Viber - Detailed Review
Communication Tools
Viber - Product Overview
Introduction to Viber
Viber is a popular VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and instant messaging application that enables users to communicate through various mediums. Here’s a breakdown of its primary function, target audience, and key features:Primary Function
Viber allows users to exchange audio and video calls, send instant messages, share media such as photos, videos, and files, and engage in group chats. It utilizes internet-based technology to facilitate free communication between Viber users, both domestically and internationally.Target Audience
Viber has a diverse user base, but it is particularly popular among certain demographics. The largest group of users is between the ages of 25 and 34, accounting for nearly 36% of all users. The platform has a nearly equal split between male and female users, with 50.49% male and 49.51% female. Viber is also highly popular in regions such as Eastern Europe, parts of Asia, and the Middle East, with significant user bases in countries like Ukraine, Belarus, and Vietnam.Key Features
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Viber is available on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, allowing seamless synchronization of chats across different devices.
- End-to-End Encryption: Messages sent over Viber are protected with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read the messages. Additional security features include the ability to verify contacts and set disappearing messages.
- Rich Media Messaging: Users can send texts, photos, videos, files, and even record quick-sending voice and instant video messages. The app also includes a vast collection of stickers and GIFs to personalize conversations.
- Group Chats and Communities: Viber supports group chats and video calls, as well as public communities where users can follow brands, celebrities, and influencers. These communities can have unlimited members and offer more admin control and new conversation features.
- Business Messaging: Viber offers business messaging features that allow companies to connect with customers directly through verified, branded accounts. This includes automated message flows, managed customer inquiries, and segmented campaigns.
- Low-Cost International Calls: While calls between Viber users are free, users can also make low-cost international calls to non-Viber numbers using Viber Out.
- Extensions and Integrations: Viber supports various extensions for finding restaurants, performing searches, and sharing music and video, enhancing the user experience without leaving the chat window.
Viber - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Viber
The user interface of Viber, a popular communication tool, is characterized by several key features that enhance its ease of use and overall user experience.
Modern and Intuitive Design
Viber boasts a fresh and modern design, making the interface visually appealing and user-friendly. The updated interface is sleek, ensuring that users can easily find and use the various features without confusion.
Enhanced Chat Features
The app offers improved chat management, allowing users to customize their conversations with expressive stickers and GIFs. This adds a personal touch to interactions, making communication more engaging and fun.
Multi-Device Syncing
Viber ensures seamless communication across multiple devices, including mobile, tablet, and desktop. Your chats are 100% synced, enabling you to start a conversation on one device and continue it on another. This feature also allows easy transfer of calls between devices and the ability to share screens during video calls.
Group Calls and Chats
Viber supports high-quality group calls and chats, making it easy to connect with friends, family, or colleagues in a group setting. This feature is particularly useful for family meetings, group hangouts, or even professional gatherings.
Dark Mode
For users who prefer dark themes, Viber offers a stylish dark mode that provides a comfortable night-time experience. This feature helps reduce eye strain and conserves battery life on mobile devices.
Enhanced Security
Security is a top priority for Viber. The app uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages are encrypted as they travel across the internet and can only be read by the sender and the recipient. Additionally, Viber allows users to verify the identity of their contacts through secret keys, providing an extra layer of security.
Ease of Use
Viber is known for its simplicity and ease of use. The interface is straightforward, making it easy for users of all generations to send text messages, photos, videos, and files, as well as make audio and video calls. The app is highly intuitive, allowing users to quickly adapt to its features.
Additional Features
Other notable features include the ability to delete and edit seen messages, set disappearing messages for extra privacy, and join public communities with people who share similar interests. Users can also create their own stickers and GIFs to express themselves more effectively.
Overall, Viber’s user interface is designed to be user-friendly, engaging, and secure, making it a reliable and enjoyable communication tool for both personal and business use.
