Hubbry Logo
ViberViberMain
Open search
Viber
Community hub
Viber
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Viber
Viber
Viber
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Rakuten Viber
Original authorsTalmon Marco
Igor Magazinnik
DeveloperRakuten Viber (part of Rakuten Inc.)
Initial release2010; 15 years ago (2010)
Written inC/C++/Python (desktop, using SIP and Qt frameworks), Objective-C (iOS), Java (Android)
Operating systemCross-platform
TypeInstant messaging client, VoIP
LicenseProprietary software
Websiteviber.com

Rakuten Viber, commonly known as Viber, is a cross-platform voice over IP (VoIP) and instant messaging (IM) software application owned by Japanese multinational company Rakuten, provided as freeware for the Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux platforms.[1] Users are registered and identified through a cellular telephone number, although the service is accessible on desktop platforms without needing mobile connectivity.[1] In addition to instant messaging it allows users to exchange media such as images and video records, and also provides a paid international landline and mobile calling service called Rakuten Viber Out.[2] As of 2018, there are over a billion registered users on the network.[3][4]

The software was started in 2010 by a company that was Cyprus-based in 2024[5] Viber Media, which was bought by Rakuten in 2014. Since 2017, its corporate name has been Rakuten Viber. It is based in Cyprus[6][failed verification] with offices in London, Manila, Moscow, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore, Tokyo, and Beijing.[7][8]

History

[edit]
Viber logo (2017–2018)

Founding (2010)

[edit]

Viber Media was founded in Tel Aviv, Israel, in 2010 by Talmon Marco[9] and Igor Magazinnik.[10] Marco and Magazinnik are also co-founders of the peer-to-peer media and file-sharing client iMesh.[11] The company was run from Israel and was registered in Cyprus. Sani Maroli and Ofer Smocha soon joined the company as well.[12][13][14][15][16][17] Marco said Viber allows instant calling and synchronization with contacts because the ID is the user's cell number.[18]

Early monetisation (2011)

[edit]

In its first two years of availability, Viber did not generate revenues. It began doing so in 2013, via user payments for Viber Out voice calling and the Viber graphical messaging "sticker market". The company was originally funded by individual investors, described by Marco as "friends and family".[19] They invested $20 million in the company, which had 120 employees as of May 2013.[20]

On 24 July 2013, Viber's support system was defaced by the Syrian Electronic Army. According to Viber, no sensitive user information was accessed.[21]

Rakuten acquires Viber (2014)

[edit]

On 13 February 2014, Rakuten announced they had acquired Viber Media for $900 million.[22][23] The sale of Viber earned the Shabtai family (Benny, his brother Gilad, and Gilad's son Ofer) some $500 million from their 55.2% stake in the company.[24][25] At that sale price, the founders each realized over 30 times return on their investments.[13]

Djamel Agaoua became Viber Media CEO in February 2017, replacing co-founder Marco who left in 2015.[26]

In July 2017 the corporate name of Viber Media was changed to Rakuten Viber and a new wordmark logo was introduced.[27] Its legal name remains Viber Media, S.à r.l. based in Luxembourg.

Post-acquisition

[edit]

In 2017, Rakuten Viber and the World Wildlife Fund engaged in a commercial transaction aimed at raising awareness and protecting wildlife.[28]

After first using RV to spread its message in June 2020, the International Federation of the Red Cross launched an official chatbot and community on the messaging app to combat the spread of false information, which they termed an infodemic, about COVID-19.[29] The chatbot is still active as of June 2022, with over 1.4 million subscribers.[30]

In 2020, Rakuten Viber and the World Health Organization (the WHO) engaged in a commercial transaction for a chatbot to inform users of issues such as women's health.[31] and an anti-smoking campaign.[32]

In the wake of the July–August 2020 Belarusian election protests, to avoid sanctions and harassment from monopolies the company closed its office in Minsk.[8][33]

In 2022, Ofir Eyal became Viber CEO, replacing Djamel Agaoua.[34][35] Eyal is a Viber veteran; he worked as Vice President of Product in 2014 before his promotion to Chief Operating Officer in 2019.

In July 2022, Rakuten Viber partnered with Rapyd to launch instant cross-border P2P payments.[36][37] The company launched payments on the Viber app first in Greece and Germany, and then in other countries.[38][39]

In August, Mineski teamed up with Viber to develop a social minigame platform that can play off Viber’s application.[40]

In May 2022, Rakuten Viber launched the premium chat service Viber Plus that offers exclusive features, including sticker market privileges, ad-free use, priority Viber support, exclusive badge, unique Viber icon, large file sharing, and more.[41]

In November 2024, as scams continue to rise globally, Rakuten Viber announced new measures to address the increasing number of scams targeting messaging app users. The company implemented advanced spam detection technologies and launched user education campaigns to help individuals recognize phishing attempts. Additionally, Viber strengthened its partnerships with cybersecurity firms to enhance its fraud prevention strategy.[42]

Security audit

[edit]

On 4 November 2014, Viber scored 1 out of 7 points on the Electronic Frontier Foundation's "Secure Messaging Scorecard". Viber received a point for encryption during transit but lost points because communications were not encrypted with keys that the provider did not have access to (i.e. the communications were not end-to-end encrypted), users could not verify contacts' identities, past messages were not secure if the encryption keys were stolen (i.e. the service did not provide forward secrecy), the code was not open to independent review (i.e. the code was not open-source), the security design was not properly documented, and there had not been a recent independent security audit.[43][44] On 14 November 2014, the EFF changed Viber's score to 2 out of 7 after it had received an external security audit from Ernst & Young's Advanced Security Centre.[43]

On 19 April 2016, with the announcement of Viber version 6.0,[45] Rakuten added end-to-end encryption to their service.[46][47] The company said that the encryption protocol had only been audited internally, and promised to commission external audits "in the coming weeks".[48] In May 2016, Viber published an overview of their encryption protocol, saying that it is a custom implementation that "uses the same concepts" as the Signal Protocol.[49]

