How Much Does It Cost to Create a Chat App Like WhatsApp?
30 January, 2026
With more than 2 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps today. Since its launch, it has completely changed the way people communicate and continues to dominate the social media and messaging space.
As WhatsApp grew in popularity, many startups and large companies began investing in similar messaging apps. As a result, app stores are now filled with hundreds of chat applications. However, many of these apps fail to fully meet user expectations. People are still looking for a messaging app that feels unique, secure, and easy to use just like WhatsApp, or even better.
This creates a strong opportunity to build a custom messaging app that offers advanced features, better privacy, and a smooth user experience for a large audience. But one important question remains: how much does it actually cost to develop a chat app like WhatsApp?
This article will help you understand the overall cost of developing a WhatsApp-like messaging app. It will also explain the key factors that influence the development budget and highlight the essential features that have made WhatsApp so successful.
Before diving into the cost details, let’s take a quick look at WhatsApp’s journey and how it has maintained its strong position in the global messaging market over the years.
WhatsApp Timeline Overview
The timeline below shows how WhatsApp has grown since its launch and how it eventually became part of Meta.
To better understand WhatsApp’s success, let’s take a look at some important facts and highlights:
- In 2014, WhatsApp was acquired by Meta (previously known as Facebook) for $19 billion. Today, WhatsApp is one of Meta’s most valuable platforms, ranking just after Facebook Messenger and Instagram.
- In its early days, WhatsApp followed a paid subscription model. Users paid $1 to download the app and another $1 after the first year of usage.
- Over time, Meta removed this fee and made WhatsApp completely free for users. The main goal behind this move was to encourage communication between users and businesses through WhatsApp Business, where businesses would eventually bear the cost.
- Since WhatsApp does not share public financial reports, it is widely believed that the platform earns revenue through business subscriptions and paid premium features designed for companies.
Now that you have a clear picture of WhatsApp’s growth and business approach, let’s move ahead and explore the cost involved in developing a WhatsApp-like messaging app.
How Much Does It Cost to Create an App Like WhatsApp?
The cost of developing a messaging app like WhatsApp can vary a lot, usually ranging from $35,000 to $250,000. This depends on several factors, including the app’s design, the development process, the platform you choose (iOS, Android, or both), and the hourly rates of the development team.
The location and experience of the mobile app development company you hire also affect the price. On top of that, WhatsApp has many advanced features such as WhatsApp Web, camera filters, UPI payments, and end-to-end encryption which make the app more complex and increase development costs for any similar app.
To make it easier to estimate your budget, here’s a simple formula you can use:
Cost of Chat App Like WhatsApp = Total Development Hours × Hourly Rate of Developers
The total development hours include all stages of the app: planning and wireframing, design, coding, testing, and maintenance.
With this formula, you can get a clearer idea of how much it might cost to create a messaging app like WhatsApp. Next, let’s take a closer look at the key factors that can influence the overall development budget.
Work with app development experts to turn your idea into a successful messaging app.
Wondering How Much It Costs to Create an App Like WhatsApp?
Start Your App Development Today!
Factors That Influence the Cost of a Messaging App Like WhatsApp
Creating a high-quality messaging app like WhatsApp requires a solid business plan and skilled professionals. Every feature you include and every technology you use will directly affect the total development cost.
Here’s a detailed look at the main factors that can impact your app development budget:
App Complexity
The complexity of your messaging app is one of the biggest factors affecting development costs. A simple app with only basic features will cost much less than an app with advanced features and a sophisticated design. Here’s a rough estimate of the cost and time required based on app complexity:
| Type of Messaging App | Estimated Cost | Development Time |
| Simple App | $35,000 – $60,000 | 3 – 6 months |
| Moderately Complex App | $60,000 – $100,000 | 6 – 8 months |
| Highly Complex App | $100,000 – $250,000 | 9+ months |
UI/UX Design
A good UI/UX design is essential for the success of your messaging app. It not only makes the app visually appealing but also improves user engagement and keeps users coming back.
Designing a custom UI/UX for your app involves careful planning, multiple prototypes, and thorough testing. All these steps add to the overall development cost, but they are crucial for creating a smooth and enjoyable user experience.
App Platform
Before starting the development process, you need to decide which platform your app will run on. You can choose iOS, Android, or a cross-platform solution depending on your target audience.
The cost difference between iOS and Android apps is usually small, but Android apps may require more testing due to device variety, which can increase development time and cost.
