Looking for a group messaging service? If you want to communicate with a number of friends at once using your phone, group messaging is for you. Check out this list of the best services out there.
1. GroupMe
Photo © Groupme
Compared to its competitors, GroupMe has a head start in terms of funding. As a result, industry folks are expecting big things from them.
GroupMe is available on any phone that can text, but the real fun starts when you use the iPhone, Android or Blackberry apps. Group members are assigned a unique number that can be used for both group texting and conference calling. Using the mobile apps, you can also share your location or pictures with members of your group.
GroupMe is available on any phone that can text, but the real fun starts when you use the iPhone, Android or Blackberry apps. Group members are assigned a unique number that can be used for both group texting and conference calling. Using the mobile apps, you can also share your location or pictures with members of your group.
2. Fast Society
Photo © Fast Society
Fast Society positions itself as the most fun group messaging service, claiming it was built to party. They split their service into three basic buckets: text, talk and find. Users create a team and then can text a single number to get in touch with all team members. If voice is more your thing, you can jump on a free conference call with other team members. If you're just looking to let your friends know where you are, your location can be broadcast to team members.
Fast Society can be used on any phone that can text, but the location broadcast feature is only available on the iPhone app. This is probably the best service on the list for going out for a night on the town with friends.
Fast Society can be used on any phone that can text, but the location broadcast feature is only available on the iPhone app. This is probably the best service on the list for going out for a night on the town with friends.
3. Kik
Photo © Kik
Kik is a little late to the group messaging game, originally focusing on messaging between individuals. While it offers the standard group conversations and photo sharing, some questions have been raised about how it goes into a user's address book to find possible contacts. Tactics like that lead to quick viral growth, but not always a great user experience. Kik available as iPhone and Android apps.
4. Beluga
Photo © Beluga
Unlike other group messaging services, Beluga is only available through iPhone and Android apps. Messages are sent to group members via push notifications. The company was acquired by Facebook in March of 2011, which can either be a good or bad thing for its future.
5. Yobongo
Photo © Yobongo
This one is a little different than others on the list, so take note. Rather than keeping you in touch with groups of people you know, Yobongo looks to create new groups of people you don't know in your immediate area. This may border on creepy for some and incredibly exciting for others. Yobongo is only available on the iPhone right now and can only be used in handful of cities.