Viber - Key Features and Functionality
Viber Overview
Viber, a popular messaging and VoIP app, offers a wide range of features that enhance communication and integrate AI in various ways. Here are the main features and how they work:Messaging and Media Sharing
Viber allows users to send texts, photos, videos, and files. You can also record and send quick voice and instant video messages, making communication more expressive and convenient.Voice and Video Calls
Users can make high-quality voice and video calls, and easily switch between the two during a call. This feature is particularly useful for both personal and professional communications, ensuring clear and reliable connections.Group Chats and Calls
Viber supports group chats and calls, allowing users to communicate with multiple people at once. This includes features like liking and replying to messages in group chats, as well as starting group video or voice calls instantly.Communities
Viber’s Communities feature allows users to join or create large groups with unlimited members. These communities offer more admin control and new conversation features, making them ideal for brands, interest groups, and other large-scale interactions.Stickers and GIFs
Viber provides a vast collection of stickers and GIFs to help users express themselves more creatively. Users can also create their own custom stickers and GIFs to add a personal touch to their conversations.Cross-Platform Compatibility
Viber is available on multiple platforms, including mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. Chats are fully synced across all devices, allowing users to transfer calls and continue conversations seamlessly regardless of the device they are using.Security and Privacy
Viber ensures high levels of security and privacy through end-to-end encryption, meaning only the sender and recipient can access the content of messages and calls. Users can also block unwanted contacts and set specific privacy settings for each individual contact.Viber Out
This feature allows users to make low-cost international calls to any phone number, even if the recipient does not have Viber installed. This is particularly useful for international communications.AI Integration
Viber is ripe for AI integration, particularly through its chatbot API. AI agents can be used to enhance customer support by providing instant, contextual assistance. These agents can understand user history, preferences, and the nuances of human language, offering personalized solutions. AI can also be used for content moderation and personal productivity within the app.Automated Workflows with AI
Using platforms like Albato, users can integrate AI tools like CoPilot AI with Viber. This integration allows for automated workflows, such as sending personalized welcome messages to new leads or syncing data between the two apps. These automations can be set up without requiring deep technical knowledge.Delete & Edit Seen Messages and Disappearing Messages
Viber offers features to delete or edit messages that have already been seen by all members of the chat, and to set self-destruct timers for messages to enhance privacy.Conclusion
In summary, Viber combines traditional messaging features with advanced capabilities like AI-driven customer support, cross-platform compatibility, and strong security measures, making it a versatile and reliable communication tool. Viber - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Viber has made significant strides in enhancing its performance, particularly in areas such as user acquisition and fraud prevention. For instance, Viber’s collaboration with Adjust’s Fraud Prevention Suite (FPS) has been highly effective. By implementing FPS, Viber was able to protect its marketing campaigns from common fraud schemes, such as simulated or emulated installs and click spamming. This resulted in Viber saving 10% of its marketing budget, which could then be reinvested in acquiring genuine users. In terms of user engagement, Viber statistics indicate strong performance. Users spend an average of 35 minutes on the app per day, sending over 30 messages daily, and launching the app 12 times a day. Additionally, nearly 90% of Viber messages are opened within 3 minutes of receipt, and there are over 70 million interactions on the platform every hour.Accuracy and AI-Driven Features
Viber has introduced AI-driven features to improve user experience and accuracy. The recent launch of the AI summarizer feature is a notable example. This feature helps users manage unread messages in group chats by summarizing key points into digestible bullet points. This tool ensures that summaries are private and do not contain identifiers beyond usernames, and Viber does not store or save these conversations on its servers.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite these advancements, there are some limitations and areas for improvement. One significant concern is the security and encryption of user data. Viber uses a proprietary encryption method, which has raised questions about its strength and openness to independent security assessments. Critics argue that Viber’s centralized encryption scheme, where the company’s servers hold the encryption keys, could be a vulnerability. This setup gives Viber access to users’ private chats, potentially exposing them to security breaches or data requests from authorities. Another area of concern is data privacy. Viber collects user data such as contacts, location data, and device IDs, which, while common among messaging apps, can pose security and privacy risks if not handled carefully.Conclusion
In summary, Viber’s performance is strong, especially in terms of user engagement and fraud prevention. The AI summarizer feature is a valuable addition that enhances user experience. However, there are critical areas that need attention, such as the strength and transparency of its encryption methods and the handling of user data to ensure better security and privacy. Addressing these limitations will be crucial for Viber to maintain and improve its standing in the Communication Tools AI-driven product category. Viber - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of Viber
The pricing structure of Viber, a popular communication tool, is structured around several plans and options to cater to different user needs. Here’s a breakdown of the various plans and features:
Free Options
Viber offers several free features that do not require any subscription or payment:
- Free Calls and Messages to Viber Users: You can make free voice and video calls, and send messages to other Viber users worldwide, using your internet connection.