In 2022, Rakuten Viber won a Security Award, by test.de, a tech firm based in Germany where there are over 3 million Viber users.[50][51]

Market share

[edit]

As of December 2016, Viber had 800 million registered users.[52] According to Statista, there are 260 million monthly active users as of January 2019. The Viber messenger is very popular in the Philippines,[53] Greece,[54] Eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and some Asian markets.[55]

India was the largest market for Viber as of December 2014 with 33 million registered users, the fifth most popular instant messenger in the country. At the same time there were 30 million users in the United States, 28 million in Russia and 18 million in Brazil.[56] Viber is particularly popular in Eastern Europe, being the most downloaded messaging app on Android in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine as of 2016. It is also popular in Iraq, Libya and Nepal.[57]

As of 2018, Viber had an over 70 percent penetration rate in the CIS and CEE regions, but only 15 percent in North America.[58]

In 2022, Rakuten Viber revealed an overall increase in Viber's app users across Asia Pacific (APAC), with the Philippines recording a robust 22 percent increase.[59]

Russia

[edit]

Viber is one of the more popular messenger applications in Russia.[60][61] In January 2016, Viber surpassed WhatsApp in Russia, with about 50 million users.[62]

In October 2023, a Moscow court fined Viber 1 million ruble, citing their failure to remove certain content Russia deems to be “illegal”, in particular content on its invasion of Ukraine.[63][64]

On December 13, 2024, by decision of Roskomnadzor, Viber was blocked in Russia.

Ukraine

[edit]

As of September 2021, Viber is Ukraine's most popular messaging app, with a market share of 97.7%. 20% of the company's total messages sent came from Ukraine, where users sent 97.5 billion messages in 2021.[65]

In February 2022, Rakuten Group removed advertising from its Viber messaging service in Ukraine and Russia in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[66] At the same time, Hiroshi Mikitani, the founder of Rakuten, donated $8.7 million to support Ukraine.[67]

Bulgaria

[edit]

Viber's market share in Bulgaria is steadily increasing. Reaching a record 90% in 2021. The number of calls made and messages sent via Viber in Bulgaria rose by 11% in 2021, reaching approximately 530 million calls and an average of 400 messages per second, according to data presented by the company.[68]

Greece

[edit]

As of the end of 2021, over 90% of people in Greece have Viber on their phones, making it the top messaging app in the country.[69] In 2022, the Municipality of Athens has launched an official Viber community to keep its citizens updated on city events, digital services, ongoing projects, proposals, activities for all ages, and stray animal information.[70][71]

Serbia

[edit]

Viber is the top messenger in Serbia. As of November 2021, over 90% of Serbs have Viber on their phone.[72]

Applications

[edit]

Platforms

[edit]

Viber was initially launched for iPhone on 2 December 2010. It was launched on BlackBerry and Windows Phone on 8 May 2012,[73] followed by the Android platform on 19 July 2012, and Nokia's Series 40, Symbian and Samsung's Bada platform on 24 July 2012, by which time the application had 90 million users.[74][75][76]

In May 2013 with Viber 3.0, a desktop version for Windows and macOS was released.[77] In August 2013, Viber for Linux was released as a public beta[78] and in August 2014 a final version.[79] In June 2016 a UWP-based desktop application for Windows 10 was released in the Windows Store.[80] The desktop versions are tied with a user's registered Viber mobile number, but can operate independently afterwards.[81] In 2015, a version for the iPad tablet and Apple Watch smartwatch was released.[82][83]

Features

[edit]

Viber was originally launched as a VoIP application for voice calling. On 31 March 2011, Viber 2.0 was released which added instant messaging (IM) capabilities.[84] In July 2012 group messaging and an HD Voice engine were added to both Android and iOS applications.[85] Today, users can send several kinds of media files including photos, videos, GIFs, files, audio messages, and stickers.[86]

Stickers

[edit]

In December 2012 Viber added 'stickers' to the application. In October 2013, Viber 4.0 was announced featuring a sticker 'market' where Viber would be selling stickers as a source of revenue.[87]

Viber Out

[edit]

In addition, version 4.0 introduced push-to-talk capabilities, and Viber Out, a feature that provides users the option to call mobile and landline numbers via VoIP without the need for the application.[88]

Voice support was officially added for all Windows Phone 8 devices on 2 April 2013.[89] In September 2014, Viber 5.0 was released and introduced video calling.[90]

Public Accounts, Chatbots, and Communities

[edit]

In November 2016 Viber version 6.5 launched Public Accounts to allow brands to engage in promotion and customer service on the platform, with initial partners including The Huffington Post, Yandex and The Weather Channel.[52][91] The app integrates with CRM software and offers chatbot APIs for customer service.[52] Viber Communities, an enhanced group chat feature, was introduced in February 2018.[92] Group calling was introduced with version 10 in February 2019.[93] Communities have an unlimited number of participants, compared to group chats that have a maximum of 250.[94] In Viber communities neither superadmins nor admins can see members' phone numbers. Also, members who enable private messages can contact each other while keeping their numbers hidden.[95] In October 2020 Viber launched message statistics to go along with Community insights. These statistics offer Community admins the ability to see engagement levels with the content they post to their Communities.[96]

Kinds of chatbots available on the app include those providing essential information,[97] and quizzes[98]

In 2022 Rakuten Viber partnered with Taimi, LGBTQ+ dating app, to add a bot powered by Viber to its freeware ecosystem, to match members of its user base and serve as an educational resource for about the LGBTQ+ community.[99]

In January 2023, the company announced offerings such as a Business Inbox and a searchable Commercial Account. Business Inbox is a dedicated space for brand-user interactions, accessible directly from an individual’s regular Chats screen.[100] Commercial Account is a business account.[101][102]

In February 2023 Rakuten Viber launched its chatbot AI Chat & Create, which allows users to ask questions and design images directly through the Viber app.[103]

