Viber
Description
Viber is an instant messaging application that also allows users to make Voice over IP (VoIP) calls. It is available on all major platforms and works on computers (desktop version) and smart phones (app). Furthermore, users can exchange media files (e.g. pictures and videos). Amongst other features, Viber also supports video and group messaging. |
The service works via the Internet, so the users need a data plan or active WiFi connection on the smartphone or an active internet connection on the computer.
Key functionality
Viber is an instant messaging application that also allows the users to make Voice over IP (VoIP) calls. It is available on all major platforms and works on computers (desktop version) and smart phones (app). Furthermore, users can exchange media files (e.g. pictures and videos). Amongst other features, Viber also supports video and group messaging.
The service works via the Internet, so the users need a data plan or active WiFi connection on the smartphone or an active internet connection on the computer.
Who uses the tool
Number of monthly active users:
Number of countries that Viber is used in:
Percentage of the world’s mobile device owners that use Viber:
Users:
- Viber is particularly popular in Eastern Europe; in Western and Central Europe its popularity lies behind WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
- Viber can be used for one-to-one messaging and group chats, for calls and video calls, for sending stickers and location sharing, etc. Its similarity to other modern messaging applications ensures straight-forward and easy use.
Pedagogical purposes:
- Group chats
- Video messages
Platforms
Privacy and user data
The app collects the following types of information from all users:
According to the company’s support, ‘chats on Viber are secured by end-to-end encryption’. This means that all data (incl. messages, photos, videos, voice and video calls) are scrambled on their way from the sender to the recipient. Messages, however, are only secure during transport; once they are on a user’s device they can be accessed from anyone who has access to the device.
The app uses this information to:
According to the Viber Privacy Policy, the users’ personal information is used in various ways. Amongst others, the policy states that personal information is never sold to but can be shared with third parties. Also, user information is used to provide and improve the various Viber services, to provide offerings to the users, to process payments, to prevent fraud and spam, to support law enforcement, and to communicate with the user.
Terms and conditions of use can be found on these pages:
Using the tool for PROMOVET
Advantages
- Viber is a free application with a lot of features, including text, voice and video messaging, group chats with up to 199 participants, sending stickers, making calls, etc. Therefore, Viber seems to offer any functionality that might be wished for when using the tool in training and education. It will be easy to use by young people and is a cross-platform tool. Messages are synchronised between the various apps of one user.
Disadvantages
- The question remains whether Viber is as popular amongst young people as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, which offer very similar services. Also, peer pressure in group chats and stress not to miss messages in such chats can be a disadvantage. Furthermore, Viber also offers games and promotional channels, which might turn out to be a distraction.
