Viber
Viber is a free messaging app for text, voice calls, video calls, and file sharing. It supports groups up to 250 people and Communities with no member limit. End to end encryption is enabled by default for all personal chats and calls. It also offers disappearing messages and hidden chats with PIN protection. Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
What it does
Text messaging works as expected - type a message, send it, attach photos, videos, files up to 200 MB, GIFs, or stickers. Voice and video calls are free over the internet, one on one and in groups. Viber Out lets you call landlines and mobile phones for paid credits, with rates that vary by country.
Hidden chats let you lock specific conversations behind a PIN code so they disappear from the main chat list. Disappearing messages can be set to auto delete after 10 seconds, 1 minute, 1 hour, or 1 day. Communities work like public groups with administrators and moderators, used by brands and fan groups to broadcast to large audiences.
The desktop app syncs with your phone, so you can pick up conversations on whichever device is convenient. Unlike WhatsApp, the desktop client does not require your phone to be online.
Advantages
- End to end encryption on by default for all personal messages and calls
- Hidden chats with PIN keep private conversations invisible
- Desktop app works independently without requiring phone connection
- Communities allow unlimited members for large group communication
Drawbacks
- Much smaller user base than WhatsApp or Telegram in most countries
- Sticker store and ads in the Discover tab feel cluttered
- Viber Out call rates are not competitive with Skype for many destinations
- Video call quality is inconsistent on slower connections
Who it is for
Viber is popular in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. I found it useful for communicating with contacts in those regions. If most of your contacts use WhatsApp or Telegram, switching makes little sense. The hidden chats and default encryption are nice privacy features, but they only matter if the people you talk to are also on Viber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viber free?
Is Viber encrypted?
Does the Viber desktop app require a phone?
What are Viber hidden chats?
Features & How-To Guide
| # | Feature | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Video conversations 2 | Chat with contact › Camera icon › Video call 1:1 or group › Switch front/back camera. |
| 2 | Send messages 3 | Open chat › Type message › Enter. Supports text/emoji/GIF/stickers/files up to 200 MB. |
| 3 | File and multimedia transfer | Chat › Paperclip icon › Choose photo/video/file/location › Send. Photos with original quality option. |
| 4 | Voice conversations 6 | Chat with contact › Handset icon › Free voice call over internet › Supports group calls. |
| 5 | Group and community creation | Menu › New Group › Add members (up to 250) › Give name. Communities: New Community › No member limit › Administrators and moderators. |
| 6 | Password-protected hidden chats | Chat › Long press › Hide Chat › Set PIN › Chat disappears from main list › Access after entering PIN. |
| 7 | Disappearing messages | Chat › Clock icon › Set time (10 sec / 1 min / 1 hour / 1 day) › Messages automatically delete after reading. |
| 8 | Phone calls (Viber Out) | Numeric keypad › Number with country code › Call. Requires Viber Out credits or calling plan. |
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