In July 2023 Viber partnered with ICONIQ to bring users to connect with an AI robot companion Kuki so users can chat and interact with Kuki directly on the app.[104][105]

Viber Plus

[edit]

In May 2023, Viber Plus was launched internationally, including enhancements to the app like access to paid stickers, the ability to change the Viber app icon and customer service access over live chat.[106]

In August 2023, the company released two Viber Plus features for iOS users: Invisible Mode and Read Voice Messages. Read Voice Message feature turns voice messages into text, so any message can be ready anytime. Invisible Mode allows users to privately read messages and browse on the platform.[107]

Viber Payments

[edit]

In April 2023, Rakuten Viber launched Viber Payments, a real-time account-to-account (A2A) money transfer service in Greece.[108] Viber Payments enables instant and free transactions between Viber users in Greece, Cyprus, Lithuania, Estonia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia and Germany. Viber users in these countries can send money to each other in an easy and secure manner by creating a digital wallet through a two-minute process that requires registration and email confirmation.[109]

Caller ID

[edit]

In April, Rakuten added the Caller ID feature, which helps identify any call after being turned on along with a warning for possible spam, including for calls that aren't being made through Viber.[110]

Viber Business Accounts

[edit]

In October 2023, Viber announced a new set of business tools for small and medium-sized businesses.[111][112] Viber Business Accounts is a platform for businesses to create public profiles, enabling them to share information and product catalogs directly within the app. Additionally, the service features a 1:1 instant messaging function for customer inquiries, discoverability through app search functions, and dedicated chat folders for organizational purposes.[113]

Viber Dating

[edit]

In early 2025,[citation needed] "Viber Dating" popped up in the Mobile Viber client for mobile devices. It is likely made to compete with popular dating services such as Tinder.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Viber

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Rakuten Viber, commonly known as Viber, is a cross-platform (VoIP) and (IM) software application owned by the Japanese multinational conglomerate Group, Inc. Launched in and headquartered originally in before the acquisition, Viber enables users to exchange text messages, conduct voice and video calls, and share content such as images and videos over internet connections without incurring traditional costs among its users. The application supports for private communications, group chats, customizable stickers, communities for larger discussions, and Viber AI Companion—an integrated AI assistant that enables users to engage in text and voice conversations with the AI, ask questions, get recommendations, generate images using the Flux.1 model, and participate in group chats for assistance—facilitating connections among over one billion registered users worldwide as of recent reports. Viber's integration with 's ecosystem has expanded its functionalities to include business messaging tools and promotional features, though its core remains focused on personal and secure via or mobile data. Acquired by in 2014 for $900 million, the platform has maintained a commitment to and across mobile and desktop devices.

History

Founding and Initial Launch (2010–2011)

Viber Media SARL was founded in , , in December 2010 by Israeli entrepreneurs and , who had previously co-founded the file-sharing company . The company was initially self-funded through revenues from iMesh, without external , allowing the founders to retain full control during the early stages. Marco served as CEO, leveraging his experience in mobile technology to develop a lightweight application aimed at providing free voice-over-IP (VoIP) calling as an alternative to established services like . On December 2, 2010, Viber launched its initial version exclusively for devices, targeting users with high-quality, low-bandwidth voice calls over or cellular data. The app's core innovation was its use of users' existing phone numbers for registration and calling, eliminating the need for new usernames or accounts, which differentiated it from competitors requiring separate identifiers. At launch, Viber focused solely on one-to-one voice calls, with no messaging functionality, and quickly gained traction in markets with high mobile penetration but costly traditional calling rates, such as and parts of . By early 2011, Viber expanded its features with , released on March 31, introducing free between users on the same network, marking the app's shift toward a full platform. This update was rolled out first on , with initial user growth driven by word-of-mouth referrals rather than campaigns, as the company prioritized technical reliability over aggressive promotion. During this period, Viber remained free to use without ads or in-app purchases, relying on its viral adoption—reaching millions of downloads organically—to build a user base before considering monetization. The app's early success stemmed from its seamless integration with native phone contacts and minimal data usage, appealing to users in bandwidth-constrained environments.

Early Growth and Monetization (2011–2014)

Following its initial release in late 2010, Viber experienced rapid user adoption starting in 2011, reaching 100,000 users within the first 24 hours and millions by the third day through organic word-of-mouth promotion of its free voice-over-IP calling features. By December 2012, the app had amassed 140 million registered users, with daily additions averaging 400,000, driven primarily by its cross-platform compatibility on and Android devices and emphasis on high-quality, data-efficient calls without requiring a separate phone number. Growth accelerated in 2013, with registered users surpassing 280 million by year-end, reflecting over 120% year-over-year expansion fueled by international word-of-mouth in regions with high mobile penetration but costly traditional calling rates, such as and . Expansions included support for additional platforms like and , alongside enhancements to group messaging and , which broadened its appeal beyond one-on-one calls. By early 2014, Viber reported over 300 million registered users and approximately 110 million monthly active users, with concurrent online users hitting 100 million by mid-year, underscoring sustained momentum ahead of its acquisition. Prior to 2013, Viber operated without direct revenue streams, prioritizing user acquisition over to build scale in a competitive dominated by free alternatives like . This approach shifted with the November 2013 release of version 4.0, which introduced a sticker marketplace allowing users to purchase digital sticker packs from third-party creators, marking the app's first significant mechanism and generating income through in-app transactions. Sticker sales quickly became a core pillar, appealing to users seeking personalized expression in chats, though exact figures remained undisclosed; this model complemented the app's free core services without introducing intrusive ads, aligning with its user-centric growth strategy. The sticker initiative, alongside minor desktop app updates, positioned Viber for its February 2014 acquisition by for $900 million, valuing its user base despite limited prior earnings.