If you choose cross-platform app development from the start, it can save time later but may also raise your initial budget. Choosing the right platform early helps manage both cost and user reach effectively.
[Also Read: Top Technologies for Creating Mobile Apps You Should Know]
Team Size
The size of your development team also affects the cost of building a messaging app like WhatsApp. Outsourcing the project is usually more affordable than hiring a full in-house team. If you outsource to a company in a region with lower development rates, you can get professional skills at a reduced cost.
Hiring an in-house team can be time-consuming and expensive since you’ll need to handle recruitment, salaries, and management from scratch. Outsourcing to a dedicated development team provides all the resources you need quickly and efficiently.
A basic team for developing a WhatsApp-like chat app typically includes:
- 1–2 Project Managers
- 1–2 Business Analysts
- 2–3 Frontend Developers
- 2–3 Backend Developers
- 1–2 Designers
- 1–2 Quality Assurance Analysts
Location of the App Development Agency
The location of your development team has a big impact on cost. Hiring an agency in Asia or South America is generally cheaper than hiring in the US, Dubai or Saudi Arabia. Here’s an approximate guide for hourly rates in different regions:
| Region | Hourly Rate |
| US | $95 – $100 |
| Western Europe | $80 – $90 |
| Australia | $70 – $90 |
| Eastern Europe | $50 – $55 |
| Asia | $25 – $40 |
Maintenance
Launching your app on the app store is just the beginning. To keep it running smoothly, you need to regularly monitor its performance on all devices and platforms.
In addition, updating the app with new features, fixing bugs, and integrating the latest technologies are essential to keep your users happy and maintain a competitive edge.
All these ongoing tasks add to the overall cost of developing and running a messaging app like WhatsApp.
Tech Stack
The technology stack you choose plays a major role in the overall cost of your mobile app. Since WhatsApp supports millions of users worldwide and continues to grow every month, it relies on a powerful and scalable tech stack.
Using advanced and reliable technologies helps the app stay fast, secure, and innovative. However, building and maintaining such a strong technical foundation also increases development expenses. Choosing the right tech stack is important to balance performance, scalability, and cost.
Feature List
The set of features you add to your app has a direct impact on the overall development cost. An app with more advanced and user-friendly features can help you stand out in the highly competitive social media and messaging market.
Now that you understand the key factors that influence app development costs, let’s move on to the essential features needed to build a strong WhatsApp-like messaging app, along with the estimated time required to develop each feature.
Core WhatsApp Features and Development Time
WhatsApp is popular because of its wide range of useful and easy-to-use features. Along with free messaging, the app continues to explore modern technologies like artificial intelligence and chatbots to improve user experience.
At the same time, WhatsApp has expanded into business and enterprise communication through WhatsApp Business. This has opened new opportunities for eCommerce brands to connect with customers in a fast and effective way.
To succeed in today’s competitive messaging market, a WhatsApp-like app must include the following essential features. Below is a list of basic features along with the estimated time required to develop them.
[Also Read: How to Create a Chat App Like Discord]
User Registration
To sign up on a WhatsApp-like app, users need to enter basic details such as their name, country, and mobile number. After this, the app sends a verification code to confirm the user’s identity. On Android devices, this code can be detected and verified automatically to make the process faster.
Once registration is complete, the app syncs the user’s phone contacts and shows which contacts are already using the messaging platform.
Estimated Development Time: 50–55 hours
Real-Time Messaging (One-to-One, Group & Broadcast Chats)
Real-time messaging is the core feature of any app built like WhatsApp. It allows users to send instant messages through one-to-one chats, group conversations, and broadcast messages.
To ensure fast and reliable message delivery, messaging apps use specialized communication protocols and real-time data handling. Along with text messages, users can also share emojis, stickers, and GIFs, making conversations more engaging and expressive.
Voice Calling
Voice calling is one of the key features that helped WhatsApp attract and retain millions of users. It allows people to make free calls over the internet instead of using mobile call minutes, which helps users save money.
To enable voice calls, messaging apps rely on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This involves using communication libraries and signaling systems that support high-quality audio, secure connections, and smooth call performance across networks.
Estimated Development Time: 200–220 hours (includes frontend and backend development)
Video Calling
Video calling has become an essential feature for modern messaging and social media apps. Most popular platforms today, such as Instagram and Snapchat, support video calls, but WhatsApp was one of the early apps to make this feature widely accessible.
