10 Reasons To Ditch SMS For Over The Top Messaging Apps

Why trust Greenbot

We maintain a strict editorial policy dedicated to factual accuracy, relevance, and impartiality. Our content is written and edited by top industry professionals with first-hand experience. The content undergoes thorough review by experienced editors to guarantee and adherence to the highest standards of reporting and publishing.

Texting has been around for ages. More than 20 years, in fact. And it’s still one of the main ways we interact with people via the smartphone because it’s just so darn easy, although some of us need to brush up on our texting etiquette. But texting isn’t necessarily the best way to interact with people via the smartphone. And no, I’m not talking about calling people; that would be absurd. I’m talking about over-the-top (OTT) messaging apps like Line, WhatsApp and even online chatting apps like Hangouts or Facebook Messenger. Here’s why you need to ditch texting download an OTT app ASAP.

Talk to Anyone Anywhere

I was definitely an early adopter when it came to OTT messaging apps. Not because I’m cool and hip to the trends but because about 95 percent of my friends live overseas. Unlike texting, OTT messaging apps do not discriminate based on where you live. Because they work over an Internet connection, not the SMS network. Do you know how much it costs to send a text from the U.S. to Japan? I don’t, because I use Line, it’s free.

No Mobile Data Necessary

OTT messaging apps use any Internet connection. Which means they don’t need to be connected to a cellular network to work. As long as you can grab some free Wi-Fi, you’re set! If there’s no Wi-Fi, you might be in trouble, though.

Multi Platform = Win

I miss approximately 80 percent of the text messages on my phone. The reason? I usually don’t have my phone on me, especially not when I’m working at my computer. I get all my Line messages, though, because there’s a Line app for my computer!

No Number? No Problem!

OTT messaging apps let you add contacts in various ways. Such as usernames, email addresses, or phone numbers, so they’re perfect for talking to someone. Still, you don’t really want to give up your digits.

I Know You Saw It.

There’s often no way to check if someone has read a text message. But most OTT messaging apps have a read receipt feature that lets you know when someone has seen your message. It’s a little creepy but advantageous.

Customize Everything!

Okay, so you can customize texting apps to a certain extent. But a few pretty colors and fonts are nothing compared to this adorable Pokemon Line theme.

So Convenient

Sign into an OTT messaging app on a new device voila! Everything is already there for you, including your contacts, chat history, and even photos. And files you’ve traded back and forth.

Free Phone Calls

Remember how OTT messaging apps let you text people for free! Without knowing their phone number? Well, they also allow you to call people for free! Without knowing their phone number.

Stickers!!!

Stickers are like emoticons on steroids. These cute drawings let you express your feelings in ways you never imagined. That sounds a little dramatic, but trust me on this; once you discover the power of stickers. You will never be able to return to your boring sticker-less texts.

They’re Just So Much Fun

These days, the only texts I get are from Amazon.com, Craigslist, and my mother. Who refuses to use an OTT messaging app because it’s too much work. All the cool people, sorry, Mom, use OTT messaging apps. Because they’re fun, colorful, full of adorable sticker themes, and way more convenient. My app of choice, Line, even has a whole backstory with its Line Friends and characters.