- Instant Messaging: Enjoy text messaging with individuals or groups, along with features like disappearing messages, file sharing, and a variety of stickers, GIFs, and emojis.
Viber Out Plans
For calling non-Viber users or landlines and mobile numbers, Viber offers the following Viber Out plans:
World Unlimited Plan
- This plan allows you to call any of the 60 predetermined countries for an unlimited amount of minutes at a fixed monthly price.
Unlimited Country Plan
- Pay a fixed price per month to call the country of your choice for an unlimited amount of minutes. This plan is only available for certain countries.
Minutes Country Plan
- This is a prepaid plan that provides a set number of minutes (e.g., 120 minutes) for calling a specific country each month.
World Credit
- A prepaid credit system that can be used to call any phone number in the world. You can set up an automatic top-up to avoid running out of credit during calls.
Payment and Currency
- Viber Out rates are available in either US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR), depending on the region of your phone number. You cannot switch between currencies.
- Payment methods vary by device: credit card (Visa or Mastercard) for Android and desktop, and App Store for iOS.
Call Cost Calculation
- The cost of a Viber Out call is based on the type of phone number (mobile, landline, etc.) and the country you are calling. Calls are charged per minute, and your location does not affect the cost.
Viber Plus (Premium Service)
- This is a monthly subscription service that offers additional features such as:
- No ads
- Unlimited stickers
- Unique app icons
- Personalized 1-on-1 support
- Verification badge
- Voice to Text and Invisible Mode features
This service is available for $1.99 per month in several countries, including the US, and does not affect the standard free features of Viber.
In summary, Viber provides a range of options from free calls and messages between Viber users to various Viber Out plans for calling non-Viber numbers, along with a premium service for additional features. This structure allows users to choose the plan that best fits their communication needs.
Viber - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Viber can be integrated with several other applications to automate and streamline communication workflows. For instance, using platforms like Albato, you can connect Viber with Telegram, allowing automatic forwarding of messages between the two apps. This integration enables you to set up triggers and actions, such as sending a message on Viber when an incoming message is received on Telegram. Similarly, Viber can be integrated with Microsoft Teams using Onlizer. This integration allows you to send and receive messages, sync chats, add contacts, and automate data sync between the two platforms. You can also set up notifications and enable communication in chats using a visual builder and API connectors, all without requiring any coding.Compatibility Across Different Platforms and Devices
Viber is highly compatible across a range of devices and operating systems. It supports iOS, Android, Windows XP and up, Mac OS 10.7 and up, as well as Linux Fedora and Ubuntu. This cross-platform compatibility allows users to switch calls and chats seamlessly between their mobile and desktop devices.Additional Features
Viber also offers several features that enhance its integration and usability. For example, it includes real-time translation capabilities, allowing users who speak different languages to communicate effectively. The app also supports extensions for various tasks such as finding restaurants, performing searches, and sharing music and videos, all within the chat window.Security and Privacy
Viber prioritizes security and privacy, with end-to-end encryption using the Signal Protocol. This ensures that messages and calls are protected from external access. The recent introduction of AI-driven features, such as the AI Chat Summary, also emphasizes privacy, ensuring that summaries are visible only to the user who requests them and do not include personal identifiers.Screen Sharing and Collaboration
While Viber does offer screen sharing, it is currently limited to the desktop version. To share a screen, users need to start a video call and click the “Share Screen” icon. However, for more advanced and cross-compatible screen sharing, users might consider alternative solutions like Avica Remote Desktop, which offers additional features such as remote device control and customizable screen display settings.Conclusion
In summary, Viber’s integration capabilities, cross-platform compatibility, and emphasis on security and privacy make it a versatile and reliable communication tool for both personal and professional use. Viber - Customer Support and Resources
Viber Customer Support Overview
Viber offers a comprehensive array of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users have a seamless and supportive experience.
