imo is a messaging and calling app for staying in touch with friends, family, and groups. It supports free text messaging, voice calls, video calls, large group chats, and group video calls with up to 20 participants. Groups can include up to 5,000 members, and imo is available on mobile and desktop.
With more than 200 million users across over 170 countries, imo connects people around the world, with users in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and many other regions.
Why Use imo as a WhatsApp Alternative?
imo brings messaging and calling together across mobile and desktop, with voice and video calls available over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Private and Secure Communication
imo uses end-to-end encryption for messages and calls. It also provides App Lock and Two-Step Verification for account security, along with disappearing messages and screenshot protection for private chats.
Messaging and Large Groups
imo supports one-to-one messaging and group chats. You can send text messages, photos, videos, audio, and files in your conversations. imo groups support up to 5,000 members, with tools for admins to manage members, approve join requests, mute members, and manage group content.
Free Voice and Video Calls
imo supports free voice and video calls for one-to-one chats, as well as group video calls with up to 20 participants. There is no fixed time limit for group video calls. Calls work over Wi-Fi or mobile data, including for international communication.
Use imo on Your Phone or Computer
imo is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac, with messaging and calling available across the mobile and desktop apps. You can also access your chats through imo Web.
imo vs. WhatsApp
imo and WhatsApp differ in areas such as group size and group video call capacity.
|
Feature |
imo |
|
|
Individual messaging |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Free voice & video calls |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Call time limit |
No fixed time limit |
No fixed time limit |
|
Group video calls |
Up to 20 participants |
Up to 32 participants |
|
Group size |
Up to 5,000 members |
Up to 1,024 members |
|
Desktop support |
Yes |
Yes |
|
End-to-end encryption |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Stories / Status updates |
Yes |
Yes |
imo supports larger groups, with up to 5,000 members in one group. WhatsApp supports more participants in a group video call, with up to 32 people.
imo also offers social features beyond messaging and calls. With VoiceClub, you can join Voicerooms to chat with others through live audio, or create your own Voiceroom and invite people to join the conversation.
imo on Mobile and Desktop
imo is available on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, and Mac, so you can stay connected across your phone, tablet, and computer. The mobile and desktop apps support messaging, voice calls, and video calls.
On Windows and Mac, you can send messages, share files, and make free voice or video calls from a larger screen. Your chats and contacts remain available when you sign in with the same imo account.
You can also use imo Web to access your chats directly from a browser without installing the desktop app. imo Web supports messaging, photos, and file sharing, and syncs up to 90 days of chat history.
imo Lite for Everyday Messaging and Calls
imo is designed to be simple and easy to use for everyday messaging and calls. If you mainly need core communication features, imo Lite offers a lighter experience focused on messaging and calling, with fewer extra features and lower resource use than the main imo app.
learn more about imo lite: imo Lite Low-Data Messaging and Calling App
FAQs
Is imo a good WhatsApp alternative?
imo is an option for users who want messaging, voice and video calls, large group chats, and group video calls in one app. imo supports groups of up to 5,000 members and group video calls with up to 20 participants.
Can I make video calls on imo?
Yes. imo supports one-to-one video calls and group video calls with up to 20 participants. Group video calls have no fixed time limit.
How many people can join an imo group?
An imo group can have up to 5,000 members.
Can I use imo on a computer?
Yes. imo has apps for Windows and Mac, and imo Web supports messaging through a browser.
Is imo free to use?
imo provides free messaging, voice calls, and video calls over an internet connection. Mobile data charges may apply when using cellular data.