Group texts are SMS conversations shared among three or more recipients. Group text is a many-to-many message sent as an SMS or chat. Sending group messages allows multiple participants to carry on conversations in a text message thread. Everyone sees all responses to a group message in the group. Group messaging is made possible and convenient when text apps are used. There are many group text apps that you can use to start sending messages to your group of friends or family. You must know how to choose the best one.
Group text apps are selected if they have the features a person needs for his needs. There are four primary considerations when people choose an app for group messaging. These features include comprehensive customization features, quick group creation, works in different operating systems and devices, and the app must have a user-friendly interface. The features of an app are critical to making it successful, and people will want to use it. This article will discuss the six best group text apps; the top three choices are listed below.
- WhatsApp (Best Overall Group Text App)
- Facebook Messenger (Best for Those Who Already Use Facebook)
- WeChat (Group Text App with the Most Number of Users Worldwide)
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the best overall group text app because of its features. WhatsApp allows you to customize your messages with colors, text, and emojis. You can also set up group chats with up to 256 participants. WhatsApp also works on Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and Nokia Symbian devices.
With WhatsApp, you can message anyone with a simple interface that supports text chat, photos, videos, and voice messages. The app also lets you share files under 100MB size with other users of WhatsApp.
WhatsApp chats can be between just two people or up to 256 participants in a group. WhatsApp users can also make free voice and video calls to other service users.
Calls with up to four people can be made on WhatsApp, and all messages are encrypted. The service is accessible via Windows and Mac computers and a web browser.
The top group text features of WhatsApp are listed below.
- Voice calls and messages
- Media sharing
- Document sharing
- End-to-end encryption
- Desktop app available
Pros:
- Ideal for large-size group texting
- Works well for texting contacts
- Excellent security features
Cons:
- Media sharing quality is reduced
2. Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is the ideal choice for users who are also Facebook and Instagram users who want to create a group for sharing messages and media files. The Facebook messenger app allows you to communicate with individuals or groups of up to 150 people. You can also express your reactions to messages with stickers, GIFs, and emojis.
Facebook Messenger lets you make free video calls with other service users. The app also supports a group audio call feature with up to 50 participants.
The app is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers and Android and iOS devices. You can also access the service from a web browser.
Some of the top features of Facebook Messenger are listed below.
- Media sharing
- Reactions
- Stickers and GIFs
- Live chat and video calls
- Recorded voice messages
Pros:
- Free to use
- It can be used on various devices and platforms
- Integrated with other Facebook products
Cons:
- The interface can be confusing to use
3. GroupMe
GroupMe is another popular group text app next to WhatsApp and WeChat. GroupMe allows you to chat with everyone through SMS or push notifications. Using this app, you can text one person or talk to a group of friends.
GroupMe was launched in 2010, and the TechCrunch Disrupt project inspired it.
The app gives you dedicated space for sharing photos, videos, animated GIFs, and locations with friends and family. The GroupMe text app is a great way to keep in touch with multiple people. You can use it for exclusive chats, SMS texts, pictures, and videos.
The features of GroupMe are listed below:
- Custom emoji
- Location sharing
- Free group messaging
- SMS integrations and direct messages
- Photo and video sharing
Pros:
- Large group texting
- Dynamic QR code
Cons:
- Outdated user interface
- Slow customer support
4. WeChat
WeChat is the group text app with the most number of users worldwide. WeChat has over 1 billion monthly active users. WeChat allows you to create group chats with up to 500 participants. You can also add people by QR code or shake your phone to find someone nearby who is also using WeChat.
WeChat offers a wide range of features, including text chat, voice and video calls, Moments (similar to Instagram), games, and official accounts (similar to Facebook Pages).
WeChat also allows you to make payments, book taxis, and more. The app is available in multiple languages and works on Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and Symbian devices.
WeChat is a free messaging and calling software developed by the Chinese firm Tencent. You may instantly communicate with friends and relatives on WeChat and share special occasions from your day.
It’s simple to start up a live group chat. Invite all of your favorite people for an entertaining discussion. You can use WeChat’s walkie-talkie mode with a maximum of 40 members in the group chat.
The top features of WeChat are listed below.
- WeChat pay
- Voice and Video Calls
- Text and video calls
- Games and Stickers
- Real-time location sharing
Pros:
- Functional add-ons, mini-programs, and a vast ecosystem
Cons:
- Sluggish customer service
5. Voxer
Voxer is a group text app with a difference. Voxer allows you to send voice messages, photos, and text messages to friends and family. Voxer also supports walkie-talkie mode for real-time communication.
The app also has a live map that lets you see the location of your contacts in real time. Voxer is available for Android and iOS devices.
Some of the top features of Voxer are listed below:
- Voice messaging
- Text messaging
- Location sharing
- Push-to-talk mode
- Group chat
Pros:
- Live map feature
- Push-to-talk mode
- Supports multiple languages
Cons:
- No desktop app
- Limited features in the free version
6. Google+ Hangouts
Google+ Hangouts is a group text app from Google. It allows you to create chat groups for up to 150 members. With our video call feature, you can turn any conversation into a group chat with up to 10 friends – for free!
Google+ Hangouts is ideal for businesses that need essential communication such as calling, messaging, and video conferencing.
Add to the conversation by sharing photos, thoughts, emojis, stickers, and animated GIFs. Easily share your location with any discussion using map integration. Connect your Google Voice account for a better phone number experience, including SMS and voicemail integration.
Google offers Hangouts for free as a service, while Google Workspace Individual is priced at $7.99 per individual per month. Additionally, Google Workspace Enterprise provides more features and comes with custom pricing.
