Afrigather TikTok’s sister app LetsChat is anticipated to compete with WhatsApp and Telegram, however customers 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 reminiscent of free voice and video calls, zero pop-up advertisements, and in-app video games. However after a couple of days of utilizing the app, he uninstalled it. “Although it was an attention-grabbing expertise as a result of it doesn’t eat information like different apps, I’m not bought on it,” he informed TechCabal over a name.
Launched in 2021 by Beijing-based tech agency and TikTok proprietor ByteDance, LetsChat was designed for younger African customers to compete with larger rivals WhatsApp and Telegram. LetsChat’s entry into the African market has all of the makings of an organization wanting to not sustain with the prevailing competitors however to crush it. To drag this off, the Chinese language app engaged influencers—together with comedians—to unfold its phrase. A examine on Google PlayStore exhibits that the variety of its downloads has exceeded 5 million.
A worthy opponent?
Relying on who you ask, younger Africans need social content material purposes reminiscent of chat and video. WhatsApp is well the most popular messaging app on the continent due to its options: voice and video-call performance, group capabilities, stickers, and standing updates.
I used LetsChat for 2 days and take into account it a direct challenger to WhatsApp, and it comes with extra choices. For instance, the ‘”Folks close by” function lets you join with customers in your current location, whereas “Lifie” captures real-time moments with a twin digital camera. From my expertise, making voice and video calls on LetsChat—the promoting level of the app—didn’t require information, however you’d want to show in your information to remain linked. The calls weren’t seamless, however not dangerous for a two-year-old app.
Like Yusuf, customers who spoke to TechCabal confirmed that LetsChat has cool options however they stopped utilizing the app for various causes—chief of which had been technical glitches. “My expertise utilizing the app was beneath common due to the jamming of calls and unrecognised numbers calling you. I feel they should work on the options. Typically while you make a name, it gained’t present whether or not it’s ringing. They nonetheless have an extended method to go,” Omojolade Michael, who used LetsChat for a couple of days, mentioned.
Susan, who has been utilizing LetsChat for the reason that starting of the yr, says she solely makes use of it each time she takes a break from WhatsApp. “My main downside with the app is that it retains suggesting full strangers to attach with. A minimum of on WhatsApp, I’ve management over my contacts,” she mentioned.
For some, like Adam Opeloyeru, a digital marketer, these options make LetsChat distinctive. “I just like the Lifie function. Additionally, I can name 30 pals on the identical time and be capable of speak to them with none additional expenses. There are additionally video games on the app, identical to iMessage. You realize iMessage is designed for iOS telephones, however for LetsChat, you possibly can play video games with anybody with the app,” he informed TechCabal.
Regardless of its interesting options, some see LetsChat going through an uphill wrestle to retain customers. “I gained’t take into account it a formidable competitors to WhatsApp or Fb Messenger. Even when WhatsApp isn’t an possibility, I’d nonetheless accept Messenger. It might get higher with time, however in the intervening time, I don’t see it as an in depth competitors. The stakes are means too excessive,” Yusuf mentioned.
Nevertheless, Adam is kind of optimistic in regards to the app’s success if the makers return to the drafting board. “They only have to improve these options to fulfill the expectations of individuals, and they should do extra analysis past the critiques on Apple Retailer and meet the customers to know the type of options they need,” he mentioned.
