Do you want to launch an app that could acquire more than 1 billion monthly active users worldwide in less than 8 years? If yes, then building an encrypted messaging app like WhatsApp is the way to go. WhatsApp’s incredible success has set new standards for communication apps, becoming an indispensable part of people’s daily lives.
As of May 2025, WhatsApp has surpassed 3 billion monthly active users worldwide (Source: TechCrunch). This milestone reflects the immense popularity and trust WhatsApp has earned, especially through its robust end-to-end encryption that secures user conversations.
If you are a startup or entrepreneur looking to replicate this success by launching your own encrypted messaging app, you are in the right place. This blog explores the essential details, key features, development process, and cost considerations for building a WhatsApp-like app.
Why Businesses Should Build an Encrypted Messaging App Like WhatsApp?
In today’s digital era, encrypted messaging apps are widely used for communication, business, and social interaction. Here are some compelling reasons why building a secure messaging app like WhatsApp is a smart business move:
1. Improved Customer Engagement
Interactive features such as voice/video calls, text chats, and personalized messaging help engage users globally. An encrypted messaging app provides a secure environment for communication, boosting user trust and retention.
2. Revenue Opportunities
Apps like WhatsApp open multiple revenue streams, including subscription plans, in-app purchases, advertising (outside the app), transaction fees, and more. For example, LINE and Snapchat generated millions in revenue from in-app purchases and ads.
3. Better Return On Investment (ROI)
Messaging apps attract a large user base quickly, offering great ROI to investors. Their widespread adoption means more opportunities for monetization and long-term growth.
4. Texting Is the Preferred Mode of Communication
Data shows that 90% of messages are opened within 3 minutes. Encrypted messaging apps provide a familiar, secure platform where users can share messages, media, and calls without fear of interception.
Must-Have Features in an Encrypted Messaging App Like WhatsApp
To build a top-tier encrypted messaging app, you need to include the following core features:
User Profiles: Registration, profile picture, status, and personal info management.
End-to-End Encryption: Ensures only sender and receiver can read messages.
Secure Authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA), OTP, biometric login for enhanced security.
Real-Time Messaging: Instant message delivery, typing indicators, read receipts, and message status.
Voice and Video Calling: High-quality, encrypted calls including group calls.
Media & File Sharing: Images, documents, videos, voice messages with encryption and compression.
Group Chats & Admin Controls: Member management, restricted replies, message broadcasts.
Status or Story Feature: Share text or visual updates like stories.
Cloud Backup: Secure, encrypted chat backup and restore across devices.
Multi-Device Support: Sync chats seamlessly across mobile, desktop, and web platforms.
How to Build an Encrypted Messaging App: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Start With Ideation
Identify real user problems your app will solve. Think about what unique value your app will bring compared to competitors.
Step 2: Research The Market
Analyze your target audience, competitors, trends, and potential revenue streams.
Step 3: Start Planning
Decide on the platform(s) — Android, iOS, or both. Choose the right technology stack and monetization models.
Step 4: Design The Application
Create a clean, user-friendly, and minimalistic UI/UX to maximize user engagement and retention.
Step 5: App Development
Develop the frontend (client side) and backend (servers, APIs). Focus on security and scalability from day one.
Step 6: Testing To Make The App Bug-Free
Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) first to test the market and iterate quickly based on user feedback.
Step 7: Deployment On The App Stores
Publish your app on Google Play and/or Apple App Store. Approval typically takes about 2 weeks.
Step 8: Gather Feedback From Users
Use feedback to fix bugs, add features, and improve user satisfaction.
How Does WhatsApp Make Money?
WhatsApp transitioned from a $1 download fee to a free app with over 700 million users by 2016. Now, its revenue (estimated at $1.3 billion in late 2024) comes from:
WhatsApp Business API: Paid conversation-based pricing for medium/large enterprises.
Click-to-WhatsApp Ads: Ads on Facebook and Instagram encouraging users to start WhatsApp chats.
In-App Payments: P2P and merchant payments, with plans to monetize merchant transactions.
How Much Does It Cost to Build an Encrypted Messaging App Like WhatsApp?
The estimated cost ranges between $20,000 to $200,000+ depending on:
Feature complexity and scope
Design requirements
Development platform (Android/iOS/both)
Backend infrastructure and scalability
Security and encryption implementation
Location and expertise of your development team
Factors Affecting The Cost To Build Encrypted Messaging App
Features & Functionality: More features mean higher cost.
Design: Custom UI/UX designs cost more than standard templates.
Development Team: Hiring expert developers or outsourcing affects price.
Technology Stack: Advanced tech and encryption protocols add to costs.
Maintenance and Updates: Ongoing costs for updates, bug fixes, and support.
Final Thoughts
Building an encrypted messaging app like WhatsApp is a complex but rewarding journey. By focusing on essential features, user security, and user experience, you can create a product that attracts millions of users and generates sustainable revenue. Careful planning, market research, and choosing the right development partners will maximize your chances of success.
FAQs
Q1. How much does it cost to develop an app like WhatsApp?
Costs range from $20,000 to $200,000+ depending on features, design, platform, and developer location.
Q2. How does WhatsApp ensure end-to-end encryption in its chats?
WhatsApp uses the Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption, making sure only sender and receiver can read messages.
Q3. How long does it take to build an encrypted messaging app like WhatsApp?
Typically, it can take 6 to 12 months depending on complexity and team size.
Q4. What are the essential features of an encrypted messaging app like WhatsApp?
User profiles, end-to-end encryption, real-time messaging, voice/video calls, media sharing, group chats, multi-device support, and cloud backup.
