Can Kik Messenger Replace Your Current Messaging App?

Are you wary that your current messaging app might not be as secure as you would like? Maybe you feel that too much information is being given out among your contacts. Or maybe you are just bored of the default app you use to send messages. With so many messaging apps to choose from, try to consider using Kik Messenger to be your go-to messaging platform.

What Is Kik Messenger?

Kik Messenger, or simply Kik, was launched in 2009 as a cross-platform messenger app allowing communication between people using different mobile platforms. Take note that during this time, users of iOS, Android, and Blackberry (yes, Blackberry!) were not able to chat with each other. The necessity to communicate with everyone was the driving force behind the developers of Kik.

Over the years, Kik has kept up with the trend and geared itself toward the teens and young adults market. Their goal is to become the preferred app teens will use as their means of communication and source of information. With Kik’s popularity on the rise, it seems they are on their way towards achieving their goal.

Why You Should Use Kik

The main selling point of Kik is the ability to stay anonymous. To sign up for Kik, all you need is an email address and a username. No need for phone numbers. If you are the type of person who likes to meet new people, then Kik is definitely for you. Plus, you can do so without having to give any information about yourself. Only when you’ve chatted enough with someone and you feel there is trust between you two, then you can share private information. It may sound scary, as there is the possibility the person on the other end isn’t as truthful as you, but if used properly, the anonymity of Kik can be an interesting way of meeting new people.

Kik also employs the use of chatbots, with big companies like CNN, The Weather Channel, Sephora, H&M, and Target, among others, who are availing the services of these bots. What this means is Kik can be your do-it-app. You now no longer have to exit the app to find out if the weather is going to be perfect for this weekend’s beach escapade. Simply chat up the weather chatbot and ask away.

If you are still unsure whether this app is for you, here are some interesting stats that might just convince you to download Kik and try it for yourself:

Kik Statistics and Information

• Upon its release in 2009, Kik was able to record over 1 million registered users within the first 15 days of its operation.
• Today, Kik has a reported 300 million registered users, which is just around 30 million users shy of being equal to the entire population of the United States.
• Kik has over 2.5 million daily active users and 15 million active users monthly.
• Based on a 2015 survey, Kik has around 250,000 new users daily and over 1 million downloads each month.
• 7.2 million people in the United States are using Kik messenger monthly, making it more than 3 times more popular than WeChat.
• It is the 8th most popular messaging app in the US, ahead of Skype, LINE, Telegram, WeChat, and Viber.
• It is among the top 10 apps for teens in the US.
• 48% of young Americans regularly use Kik, where they spend around 74 minutes per day, on average.
• It is the 10th most popular messaging app worldwide and has registered users in 230 countries.
• 70% of Kik users are between the ages of 13 and 24.
• Based on time spent, Kik has the 2nd most engaged users, behind only Facebook.
• Kik Messenger has raised over $215 million in funding from reputable companies worldwide.

Now valued at just over $1 Billion, Kik has found a recipe for success. And with a large, and more importantly, active community, it’s clear Kik isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Is Kik Safe To Use?

Just as any product or app you are using- or planning to use — for the first time, safety is always a concern. With all the dangers all over the web, it is perfectly normal to ask: Is Kik safe from hackers?

Because Kik doesn’t require your phone number or a lot of personal data to become a registered user, there is not much data to gather from hacking into your account. In this sense, Kik Messenger is safer compared to other apps that ask for much personal information from you. Of course, safety has to start with you. If you readily share info about you, where you live, where you work or study, and other relevant data, then you are an easy target for hackers, whatever messaging app you choose to use.

Can My Kid Be Safe On Kik?

What if your child wants to be on Kik because it’s what all the friends use to stay in touch? Is it safe for them to use? Since the users on Kik are anonymous, wouldn’t they be prone to cyberbullying or cyberstalking?

No messaging app is 100% safe and impenetrable from the dangers of the internet, no matter how safe they claim it to be. Hackers, cyberbullies, and cyberstalkers also learn to adapt with the times. It’s their ‘job’. It’s what they do. If all the world’s tech geniuses were already able to solve the dangers of the internet, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. What’s important is that the developers of messaging apps are continuously working to keep users and their data safe from unscrupulous people.

The people behind Kik are always finding ways to do just that. They have a safety center on their website full of how-to articles and guides in case you or your child feels threatened. Wellness bots are also present in the Kik community where you can find support among your peers. The Kik team has also partnered with various organizations that champion online safety.

On your end, letting your child know and understand all kinds of dangers they might encounter when using the internet is the first step in making sure they are protected. Make them understand what information is okay to share and what should never be told to anyone. Talk to them and teach them how to avoid these dangers and what to do just in case they run into them. You can also have them get your permission first before beginning a conversation with a stranger on Kik. But what if you are not around? Is there a Kik monitoring app you can use to make sure they are not talking and sharing information with a possible threat?

While there are no specific Kik tracker apps, you can use phone monitoring software like Auto-Forward to keep track of how they use their phones and the apps installed. Auto-Forward can monitor Kik, Facebook, Instagram, or any other apps kids use to communicate on the web. It can not only monitor and track usage, you can utilize Auto-Forward to control how the apps are being used.

Think of Auto-Forward as your all-in-one parental control app that can keep your child safe and secure while they explore the world wide web.