Rakuten Acquisition and Integration (2014)

On February 14, 2014, , Inc., a Japanese e-commerce conglomerate, announced its acquisition of Viber Media Ltd., a Cyprus-based provider of VoIP calling and services, for $900 million in cash. The deal granted Rakuten 100% ownership of Viber, which at the time served approximately 300 million registered users across mobile platforms and emphasized ad-free, cross-platform communication. The acquisition aligned with Rakuten's strategy to diversify beyond into global digital services, aiming to rival established messaging apps like LINE (from Naver Corp.) and (from Holdings Ltd.) by integrating Viber's user base with Rakuten's ecosystem of over 200 million members worldwide. Rakuten's CEO described the move as enhancing the company's "digital content" and "global platform" capabilities, leveraging Viber's technology for potential synergies in user engagement and data-driven services without immediate plans for full operational merger. Initial integration efforts in focused on rather than structural overhaul, with Viber retaining operational under Rakuten's oversight to sustain its rapid user growth and avoid disrupting its core free-service model. This approach allowed Viber to access Rakuten's financial backing and market reach, particularly in and e-commerce tie-ins, while the parent company began exploring cross-promotions to expand Viber's footprint beyond its strongholds in and emerging markets. The transaction closed shortly after announcement, marking Rakuten's largest overseas acquisition to date and positioning Viber as a key asset in its international expansion.

Post-Acquisition Expansion and Updates (2014–2025)

Following the acquisition by on February 14, 2014, for $900 million, Viber integrated into Rakuten's ecosystem to enhance cross-platform services, including linkages and distribution. The app's registered user base, which stood at approximately 300 million at the time of purchase, expanded significantly, reaching 800 million by 2016 through targeted growth in emerging markets and feature enhancements aimed at increasing daily engagement. Rakuten's strategy emphasized leveraging Viber's messaging infrastructure for monetization via services like Viber Out, which enabled paid calls to non-users, and initial forays into advertising and payments. Early post-acquisition updates focused on core functionality improvements, such as the introduction of mobile video calling in Viber 5.0 on September 12, 2014, and the launch of Viber Games in December 2014 across select countries to boost user retention. By 2015, a redesigned video calling interface was rolled out for Android and , enhancing usability. In 2016, the app underwent a visual overhaul with a simplified interface and added features like video messages and Chats for broader group interactions. The following year saw the debut of Viber Communities in 2017 for large-scale group messaging and the acquisition of Chatter Commerce in July 2017 to integrate instant shopping capabilities. Business-oriented expansions accelerated from 2018 onward, with Viber for Business launching that year to support enterprise messaging, HD calls, and content sharing for commercial use. By 2020, marking Viber's 10-year milestone, the platform had surpassed 1 billion registered users, driven by integrations with 's global services. Subsequent years emphasized AI and privacy tools, including AI-powered group chat summaries in April 2024 using ChatGPT-like technology, customizable chat folders in February 2024, and an in-app call center for businesses in January 2024. In 2023, Rakuten Viber broadened its strategy to include tools for small businesses to enhance digital presence and sales. Into 2025, updates incorporated reactions, comments, Viber Plus for enhanced privacy controls, and interactive business messaging formats like and list messages in May 2025, alongside policy adjustments for expanded services including features and reinforced data practices. These developments sustained user growth to over 1.2 billion registered accounts by 2023, with monthly reported around 250 million globally, reflecting sustained adoption in regions like despite competition from other messaging platforms.

Technical Overview

Supported Platforms and Compatibility

Viber is available on mobile operating systems including Android version 5.0 and higher, and version 15.2 and higher, covering most contemporary smartphones and tablets. Desktop support extends to and 11, macOS 11.0 and later, and select Linux distributions such as and in 64-bit architecture. These desktop applications require synchronization with an active mobile Viber account via or phone number verification, ensuring chats and calls mirror the primary mobile instance rather than operating independently. Cross-platform compatibility allows seamless messaging and calls between users on different devices and operating systems, provided all parties maintain compatible versions. However, Viber discontinued support for iOS versions below 15.2 in early 2025, rendering the app inoperable on older devices without updates. Additional features, such as notifications on Wear OS smartwatches, are available for paired Android devices but do not constitute standalone platform support.
PlatformMinimum Requirements
AndroidVersion 5.0 () or higher
Version 15.2 or higher
WindowsVersion 10 or 11
macOSVersion 11.0 () or higher
or (64-bit)

Core Functionality and Protocols

Viber's core functionalities encompass instant , voice and video calls, group chats supporting up to 250 participants, and sharing of media files including photos, videos, stickers, and documents, all transmitted over IP networks via or mobile data. These features rely on a client-server where messages and calls are routed through Viber's distributed servers, including partnerships with cloud providers like , to enable connections when possible for low-latency communication. Voice and video calls utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, packetizing audio and video data for transmission, with (RTP) over UDP for media to minimize latency, while signaling for call setup employs a custom protocol rather than standard SIP. , in contrast, operates over TCP for reliable delivery. Security for these functionalities is implemented through (E2EE) applied by default to one-on-one messages, group messages, calls, and media sharing starting with Viber version 6.0 released in 2016. The encryption protocol draws from the double ratchet mechanism originally developed in the Signal application's framework, adapted into Viber's proprietary implementation to ensure , where session keys are frequently rotated and previous keys discarded to prevent retroactive decryption. Key exchange utilizes elliptic-curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) with for establishing shared secrets, employing long-term identity keys, medium-term prekeys, and ephemeral ratchet keys generated per device. Symmetric encryption employs the with 128-bit keys for messages and integrates with Secure RTP (SRTP) for calls and media, while message authentication and integrity are verified using HMAC-SHA256, with signatures tied to device identity keys. Group communications extend E2EE via a shared symmetric key ratcheted across participants using HMAC-SHA256 derivations, though this requires all members to be online for full , potentially leading to message loss on secondary or offline devices if prekey reserves are depleted. The protocol's design prioritizes device-bound decryption, meaning Viber servers cannot access content post-delivery, though metadata such as timestamps and participant lists remains server-visible for and spam prevention. Independent analyses have identified complex traffic patterns involving secure connections to heterogeneous server clusters, underscoring the protocol's obfuscated nature to enhance resilience against interception, but also noting potential vulnerabilities in server dependencies for initial handshakes.

