Guide to Chat Apps

Messaging apps now have more global users than traditional social networks—which means they play an increasingly important role in the distribution of digital journalism. This guide synthesizes key lessons for organizations using messaging apps for news to engage new or difficult-to-reach demographics—including youth and diaspora communities who currently rely on apps like WeChat and WhatsApp to communicate—and gathers user-generated content. To devise a successful messaging app strategy, publishers must understand regional strongholds, user demographics, and popular features of each app, as well as the ways issues around information, privacy, personal security, and mobile data penetration will manifest differently around the world.

Project leads: Trushar Barot, Eytan Oren