A smooth and secure video calling experience requires strong backend support and optimized frontend design. The development time can vary depending on whether the app is built for Android, iOS, or both platforms.
Estimated Development Time: 180–220 hours (frontend and backend development, based on platform choice)
Multimedia Sharing
A messaging app like WhatsApp allows users to share different types of media, including photos, videos, and voice messages. Multimedia sharing is a core feature and plays a big role in making conversations more interactive and engaging.
To enable this, media files are uploaded to a server, and secure links are generated so users can download or view the content easily. Thumbnails are also created to allow quick previews before opening the file.
Estimated Development Time: 40–50 hours
Settings Section
The settings section allows users to control how they use the messaging app. It includes options for privacy, account management, and profile customization.
Users can turn read receipts on or off, update their profile name or photo, manage blocked contacts, change their status or phone number, and even delete their account if needed. They can also customize chat notifications and other preferences to match their personal needs.
Estimated Development Time: 110–120 hours
Contact Sharing
Contact sharing is a simple yet useful feature that allows users to send and receive phone contacts directly within the app. It makes communication more convenient by letting users share important contact details in just a few taps.
This feature follows a similar process to message delivery, using secure communication methods to ensure smooth and reliable sharing. With the right development team, this functionality can be built efficiently and integrated seamlessly into the app.
Estimated Development Time: 70–80 hours
Location Sharing
The location-sharing feature allows users to send their current location or any other place to friends and family. Users can also share their live location for a specific period, making it easier to meet or stay connected in real time.
For Android apps, developers can use the Google Maps Android API, while iOS apps can use Apple’s MapKit framework to display accurate maps and locations.
If you’re looking to implement this feature, it’s best to hire an experienced mobile app development company near me. A skilled team of developers and designers can ensure the feature works smoothly and integrates well with the rest of your app.
Estimated Development Time: 25–30 hours
Notifications
In WhatsApp, users get alerts when someone sends them a personal message or a message in a group. They can also turn on a pop-up notification that appears on the screen even when the phone is locked. This functionality can be implemented using Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) for Android or Apple Push Notification Service (APNS) for iOS.
Estimated Development Time: 15–20 hours
Business Profile (WhatsApp for Business)
Users can create a business profile on WhatsApp for Business by adding details like business address, description, and the type of products or services they offer. This feature allows online businesses to showcase their products to users, but only after the customer reaches out first.
Another useful feature is automated messages. Businesses can set up greeting messages that are sent automatically when someone contacts them. There is also an “away message” option, which allows sending custom messages when the business is not available.
Estimated Development Time: Depends on the type of business and services offered
Chat Labels
A useful feature in apps like WhatsApp is chat labels. Businesses can assign labels to specific chats and organize them easily. These labels can be customized with colors and categories such as new customer, new order, pending payment, or important messages. This makes it easier for businesses to manage conversations.
Estimated Development Time: Depends on the technology and tools used
| Feature | Description | Approx. Development Time |
| Registration | Users can create an account to start using the app. | 50–55 hours |
| Real-Time Messaging | Users can send and receive messages instantly. | 210–220 hours |
| Voice Calling | Users can make voice calls to other users through the app. | 200–220 hours |
| Video Calling | Users can make video calls to other users. | 180–220 hours |
| Multimedia Sharing | Users can share images, videos, audio, and other files in chats. | 40–50 hours |
| Settings | Users can customize app settings, notifications, privacy, and account preferences. | 110–120 hours |
| Contact Sharing | Users can share contacts with others easily. | 80 hours |
| Location Sharing | Users can share their live or current location with contacts. | 25–30 hours |
| Notifications | Users get alerts for personal or group messages. Supports pop-ups even when the phone is locked. Can be implemented with GCM or APNS. | 15–20 hours |
| Business Profile | Businesses can create a profile with details like address, description, and products/services. Supports product catalog and automated greeting/away messages. | Varies depending on business type |
| Chat Labels | Businesses can categorize chats using labels (e.g., new customer, pending payment, new order) with customizable colors for better management. | Varies depending on tech stack and tools |
Now that you have a clear overview of the features and time needed to create an app like WhatsApp, we can move forward and learn how to create a chat application step by step.
Let us help you create the perfect features for your business.
Want a Custom Feature List for Your Messaging App?
Get Started with Our Services Today!