Support Channels
Live Chat
Live Chat: Viber provides a 24/7 live chat feature where users can connect with a customer service representative in real-time to get immediate answers to their questions.
Email Support
Email Support: Users can send emails to the Viber support team and typically receive a response within 24 hours.
Social Media
Social Media: Viber has official social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter, where users can post their queries and receive responses from the Viber team.
Contact Us Form
Contact Us Form: Users can submit their queries using the ‘Contact Us’ form available on the Viber website.
Phone Support
Phone Support: Viber also offers toll-free numbers in various countries for users to get in touch with the support team.
Self-Service Resources
Knowledge Base
Knowledge Base: The Viber support website includes a detailed knowledge base with articles on setting up Viber, using it with other devices, and troubleshooting common issues.
FAQs and Tutorials
FAQs and Tutorials: The website is filled with frequently asked questions, tutorials, and tips on how to use the app effectively.
Online Community
Online Community: Viber has an online community where users can share ideas, ask questions, and provide feedback, making it a great place to connect with other users and get support from the team.
Automated Support
Viber Chatbots
Viber Chatbots: Businesses can use Viber chatbots to automate customer support. These chatbots can handle customer queries, provide personalized messages, and collect feedback without human intervention. They are particularly useful for larger businesses handling high volumes of messages.
Additional Features
Multi-Device Support
Multi-Device Support: Viber allows users to access their chats on multiple devices, ensuring that all conversations are synced across different platforms.
Security Features
Security Features: Viber emphasizes security with end-to-end encryption, trusted contacts verification, and encrypted messages, ensuring that user data is safeguarded.
Integration with Support Tools
Support Board Integration
Support Board Integration: Viber can be integrated with tools like Support Board, which allows businesses to manage Viber messages, assign departments, and receive notifications for new messages. This integration also supports attachments, documents, photos, videos, and more.
These resources and support channels are designed to make it easy for users to find help, engage with the community, and enjoy a secure and seamless communication experience on Viber.
Viber - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Viber
Viber offers several significant advantages that make it a popular choice in the communication tools category:Cost-Effective Communication
Viber allows users to make free voice and video calls, as well as send free messages, to other Viber users worldwide, utilizing your internet connection. This eliminates the need for expensive phone plans or SMS charges, making it particularly beneficial for international communication.
Privacy and Security
Viber employs end-to-end encryption for all communications, ensuring that only the sender and the intended recipient can access the content of messages and calls. This enhances user privacy and security. Additionally, Viber offers features like disappearing messages and trusted contacts to further safeguard user data.
Multiplatform Compatibility
Viber allows users to access their accounts on multiple devices, including mobile, tablet, and desktop. This feature enables seamless call transfers between devices and ensures that chats are fully synced across all devices.
Rich Communication Features
Viber supports a wide range of communication features, including text messaging, voice and video calls, group chats and calls, and the ability to share various file formats such as images, videos, and documents. Users can also create and share their own stickers and GIFs to add a personal touch to their conversations.
Viber Communities
Users can join public groups based on shared interests, follow brands, and participate in discussions, making it a great platform for engaging with like-minded individuals.
Viber Out
This feature allows users to make affordable calls to mobile or landline numbers of non-Viber users, which is particularly useful for international calls.
User-Friendly Interface
The app is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for users of all technical abilities to use its features effortlessly.
Disadvantages of Viber
Despite its many advantages, Viber also has some notable disadvantages:Call and Video Chat Quality
The quality of calls and video chats can be inconsistent, with reports of poor sound quality, static, unstable connections, and high battery consumption during calls. These issues are more pronounced in areas with weaker internet connections.
Limited Market Reach and User Base
Viber is not as popular in certain geographic markets, such as the United States, compared to other platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp. This limited user base can make it less appealing for some users.