Features

Personal Communication Tools

Viber offers core personal communication tools centered on , voice and video calling, and group interactions, enabling users to connect over connections without incurring carrier fees. These features, available across mobile and desktop platforms, emphasize free, high-quality exchanges of text, media, and voice data. All one-on-one chats, group chats, and private calls incorporate default , ensuring that only the communicating parties can access the content, as implemented since Viber version 6.0 in 2016. Text messaging supports unlimited sending of messages, including emojis, stickers, GIFs, photos, videos, and files up to 200 MB per item, with options for reactions and forwarding. Users can initiate private one-on-one chats or create group conversations accommodating multiple participants for coordinated personal discussions, such as family or friend networks. Additional controls include hidden chats to conceal conversations from the main list and self-destructing messages that automatically delete after a set duration, enhancing user privacy in sensitive exchanges. Voice calls provide HD audio quality for one-on-one or group formats, while video calls support real-time face-to-face interaction with adjustable resolutions based on network conditions. These calls route exclusively over data connections, bypassing traditional , and maintain to prevent interception. Viber's integration of expressive elements like customizable stickers—over 50,000 available via packs—and URL previews further enriches personal dialogues without compromising core protocols.

Business and Enterprise Services

Viber provides business and enterprise services through its "Viber for Business" platform, enabling companies to engage customers via messaging, chatbots, and APIs for , , and transactions. These tools leverage Viber's user base for one-to-one and broadcast communications, with options for promotional, transactional, and service-related interactions. Launched expansions in October 2023 included a toolkit for businesses to build digital presence, handle queries, and drive sales across industries. Central to these services are Business Messages, which allow enterprises to send rich content—including text, images, videos, coupons, invoices, and booking reminders—directly to opted-in users within existing chat threads. This feature supports two-way conversations for , with integration via APIs for automated delivery based on phone numbers, ensuring delivery to users with the app installed. Businesses can deploy these for notifications like order updates or payment reminders, with costs lower than and time-limited delivery options. A free basic account became available in October 2023 for small businesses, while paid tiers scale for enterprise volumes through partners like and Sinch. Chatbots and automation extend enterprise capabilities by handling queries 24/7, integrating with CRM systems for personalized responses, and supporting conversational journeys from to . Rakuten Viber's enables developers to create bots for webhooks, message broadcasting, and interactive elements like buttons and keyboards. In January 2024, enhancements focused on seamless query resolution in-app, reducing friction for enterprise customer engagement. Security features include for messages and (OTP) verification to combat . Additional enterprise tools encompass official business accounts for branded profiles that facilitate calls, chats, and information sharing, alongside via sponsored messages and custom stickers for targeted promotions. These integrate with third-party platforms for API-driven campaigns, allowing enterprises to reach active audiences without app downloads, emphasizing opt-in consent and data privacy compliance. Overall, the services prioritize high deliverability and engagement metrics, with reported uses in sectors like and for scalable, cost-effective communication.

Advanced and Premium Options

Viber introduced Viber Plus, a premium subscription service, in October 2023, offering users an ad-free messaging experience and access to exclusive customization and privacy features. Subscribers receive an exclusive badge, free access to paid sticker packs, and the ability to change app icons with multiple styles. The service also includes advanced privacy tools, such as deleting sent messages without leaving a trace, leaving group chats silently without notification to others, and an "invisible mode" that allows reading messages without triggering read receipts. Additional AI-enhanced functionalities, like transcribing voice notes to text, were added by December 2024 to improve usability for premium users. Pricing varies by region; for example, it costs approximately PHP 99 per month in the Philippines, with subscriptions available on both mobile and desktop platforms via in-app upgrades. For international calling beyond Viber-to-Viber free options, Viber Out provides a paid VoIP service to connect with and mobile numbers worldwide at discounted rates, operational since the app's early years but enhanced with subscription plans. Users can purchase credits or monthly plans, such as unlimited calls to specific countries starting from low per-minute rates (e.g., 1.9 cents per minute to the ), with automatic renewals tied to the selected payment method. This service supports crystal-clear audio quality over data connections and is positioned as an affordable alternative for reaching non-Viber users, though call costs depend on destination and plan type. Viber Out integrates seamlessly with the app's core interface but requires separate funding from standard messaging features.

Security and Privacy

Encryption Mechanisms and Audits

Viber implements (E2EE) for its core features, including one-on-one messages, group chats, voice and video calls, and media sharing, using a custom double ratchet protocol inspired by the from . This protocol employs elliptic curve cryptography for 256-bit key pairs, Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) for , Salsa20 stream cipher for message and media encryption, and HMAC-SHA256 for key derivation and ratcheting. Key management relies on device-generated private keys that never leave the client device: a long-term 256-bit ID key pair per primary device (with the public key uploaded to Viber servers), medium-term PreKeys for asynchronous messaging (public portions stored server-side and refreshed as needed), and ephemeral symmetric keys for each session or message. is ensured through continuous of session keys, protecting past and future communications even if long-term keys are compromised. For group chats, a shared symmetric key is ratcheted per message and distributed via pairwise E2EE sessions; calls use ephemeral 256-bit keys over (SRTP) with Salsa20 encryption. during calls involves comparing a 48-digit numerical string derived from a SHA256 hash of the ECDH to detect man-in-the-middle attacks. Once delivered, messages are not stored on Viber servers in decrypted form, as encryption keys reside solely on user devices, preventing server access to content. However, undelivered messages are temporarily held on servers in form. Viber has conducted internal audits of its protocol, as stated in response to 2016 implementation criticisms regarding potential use of insecure algorithms like (which the company denied). External audits were planned at that time, but no public independent reviews or cryptographic audits of the E2EE implementation have been disclosed. Viber's broader infrastructure achieved SOC 2 Type II certification in 2024, verifying controls for and but not specifically auditing the protocol's cryptographic soundness. Independent analyses remain limited, with some reviews noting reliance on Viber's self-reported claims absent open-source or third-party verification.

