TikTook’s sister app LetsChat is anticipated to compete with WhatsApp and Telegram, but users consider the data-saving app isn’t a worthy challenger.
When Yusuf Balogun first downloaded LetsChat after seeing its advertisements in on-line comedy skits, he had excessive expectations of the messaging app, which guarantees thrilling options corresponding to free voice and video calls, zero pop-up advertisements, and in-app video games. But after a couple of days of utilizing the app, he uninstalled it. “Though it was an interesting experience because it doesn’t consume data like other apps, I’m not sold on it,” he instructed TechCabal over a name.
Launched in 2021 by Beijing-based tech agency and TikTook proprietor ByteDance, LetsChat was designed for younger African users to compete with greater rivals WhatsApp and Telegram. LetsChat’s entry into the African market has all the makings of an organization wanting not to sustain with the current competitors but to crush it. To pull this off, the Chinese app engaged influencers—together with comedians—to unfold its phrase. A test on Google PlayStore reveals that the variety of its downloads has exceeded 5 million.
A worthy opponent?
Depending on who you ask, younger Africans need social content material functions corresponding to chat and video. WhatsApp is definitely the hottest messaging app on the continent due to its options: voice and video-call performance, group features, stickers, and standing updates.
I used LetsChat for two days and take into account it a direct challenger to WhatsApp, and it comes with extra choices. For instance, the ‘”People nearby” feature allows you to connect with users in your present location, while “Lifie” captures real-time moments with a dual camera. From my experience, making voice and video calls on LetsChat—the selling point of the app—didn’t require information, but you’d want to flip in your information to keep related. The calls weren’t seamless, but not dangerous for a two-year-old app.
Like Yusuf, users who spoke to TechCabal confirmed that LetsChat has cool options but they stopped utilizing the app for completely different causes—chief of which have been technical glitches. “My experience using the app was below average because of the jamming of calls and unrecognised numbers calling you. I think they need to work on the features. Sometimes when you make a call, it won’t show whether it’s ringing. They still have a long way to go,” Omojolade Michael, who used LetsChat for a couple of days, stated.
Susan, who has been utilizing LetsChat since the starting of the 12 months, says she solely makes use of it every time she takes a break from WhatsApp. “My major problem with the app is that it keeps suggesting complete strangers to connect with. At least on WhatsApp, I have control over my contacts,” she stated.
For some, like Adam Opeloyeru, a digital marketer, these options make LetsChat distinctive. “I like the Lifie feature. Also, I can call 30 friends at the same time and be able to talk to them without any extra charges. There are also games on the app, just like iMessage. You know iMessage is designed for iOS phones, but for LetsChat, you can play games with anyone with the app,” he instructed TechCabal.
Despite its interesting options, some see LetsChat going through an uphill battle to retain users. “I won’t consider it a formidable competition to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Even if WhatsApp isn’t an option, I’d still settle for Messenger. It could get better with time, but at the moment, I don’t see it as a close competition. The stakes are way too high,” Yusuf stated.
However, Adam is kind of optimistic about the app’s success if the makers return to the drafting board. “They just need to upgrade those features to meet the expectations of people, and they need to do more research beyond the reviews on Apple Store and meet the users to know the kind of features they want,” he stated.
…. to be continued
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