The top features of Google+ Hangouts are listed below:
- G suite integrations
- Browser and mobile app availability
- Captions for meetings
- Free 15GB of Google Drive storage
Pros:
- It has a free platform
- Intuitive platform
Cons:
- The user interface could be improved
- Minimal features in the free version
What is Group Text?
You can send a group text message to as many people as possible. The size of the group will depend on your number of contacts. Everyone in the group will receive the message, but they’ll be unaware who else got it. Group text messages are sent over a carrier network and use the same SMS or MMS service you use for one-on-one messages.
Group text messages are created and sent conveniently using group text apps. Group text message apps send texts to multiple contacts at once by using phone numbers. These texts are transmitted over existing telecom carrier networks and stored on the servers of those carriers.
How to Choose the Best Group Text App?
There are four essential considerations when choosing the best group text app. Users choose the best group text app for their needs based on its comprehensive customization features, quick group creation, works in different operating systems and devices, and the app must have a user-friendly interface. However, an added layer of security features is also desired to ensure that vulnerable data will not end up in the wrong hands.
Here are the top considerations when choosing the best group text apps.
- Comprehensive Customization Features – Users put a premium on a group text app with many customization and personalization features. They love stickers and emojis that they can use to engage with their group. The ability to change the background and font style is also a big plus. Group text apps that allow media exchange are preferred, primarily if the group text is also used for business communication and not just for personal messages between friends and family.
- Quick Group Creation – Creating a group should be quick and easy. The app should have a feature that allows users to add or remove members with just a few taps. The interface should be intuitive and user-friendly. The top group text apps listed above are very popular and widely used. It is easier to create groups with all the necessary members if they are all using the same text app.
- Works in Different Operating Systems and Devices – Group text apps should only run on mobile devices. More users today prefer group text apps that can be used on mobiles, tablets, and desktops. These apps should also have versions available for iOS, Android, and Windows operating systems. People have different mobile devices and may not add a member to a group text if the app is unavailable.
- User-Friendly Interface – The interface of the group text app should be user-friendly. All the features and options should be easily accessible. The interface should also be consistent across all devices. A good group text app will have an optimized interface for mobile devices. The interface should also be intuitive and easy to use.
Aside from these features, many users also mentioned that security features are important when choosing a group text app. Data privacy and security are essential, especially for businesses. The best group text app should have features that ensure that messages are encrypted and secure.
What is the Importance of Group Text App?
A group text app is an essential tool for businesses and organizations. It allows quick and easy communication between group members, and its use is not limited to personal communication between friends and family.
Sending group texts makes it easy for businesses to send announcements, reminders, and updates to employees and customers. Group text apps also allow companies to create customer support groups. It is a great way to provide excellent customer service.
Group text apps are also essential for schools and educational institutions. It allows quick communication between teachers and students. Additionally, teachers can use group text apps to send announcements and assignments. Students can also use group text apps to ask questions and get clarification from their teachers.
What are the Best Practices for Group Texting?
There are some best practices that businesses and individuals should follow when using group text apps. Here are five norms and SMS marketing best practices for group texting.
- Be Professional – Professionalism depends on your culture and the norms in your workplace or group. You can be more relaxed if the group chat is mainly for personal communication. But if the discussion is for work or business, it is crucial to maintain a professional attitude. Remember that everyone will receive and read all messages sent to the group. Thus, it is essential to be respectful and courteous.
- Be Concise – Keep your messages concise. No one wants to read long paragraphs of text, especially if it’s irrelevant to them. Be clear and straight to the point. If you need to include a lot of information, break it down into smaller messages. When creating a group message, think about what would work best as a group chat compared to an email, phone call, or face-to-face conversation. You don’t need to send every thought – pare them down before you hit send.
- Use Proper Timing – Consider the time zones of the members in the group and use group text to send messages during appropriate hours. Strike a balance and strive to respond to urgent requests, but allow some time for others to respond when available. If you are sending a message that can wait, indicate so in the message. It will help manage expectations and avoid frustrating members of the group.
- Make Sure Everybody is Aware of the Group Members – This practice is essential, especially in a work setting. You don’t want to send sensitive information to the wrong group accidentally. Before sending a message, check to see who is in the group and whether adding or removing anyone would be appropriate. It is also a best practice to inform the group members of the purpose of the group text to adjust their tone and know the messages they need to send.
- Don’t Spam – Spamming is when you send unsolicited messages or messages that are not relevant to the group. It is considered rude and will only annoy the members of the group. Not only is it unprofessional, but it will also make it difficult for people to take you seriously. If you need to send irrelevant messages to the group, create a new group or use a different method of communication.
What is the Difference Between Group Messages and Mass Text Messages?
Three important things are considered when looking at how group and mass text messages differ. These three differences involve the types of messages and manner of sending, how they are managed, and its features and encryptions.
Types of messages and manner of sending
Group text message apps and SMS messages are sent to groups of contacts with phone numbers. These text messages are sent through existing telecom carriers and stored on their servers.
On the other hand, mass text messages are sent through web-based applications that bypass telecom carriers. They are stored on the application servers, and the messages never touch the carriers’ networks.
How they are managed
Group text message apps mostly use existing contact lists in the phonebook to create groups. Once a group is created, members can be added or removed manually.
With mass text messaging, there is no need for a phone book. A contact list can be uploaded to the application and used to send messages. The contact list can also be managed online, and contacts can be added or removed at any time.
Features and encryption
Group text message apps have limited features compared to mass text messaging applications. They are primarily used for one-to-one and group conversations.
Mass text messaging applications have many features, such as automated messages, bulk scheduling, and templates. These features make it easy to send mass texts without typing each message individually.
Most group text message apps do not have encryption, so messages are stored on servers that are not secure. Mass text messaging applications have end-to-end encryption, so messages are protected and cannot be intercepted.