Data Handling Practices

Viber collects various categories of from users, including identifiers such as numbers, names, addresses, and device IDs; geolocation information derived from IP addresses or precise GPS data (with user permission); financial details like billing and transaction records for payment processing; user activity logs encompassing call and message metadata, community interactions, and profile information; and device-related data including operating system, browser type, and network details. This collection occurs primarily to facilitate account management, enable communication services, process payments, and support features like fraud detection and personalized advertising. The app utilizes collected data for operational purposes, such as delivering messages and calls, improving service functionality through analytics, and complying with legal obligations. Marketing and rely on aggregated or derived data, including approximate location from IP addresses, inferred , and age demographics, though users can of certain profiling elements like and age targeting for ads. Due to implemented since version 6.0 in , Viber does not store the content of private one-on-one messages or calls on its servers after successful delivery to recipients; undelivered messages are retained for up to 14 days before deletion. Metadata such as call detail records is retained for 24 months, while interactions may be kept for up to 10 years to address disputes or regulatory requirements. Data storage employs technical safeguards including in transit via and organizational measures to protect against unauthorized access, though the company acknowledges that no system is entirely impervious to breaches. Retention periods are determined by the necessity for the data's purpose, with account-related preserved as long as the user account remains active or until explicitly requested for deletion; inactive data may be anonymized or purged periodically. Viber shares user data within the corporate family for coordinated services like prevention and , as well as with third-party processors for advertising, payment handling, and cloud storage, but claims not to sell outright. Disclosures to occur only in response to valid legal requests, subject to applicable laws. Users exercise control over their data through in-app settings, including options to limit data usage for non-essential features like personalized ads, which may reduce functionality such as recommendation accuracy if restricted. Individuals can request access to their —containing account details and activity summaries—review it, or initiate deletion from Viber's servers via support channels, though certain aggregated or legally required records may persist. For EEA and users, Viber complies with GDPR by providing rights to rectification, objection, and , with dedicated processes outlined in regional notices. Policy updates as of August 4, 2025, clarified collection for specialized services like payments and business accounts without expanding core practices.

Breaches, Vulnerabilities, and Criticisms

In March 2024, the pro-Palestinian hacking group Handala Hack claimed to have breached Viber's servers, exfiltrating 740 GB of data including , user databases, and internal documents, and demanded an 8 ransom (approximately $583,000 at the time). Viber denied any breach occurred and stated it was investigating the claims, with no independent verification confirming the hack. Several vulnerabilities have been disclosed in Viber's implementations. In 2019, CVE-2019-18800 highlighted that not all Viber protocol traffic is encrypted, allowing a remote attacker intercepting to steal a user's account credentials. CVE-2020-14049, patched in version 13.2.0.39, enabled malicious websites to invoke Viber with arbitrary parameters, coercing requests that could be relayed to SMB servers for unauthorized access. Earlier, CVE-2018-3987 exposed an information disclosure flaw in the "Secret Chats" feature on Android versions, where attackers could access sensitive chat data. Additionally, versions of Viber Desktop prior to 10.7.0 contained a remote code execution vulnerability exploitable via URI handler manipulation. Criticisms of Viber center on incomplete and practices. A 2014 analysis found that certain Viber data transmissions, such as contact syncing, occurred unencrypted, exposing metadata to interception despite claims for messages. advocates have noted persistent issues with spam proliferation and distribution via the platform, attributing these to inadequate and verification of accounts. In December 2024, Russian authorities blocked Viber nationwide, citing failures to comply with laws and remove prohibited content, which underscored regulatory concerns over content control and data handling. User reports have also flagged occasional false positives from mistaking legitimate Viber processes for threats, though these stem from aggressive scanning rather than inherent flaws.

Market Adoption

Global User Statistics

Viber has amassed over 1 billion registered users worldwide, with estimates reaching 1.3 billion as of 2022. This figure reflects cumulative sign-ups since its launch, bolstered by availability in more than 190 countries. The app has also exceeded 1 billion downloads on the Store alone as of 2023. Monthly active users (MAU) stand at approximately 260 million as of , according to multiple industry analyses drawing from 's last detailed disclosures and ongoing usage trends. Rakuten Viber's official communications describe hundreds of millions of users connecting monthly via messaging and calls, aligning with this range but without updated specifics in recent years. Active engagement includes users sending over 30 messages daily on average. These statistics indicate steady but not explosive growth post-Rakuten's 2014 acquisition, with Viber maintaining a niche in voice-over-IP calling amid competition from dominant platforms like . User retention benefits from and free international calling features, though precise MAU verification remains limited by the absence of quarterly disclosures from parent company .

Regional Penetration and Competition

Viber demonstrates significant regional variation in user penetration, with particularly strong adoption in (CEE) and the (CIS), where it achieves approximately 70% penetration among messaging app users. In contrast, penetration remains low in at around 15%, reflecting limited against dominant incumbents like and . Globally, Viber ranks as the leading messaging application in four countries, primarily in Eastern Europe, including , , and , where it commands substantial user bases relative to population size. In , Viber holds the largest share of its traffic at 29.42%, making it the most-used messaging platform amid competition from Telegram, which has gained traction due to its emphasis on and channels for large groups. Similarly, in , Viber overtook in 2018 with over 100 million users and maintains a 43% installation rate, though it faces intensifying rivalry from Telegram, which leads in user engagement for news and public broadcasts. In and , Viber benefits from high install rates and cultural familiarity, often edging out in daily usage for voice calls and group chats, but it contends with Messenger's social integration features. Beyond , Viber enjoys notable penetration in the and select Middle Eastern markets like , where it serves as a primary VoIP and messaging tool for communications, competing against 's broader global dominance and Line's sticker-driven appeal in . In , its country of origin, Viber retains a loyal but secondary user base overshadowed by , which holds over 90% in many developed markets. Overall, while Viber's and free international calling provide competitive edges in cost-sensitive regions, it struggles against 's 3 billion monthly active users and Telegram's rapid growth in privacy-focused segments worldwide.