Group Communication Limitations
Viber’s group communication features, such as group calls and video chats, are limited compared to other platforms. This can restrict its use case for larger groups and more complex communication needs.
File Size Limitations
There are limitations on the size of files that can be sent, such as videos over 50MB, which can be inconvenient for users needing to share larger files.
Lack of Call Blocking
Viber does not have an option to block calls from unwanted or unknown users, which can be a significant drawback for some users.
Internet Dependency
Viber requires a stable internet connection to function, which can be a problem in areas with poor internet coverage.
By considering these pros and cons, users can make an informed decision about whether Viber meets their communication needs.
Viber - Comparison with Competitors
User Base and Global Reach
Viber has a significant user base, with 250 million monthly active users globally, although it lags behind WhatsApp, which boasts over 2.44 billion monthly active users.
- WhatsApp is a strong competitor with a much larger global reach, making it a better choice for businesses aiming to scale internationally.
Messaging Types and Business Features
Viber offers a variety of messaging types, including promotional, transactional, and conversational messages, which are highly adaptable for different marketing strategies. It also features ‘Broadcast Lists’ and ‘Communities’ for mass messaging and large public groups.
- WhatsApp, on the other hand, uses ‘session messages’ and ‘message templates’ for business accounts, which are more regulated but effective for maintaining customer engagement. WhatsApp also allows proactive selling directly from the app, unlike Viber.
Security and Privacy
Both Viber and WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption, but Viber goes further with features like PIN-protected “Hidden Chats” and “Secret Chats” that self-destruct. This adds an extra layer of security and privacy for Viber users.
Voice and Video Calls
Viber allows voice and video calls within the platform and extends this with ‘Viber Out’, enabling calls to mobile and landlines globally. This is a significant advantage for users needing broader communication options.
Alternatives and Competitors
- WeChat is another competitor that offers similar features to Viber but has a larger user base. It is particularly popular in Asia and allows calls to non-WeChat users at a low cost.
- LINE provides all the features of Viber and also allows low-cost calls to non-LINE users, making it a viable alternative.
- 1-VoIP is a unique competitor that integrates home phone service with smartphone functionality, offering advantages like using the same number for all calls and low-cost international calls.
Cost Efficiency
Viber is generally more cost-efficient compared to WhatsApp, especially for businesses operating in specific regions where Viber has a strong presence.
AI Integration
While Viber itself does not heavily integrate AI tools, other communication platforms and tools can enhance its functionality:
- Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai can be used alongside Viber for real-time transcription services, which can be beneficial for meetings and interviews.
- ChatGPT can aid in generating content, answering customer queries, and automating repetitive communication tasks, which can complement Viber’s messaging capabilities.
In summary, Viber offers unique advantages, particularly in regional and locally targeted marketing strategies, strong security features, and cost efficiency. However, businesses looking for a broader global reach and more integrated business messaging features might find WhatsApp or other alternatives like WeChat or LINE more suitable.
Viber - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Viber
How Do I Contact Viber Customer Support?
If you need help with Viber, you have several options to contact their customer support. You can use the ‘Contact Us’ form on the Viber website, email the support team atsupport@viber.com, or reach out through their social media channels like Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, Viber offers a comprehensive help website with FAQs, tutorials, and a knowledge base that can help you resolve many issues on your own.
Is Viber Secure and Private?
Viber prioritizes user privacy and security. It uses end-to-end encryption for all audio, video, and one-on-one conversations, as well as for shared media within the app. This means only the sender and recipient can access the content of their messages or calls. Viber also employs the Signal Protocol to enhance security and offers features like hidden conversations and self-destructing messages to further protect user privacy.How Do I Back Up My Viber Chat History?
To back up your Viber chat history, you need to ensure you are using the latest version of Viber. Auto backup is not available on desktop or tablet unless it is your primary device. You can manually back up your chat history, and if you get a new phone or reinstall Viber, you will need to restore your chat history. Detailed steps are available on the Viber Help Center.Can I Use Viber on Multiple Devices?
Yes, Viber is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac OS. Your chats are 100% synced between devices, allowing you to transfer calls with a single tap. You can set up Viber on your mobile, desktop, tablet, or iPad, and your conversations will be synchronized across all devices.How Do I Set Up and Use Viber?
