connect with customers on their preferred platforms globally. And with direct connections to mobile carriers in nearly every country, we make engaging consumers via SMS as efficient and cost-effective as possible. 

Businesses looking to streamline their messaging can use Mitto Conversations to manage their conversations across Viber, WhatsApp, SMS, Instagram, Facebook, and more from one dashboard. Marketers can also integrate our API into their current CRM to segment customers and ensure they get personalized content that resonates with them.

Contact us today and start attracting new customers immediately.