Reception and Impact

Achievements and Innovations

Viber pioneered full across all personal and group chats in April 2016, establishing itself as one of the first major messaging applications to implement comprehensive privacy protections by default. The platform reached a milestone of 100 million monthly active users and over 360 million registered users by June 2014, reflecting rapid early adoption driven by free voice and video calling features. In 2021, Viber introduced reality-augmenting camera filters, enabling users to apply interactive effects during video calls and messages—a novel integration not previously offered by competing messaging apps. Following its acquisition by in 2014, Viber expanded into enterprise tools, launching Public Accounts and Channels for business-customer engagement, which facilitated scalable broadcasting to millions without traditional costs. By 2022, Viber's registered user base exceeded 1.3 billion across more than 190 countries, with approximately 250 million , underscoring sustained global penetration amid from apps like . In November 2024, Rakuten Viber rolled out enhanced business security innovations, including (OTP) authentication, SecurePlus messaging for real-time fraud detection, and mandatory for enterprise communications. Viber holds several patents related to user interface designs, such as graphical elements for chat displays, supporting its multi-device capabilities that maintain seamless chat continuity across mobile, desktop, and tablet platforms. In late 2024, Viber introduced the Viber AI Companion, an integrated AI assistant that enables users to engage in text and voice conversations, generate images using the Flux.1 model, add the AI to group chats for assistance, and receive personalized responses and help with tasks such as suggestions and translations. The feature is free for all users and has been praised for its seamless integration into the Viber app, providing convenient and quick access to AI capabilities within the messaging platform, along with strong image generation quality.

Criticisms and Limitations

Viber has faced user complaints regarding unreliable call quality and unstable connections, particularly for voice and video calls, which some reviews attribute to network dependencies and app optimization issues. High battery drain during usage has also been frequently reported, contributing to diminished user satisfaction on mobile devices. The application's is often critiqued as cluttered, with excessive features and ads reducing intuitiveness compared to streamlined competitors like . Spam management represents a significant limitation, as users report frequent unwanted additions to group chats promoting scams or advertisements, with moderation tools perceived as ineffective despite Viber's automated detection systems for spam and inappropriate content. responsiveness draws low ratings, exemplified by a score of 1.3 out of 5 from over 240 reviews as of 2025, where users cite failed international calls despite purchased credits and account activation problems. Intrusive ads, including potential risks, further exacerbate perceptions of the free version's usability. On security and privacy fronts, Viber experienced a claimed in March 2024, where hacktivist group Handala Hack asserted theft of over 740 GB of user data, raising questions about storage practices despite for personal chats and one-on-one calls. Independent analyses have highlighted potential weaknesses in encryption robustness, suggesting susceptibility to advanced hacking or eavesdropping, compounded by the app's phone number-based registration limiting . Instances of , such as Windows Defender and , flagging Viber installations as threats have occurred, though often tied to false positives or outdated signatures. Some users have noted that the Viber AI Companion lacks the depth and accuracy of dedicated AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, with responses sometimes being basic or repetitive.

