What is KakaoTalk?
KakaoTalk is a mobile messaging app that has been in service since 2010 on Kakao. It is undoubtedly the messaging app of South Korea and the key factor that has transformed Kakao into a gigantic society.
History of the development of Kakaootalk
KakaoTalk, a mobile messaging app that started its service in 2010, was initially released for iOS on March 18 and subsequently for Android on August 23 of the same year. The PC version was launched on June 20, 2013, for Microsoft Windows, followed by the Macos app on May 29, 2014. Although a version of BlackBerry OS was introduced on March 7, 2012, it was interrupted by December 28, 2015. Kakootalk also launched versions for Bada OS in 2012 and Windows Phone in 2012, which were subsequently interrupted in 2014 and 2016.
KakaoTalk played a fundamental role in ending the phone era in Korea and significantly increased the adoption of smartphones. With its simple but effective service, Kakootalk has become the main reason why many users have purchased smartphones, even opting for low -cost models instead of high -end devices.
The app revolutionized the messaging, eliminating the constraints of the text messages of the phone, which were once considered onerous. As smartphones became more widely used, Kakaotalk made the most accessible communication, with users who crowded for social and professional interactions.
The success of Kakaootalk in the end led to the merger of his developer, Kakao, with Daum, an Internet portal company, in 2014. The merger, completed in October 2014, led to the creation of Daum Kakao, which was subsequently renamed Kakao in 2015. In 2015 In 2015, in 2015. Content platforms, including research services and Kakaochenel.
The influence of KakaoTalk on other messaging apps is significant, with Wechat of Tencent that was inspired by the characteristics of Kakaootalk, with the president of Tencent, but Huateng, who invested 72 billion Krw in Kakaootalk during his first stages.
Overview of KakaoTalk services
KakaoTalk is a versatile communication platform that offers a series of services to improve the interaction and convenience of users.
Free call and messaging
KakaoTalk offers free calls and messaging, allowing users to send text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, positions, connections of the web page and contact information.
Users can create individual conversations or group chat without limits to the number of participants. The app automatically synchronizes with the list of contacts of the user’s smartphone, facilitating the connection with friends who also use the service.
In addition, users can look for friends with their KakaoTalk ID, circumventing the need for telephone numbers.
More friend
KakaoTalk has evolved into a platform to distribute third -party content and apps. Through the Plus Friend function, users can follow brands, celebrities and media to receive exclusive messages, coupons and real -time information via chat room.
Users can also buy real world assets through the KakaoTalk donation platform, improving the experience of social trade.
Pay Kakao
Kakaopay, integrated with KakaoTalk, is a mobile payment service and digital portfolio. Allows users to make mobile payments, send money and complete online transactions.
Launched in 2014, Kakoopay has extended into further financial services, including Kakaobank and Debt Cards, making it a global financial instrument.
Emoticon Plus
In 2021, Kakootalk introduced Emoticon Plus, a subscription service that allows users to access an unlimited collection of Kakao emoticon for a monthly commission of ₩ 6,900. This service can be purchased via the KakaoTalk wallet, separated from the in-app payment system.
File and backup sharing
Kakaotalk supports the sending of various files and offers the possibility to adjust the quality of photos and videos before sending them. It also provides cloud storage for text and supports via talk storage plus, even if open and secret chats cannot be backup.
Friends and privacy management
Users can manage their friends, block or remove contacts and customize their profiles with unique photos, wallpapers and multiple nicknames. Friendship requests can be filtered and controlled through the app settings, ensuring privacy and control.
Distribution of user by country
South Korea
The country with the most active users is undeniably South Korea, where, starting from the fourth quarter of 2021, monthly active users (Mau) have reached 47 million.
In South Korea, Kakaotalk has about 50 million users and over 100 million downloads, making it the most popular mobile messaging app. Starting from 2018, its market share in South Korea was amazed by 94.4%, actually making it the national messaging app used by almost the entire population.
In particular, the penetration rate of the app between the population under the age of 65, excluding the elderly, is almost 100%, making it almost impossible to find anyone who does not use the Kakaotalk. For this reason, not having Kakaootalk can disadvantage people in social and professional contexts in South Korea. Universities, workplaces and other social organizations commonly use the function of kakaotalk group chat for official ads or meetings and even administrative or public institutions sometimes send notifications or invoices through KakaoTalk. This demonstrates what KakaoTalk has been integrated into everyday life and in the South Korean society.
Starting from the fourth quarter of 2023, the Mau of the app outside South Korea is 5.12 million, representing only about 10% of its base of total users.
International
KakaoTalk is available in 15 languages and used in over 130 countries. On July 26, 2011, Kakao Corp. established Kakao Japan, with Cha-Jin Park as a representative. The app saw a significant increase in use during the enormous earthquake of Japan on March 11, 2011, since millions have tried to confirm the safety of loved ones. KakaoTalk played a crucial role in connecting people when the wired and wireless networks were falling.
KakaoTalk focused on the South -East Asia, targeting countries without a dominant mobile messenger service. The app has squeezed partnerships in Malaysia, Indonesia and in the Philippines, broadcast television commercials with Big Bang together with local celebrities. By the end of 2013, Indonesia became the second largest market in Kakaootalk, with 13 million users. KakaoTalk has also customized its service by collaborating with local companies to create specific content for each region. In February 2014, it was launched on Nokia Asha devices, expanding its users’ base.