To set up Viber, you need to download and install the app, then register using a valid phone number. This step helps verify your identity. Once set up, you can start making voice and video calls, sending messages, and using various features like group chats, stickers, and GIFs. The Viber Help Center provides detailed guides on how to get started and use the app’s various features.What Are Viber Out Plans and How Do They Work?
Viber Out plans allow you to make calls to landlines and mobile numbers that are not using Viber. You can purchase Viber Out credit or subscribe to a plan, which provides you with a certain number of minutes or credits to make these calls. The Viber Help Center has detailed FAQs on Viber Out plans, including how to cancel a plan, check your call history, and redeem coupons.How Can I Protect My Privacy on Viber?
Viber offers several privacy settings to help you control your data. You can customize who can see your online status, profile picture, and contact information. Additionally, you can block or report unwanted contacts or spam messages. Viber also provides features like hidden conversations that are password-protected, ensuring an extra layer of security for your sensitive chats.Can I Use Viber for Group Chats and Calls?
Yes, Viber supports group chats and calls. You can create group chats, like and reply to messages within these groups, and start group voice or video calls instantly. The app also allows you to control who can add you to groups, providing more control over your interactions.How Often Should I Update Viber for Security?
It is crucial to keep your Viber app updated to ensure you have the latest security enhancements and protection against emerging threats. Viber regularly updates its software with bug fixes and security patches to address any vulnerabilities that may arise.Can I Use Viber to Send and Receive Money?
Viber offers a feature called Viber Pay, which allows you to send and receive money. You can set up a Viber Pay account, add money to your wallet, and use 2-step verification for added security. The Viber Help Center provides detailed information on how to use Viber Pay and its associated features.How Do I Block or Report Spam Messages on Viber?
To block or report unwanted contacts or spam messages on Viber, you can use the app’s built-in features. You can block a phone number directly within the app, and you also have the option to report spam messages. This helps maintain a safe and secure environment within the app. Viber - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Viber in the Communication Tools AI-Driven Product Category
Viber stands out as a versatile and feature-rich communication tool that leverages AI to enhance user experience, particularly with its recent introduction of the AI Chat Summary tool.Key Features and Benefits
AI Chat Summary
This feature condenses up to 100 unread messages from a group chat into a concise summary, presented in bullet form. This is particularly useful for users who need to quickly catch up on important discussions, such as those related to work projects, school activities, or event planning.
Free Calls and Messaging
Viber offers free voice and video calls, as well as messaging, between Viber users, making it a cost-effective option for both personal and professional communication.
End-to-End Encryption
Viber ensures privacy and security with end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls, providing users with control over their data and who can contact them.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
The app is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, allowing seamless integration and access across different devices.
Rich Media Messaging
Users can send images, videos, and interactive buttons, enhancing engagement and providing a more interactive customer experience. This is especially beneficial for businesses looking to communicate effectively with their customers.
Viber Out
This feature allows users to make low-cost international calls to non-Viber numbers, which is useful for both personal and business communications.
Who Would Benefit Most
Individuals with Global Connections
Those who frequently communicate with friends, family, or colleagues abroad will find Viber’s free international calls and messaging, along with low-cost Viber Out calls, highly beneficial.
Businesses
Companies, especially those with international customer bases, can leverage Viber’s business messaging features to promote products, send special promotions, and engage in two-way communication with customers. The app’s global reach and cost-effective communication make it an excellent choice for business communications.
Users of Group Chats
The AI Chat Summary feature is particularly useful for users who are part of multiple group chats, helping them stay updated on important conversations without having to read through every message.
Overall Recommendation
Viber is a highly recommended communication tool for anyone seeking a reliable, secure, and feature-rich platform. Its AI-driven summary feature, combined with its extensive range of communication options and strong focus on privacy and security, makes it an excellent choice for both personal and professional use. Whether you are looking to stay connected with loved ones, manage business communications, or simply streamline your group chat interactions, Viber offers a comprehensive solution that is easy to use and highly effective.