How to Create a Messaging App Like WhatsApp
If you want to create a messaging app similar to WhatsApp, it’s important to plan everything in advance. Having a clear roadmap before starting development makes the process smoother. Here are the main steps to follow:
Choose a Business Model
Decide on a business model that fits your app idea. Think about your target audience, how you will make money, the value your app provides, your competitors, and strategies for app store optimization.
Hire an Experienced Development Team
Find a skilled team of developers who can guide you through the process. Outsourcing can be a good option because it often offers flexible cooperation, reliable timelines, and experienced professionals. Consider the team’s location as well.
Plan the App Architecture
Study how WhatsApp works in the background. Build an app architecture that supports smooth communication and ensures your app can handle growth and heavy usage.
Add Core and MVP Features
Start with essential messaging features to create a basic but functional app. You can also include custom features that match your business needs to make your app stand out.
Design the User Interface
The design is the first thing users notice. Make sure your app looks attractive by carefully choosing colors, fonts, icons, and layout. A clean, appealing design will improve user engagement.
Evaluate Your Investment
After understanding the tech stack, features, and costs, think carefully about whether developing a WhatsApp-like app is the right choice for your business.
[Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Create an App Like WeChat]
Should You Consider Investing in a Messaging App Like WhatsApp?
While WhatsApp dominates the messaging app market, many other apps have successfully found their own space in different countries and user segments.
These apps have stood out by offering unique features that attract users. For example, Telegram is among the most downloaded messaging apps worldwide because it provides highly encrypted chats, self-destructing messages, and a variety of interactive stickers, which keep users engaged.
Another example is Snapchat, which has gained huge popularity by focusing on real-time communication. Users can share photos, send messages, and choose to have their chats disappear automatically, giving them more control over their conversations.
If you have a strong business idea that can deliver a unique experience to users, investing in a messaging app can be a good opportunity.
However, entering the messaging app market can be challenging. Working with an experienced social media app development company can make the process easier and more structured. In the next section, we will explain how we can assist you in bringing your messaging app idea to life.
How The Hashtech Can Help You Create an App Like WhatsApp
The Hashtech provides a wide range of services, from designing custom social network websites to full-scale app development, helping businesses connect with users worldwide. Our experienced team of social media app developers can integrate social features into traditional businesses and deliver modern app solutions.
For example, we recently created Vyrb, a social media app for our client Innovative Eyewear. The app allows users to post on platforms like Twitter and Facebook using voice commands through Bluetooth glasses and other wearable devices.
Now that you have an idea of the cost and key factors involved in creating an app like WhatsApp, you can reach out to our social media app development team. We can help you create a feature-rich, fully functional social media app or provide a detailed estimate for your project.
The Hashtech can help you bring your messaging app idea to life.
Want to Build a WhatsApp-Style App?
Start Your Project with Us Today!
Frequently Ask Questions
Q. How to Create a Chat App Like WhatsApp?
To create a messaging app like WhatsApp, follow these key steps:
Research Your Market & Audience
Understand who your target users are and what they need from the app.
Choose the Right Business Model
Pick a business model that fits your app’s purpose and monetization strategy.
Hire an Experienced Development Team
Find a skilled app development team to help you build and launch your app.
Create the App’s Wireframe
Design the basic layout and flow of the app to plan how it will work.
Define the Features for Your MVP
Choose the essential features to include in your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for an initial release.
Complete the UI/UX Design
Focus on creating a simple, user-friendly design to improve the user experience.
Test for Quality Assurance
Run tests to make sure your app is bug-free, secure, and performs well.
Launch the App
Publish the app on app stores and make it available for users to download.
Ongoing Maintenance & Updates
Keep the app updated with new features and improvements based on user feedback and trends.
Q. How do messaging apps like WhatsApp make money?
Messaging apps make money in different ways. Some use subscription fees where users pay for extra features. Others earn by showing ads within the app or offering special in-app purchases. Additionally, they might partner with sponsors to promote products or services, bringing in more revenue.
Q. How much does it cost to create an app like WhatsApp?
Creating an app like WhatsApp can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $250,000. The price depends on several factors, including the design of the app, where the development team is located, how much testing is needed, ongoing maintenance, and the size of the team working on it.
Q. How long does it take to create an app like WhatsApp?
The time it takes to create an app like WhatsApp depends on how complex the app is and what features are included. For a basic version with fewer features, it might take about 3 to 6 months. However, for a more complex app with advanced features, it could take 9 to 12 months or longer.