References

  1. https://www.viber.com/en/
  2. https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2014/0214_04.html
  3. https://www.businessinsider.com/reference/what-is-viber-messaging-app
  4. https://www.viber.com/en/features/
  5. https://www.viber.com/en/security/
  6. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.viber.voip&hl=en_US
  7. https://www.viber.com/en/blog/viber-ai-your-new-ai-companion-is-here/
  8. https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/update/2023/1010_01.html
  9. https://www.viber.com/en/about/
  10. https://tv-philippines.fandom.com/wiki/Viber
  11. https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/viber-enigma-mobile-messaging-wars-073447861.html
  12. https://www.techinasia.com/founding-story-viber-live-blog
  13. https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2020-12-02/viber-is-10/
  14. https://kids.kiddle.co/Viber
  15. https://thenextweb.com/news/free-messaging-and-voice-calling-app-viber-now-boasts-140m-users-growing-at-400000-new-users-per-day
  16. https://www.mobileworldlive.com/news-apps/viber-highlights-security-user-count-tops-200-million/
  17. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/14/viber-bought-by-japanese-e-commerce-firm-rakuten
  18. https://www.businessinsider.com/mobile-messaging-business-2014-4
  19. https://marketscreener.com/news/latest/Viber-Hits-100-Million-Concurrent-Online-Users-and-More-Than-360-Million-Unique-Registered-Users-18571041/
  20. https://techcrunch.com/2013/11/12/viber-flips-monetization-switch-launches-sticker-market-in-4-0-update/
  21. https://thenextweb.com/news/why-is-every-messaging-app-under-the-sun-trying-to-sell-stickers-to-you
  22. https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/japans-rakuten-buys-chat-app-viber-for-900-million-to-expand-digital-empire-idUSBREA1D07M/
  23. https://techcrunch.com/2014/02/13/japanese-internet-giant-rakuten-acquires-viber-for-900m/
  24. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-02-14/rakuten-to-buy-viber-internet-messaging-service-for-900-million
  25. https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/14/5411082/viber-messaging-app-acquired-by-rakuten
  26. https://99firms.com/research/viber-statistics/
  27. https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2014/0912_02.html
  28. https://techcrunch.com/2014/12/15/viber-games-launch/
  29. https://www.mobileworldlive.com/old_latest-stories/viber-releases-latest-app-update/
  30. https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2016-09-15/new-version-our-ever-evolving-app/
  31. https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2016/1221_01.html
  32. https://www.retaildive.com/news/rakuten-viber-acquires-mobile-commerce-partner/447673/
  33. https://www.uctoday.com/collaboration/rakuten-viber-business/
  34. https://rakuten.today/blog/rakuten-viber-turns-10.html
  35. https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2024/0411_01.html
  36. https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2024/0228_06.html
  37. https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2024/0123_01.html
  38. https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2025-02-17/whats-new-on-rakuten-viber/
  39. https://www.adobomagazine.com/brand-business/rakuten-viber-introduces-carousel-and-list-messages-to-elevate-business-communication/
  40. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/25718558238237-Rakuten-Viber-s-2025-Policy-Changes
  41. https://usesignhouse.com/blog/viber-stats/
  42. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/9210039148189-Supported-platforms
  43. https://viber.im/how-to-install-the-viber-android-app-on-your-phone/
  44. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/9084593040285-Set-up-Rakuten-Viber-on-your-desktop
  45. https://www.viber.com/en/download/
  46. https://www.reddit.com/r/ios/comments/1jhmlnw/viber_stopped_working_for_me_and_now_requires_ios/
  47. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/9029767646237-Extra-features-Android-and-Wear-OS
  48. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7411232
  49. https://superuser.com/questions/1161390/is-viber-using-tcp-for-voip
  50. https://www.viber.com/app/uploads/viber-encryption-overview.pdf
  51. https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2016-04-19/giving-our-users-control-over-their-private-conversations/
  52. https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/privacynotincluded/viber/
  53. https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/
  54. https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/business-messages
  55. https://developers.viber.com/docs/api/rest-bot-api/
  56. https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2024/1113_09.html
  57. https://sinch.com/blog/viber-business-account/
  58. https://www.infobip.com/docs/viber/business-messages/api
  59. https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/messaging-solutions
  60. https://www.rockbirdmedia.com/post/8x8-rakuten-viber-business-communications-2025
  61. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/9755182032669-Business-accounts-on-Rakuten-Viber
  62. https://www.forbusiness.viber.com/en/viber-for-business
  63. https://www.infobip.com/blog/viber-for-business-powering-the-future-of-conversational-journeys
  64. https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2023-10-04/introducing-viber-plus/
  65. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/9967586210333-Viber-Plus
  66. https://global.rakuten.com/corp/innovation/rnn/2024/2411_011/
  67. https://www.philstar.com/business/2023/11/03/2308456/viber-launches-premium-service
  68. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/29391434610589-Viber-Plus-desktop-subscription
  69. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/9174997922589-What-is-Viber-Out
  70. https://account.viber.com/en/call-usa
  71. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/9209069652637-Viber-Out-plans-and-credit-FAQ
  72. https://account.viber.com/en/rates-index
  73. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/9193878650653-Everything-you-need-to-know-about-Viber-Out-call-rates
  74. https://techcrunch.com/2016/04/20/viber-defends-new-end-to-end-encryption-protocol-against-criticism/
  75. https://telcomagazine.com/technology-and-ai/rakuten-viber-tackling-the-surge-in-messaging-app-scams
  76. https://privsecure.com.au/privacy-security-technical-comparison-of-messaging-apps/
  77. https://www.viber.com/en/terms/viber-privacy-policy/
  78. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/8908987728413-Personal-data-privacy-settings-on-Rakuten-Viber
  79. https://help.viber.com/hc/en-us/articles/9062953104029-Request-review-and-delete-your-data-on-Rakuten-Viber
  80. https://www.viber.com/en/terms/gdpr-privacy-rights/
  81. https://hackread.com/hackers-claim-740gb-of-data-viber-messaging-app/
  82. https://www.scworld.com/brief/more-than-740gb-of-data-claimed-to-be-stolen-from-viber
  83. https://social.cyware.com/news/hackers-claim-accessing-740gb-of-data-from-viber-messaging-app-683e787e
  84. https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-18800
  85. https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-14049
  86. https://app.opencve.io/cve/?vendor=rakuten
  87. https://www.juniper.net/us/en/threatlabs/ips-signatures/detail.APP:MISC:VIBER-URI-HANDLER-RCE.html
  88. https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/privacy-identity-protection/viber-app-sends-data-unencrypted/
  89. https://cyberinsider.com/russia-blocks-viber-messenger-over-alleged-legal-violations/
  90. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/2660454/viber-is-detected-as-a-harmful-virus
  91. https://market.biz/viber-statistics/
  92. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/viber-users-by-country
  93. https://sinch.com/blog/most-popular-messaging-apps-by-country/
  94. https://adamconnell.me/popular-messaging-apps/
  95. https://orderlemon.com/en/blog/interviews/most-popular-messaging-apps-2025/
  96. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/2016-06-22/ty-article/.premium/the-whatsapp-of-greece-ukraine-and-iraq/0000017f-e056-df7c-a5ff-e27eb7a80000
  97. https://www.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/1nq57ha/most_popular_messenger_in_europe_countries/
  98. https://messaggio.com/blog/viber-market-an-in-depth-look-at-messenger-impact-in-europe/
  99. https://techjury.net/research/market-share-of-messaging-apps-by-country/
  100. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/messaging-apps-stats
  101. https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2017-12-06/viber-celebrates-7-years/
  102. https://www.pcmag.com/news/viber-hits-milestone-100m-active-users-updates-desktop-app
  103. https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2021-12-13/viber-turns-11-what-a-year-its-been/
  104. https://www.infobip.com/news/viber-completes-a-decade-of-instant-messaging
  105. https://patents.justia.com/assignee/viber-media-s-a-r-l
  106. https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2024-10-15/introducing-ai-image-generation-powered-by-flux-1/
  107. https://www.softwareadvice.com/customer-communications-mngt/viber-profile/reviews/
  108. https://www.capterra.com/p/180348/Viber/reviews/
  109. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/viber.com
  110. https://www.viber.com/en/terms/eu-digital-services-act-dsa-transparency-report/
  111. https://www.efani.com/blog/how-secure-is-viber
  112. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.viber.voip
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.