Viber App: Secure Messaging and Free Calls Explained

The Viber App is one of the world’s most popular messaging and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) platforms, allowing people to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share media over an internet connection. Owned by Rakuten Viber, the app emphasizes privacy through built-in end-to-end encryption while offering a wide range of communication features for individuals, families, and businesses. (Viber)

Whether you’re looking for a secure messaging app, a reliable international calling solution, or a feature-rich communication platform, this guide explains everything you need to know about the Viber App, including its features, advantages, privacy protections, and frequently asked questions.

What Is the Viber App?

The Viber App is a free messaging and calling application that enables users to communicate through:

Text messaging
Voice calls
Video calls
Group chats
Voice messages
File sharing
Stickers and GIFs
Public Communities and Channels

Available for Android, iPhone, Windows, macOS, Linux, and tablets, Viber keeps conversations synchronized across supported devices so users can continue chats from multiple platforms. (Viber)

History of the Viber App

Viber launched in December 2010 with the goal of making internet-based phone calls simple and affordable. It initially focused on free VoIP calling before expanding into instant messaging and multimedia communication.

Important milestones include:

2010: Viber officially launched.
2011: Instant messaging was introduced.
2012: Group messaging and HD voice support were added.
2014: Japanese technology company Rakuten acquired Viber.
2016: End-to-end encryption became enabled by default for private communications.
Today: Viber serves hundreds of millions of monthly users worldwide and supports communication across multiple devices. (Viber)

Key Features of the Viber App

Free Messaging

Viber allows users to exchange:

Text messages
Photos
Videos
Documents
Audio recordings
Contacts
Locations
GIFs
Stickers

Messages are delivered over Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of traditional SMS charges. (Viber)

Voice and Video Calls

One of Viber’s strongest features is high-quality internet calling.

Users can:

Make free Viber-to-Viber voice calls
Start HD video calls
Switch between voice and video during conversations
Create group voice and video calls

This makes the app useful for families, remote workers, and international communication. (Viber)

Group Chats

The Viber App supports group conversations where members can:

Share media
Reply to specific messages
React with emojis
Start voice or video calls
Manage conversations with admin controls

Communities offer larger public discussion spaces with enhanced moderation features. (Viber)

Privacy and Security

Privacy is one of Viber’s defining features.

End-to-End Encryption

All personal:

One-to-one chats
Private voice calls
Video calls
Group chats

are protected using end-to-end encryption by default.

This means only the participants can access the conversation content—not even Viber itself can read private messages. (Viber)

Disappearing Messages

Users can send messages that automatically disappear after a selected period.

This feature is useful for:

Temporary conversations
Sensitive information
Private discussions

(Viber)

Edit and Delete Messages

Unlike many messaging apps, Viber allows users to:

Edit messages after sending
Delete messages for everyone in the conversation

This helps correct mistakes or remove unintended messages. (Viber)

Viber Communities and Channels

Viber offers more than private messaging.

Users can join:

Public Communities
Interest-based groups
Brand channels
News channels
Creator communities

Communities support large audiences while providing moderation tools for administrators. (Viber)

Viber Out

Not everyone uses Viber.

For those situations, Viber provides Viber Out, a paid service that lets users call standard mobile and landline numbers internationally at competitive rates. (Viber)

Supported Platforms

The Viber App works across multiple operating systems, including:

Android
iPhone (iOS)
Windows
macOS
Linux
iPad
Android tablets

Chats remain synchronized between supported devices after setup, making it easy to switch between mobile and desktop. (Viber)

Benefits of Using the Viber App

Free International Communication

Internet-based calling reduces or eliminates traditional international calling costs between Viber users.

Strong Privacy

Built-in encryption protects personal conversations without requiring users to enable additional settings. (Viber)

Rich Communication Tools

Beyond text messaging, users can share:

Photos
Videos
Files
Voice notes
GIFs
Stickers
Polls
Reactions

Cross-Platform Availability

Users can continue conversations from desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Business Communication

Organizations can use Viber Communities and Channels to engage with customers, share updates, and build audiences. (Viber Chats)

Viber App vs Other Messaging Apps

Feature	Viber	WhatsApp	Telegram
Free messaging	Yes	Yes	Yes
Voice calls	Yes	Yes	Yes
Video calls	Yes	Yes	Yes
End-to-end encryption by default	Yes (private chats and calls)	Yes	Not for all chats by default
Desktop support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Communities	Yes	Channels & Communities	Groups & Channels
International calling service	Viber Out	No	No

Each platform has different strengths, but Viber stands out for combining encrypted communication with cross-device synchronization and its paid international calling service. (Viber)

Tips for Getting the Most from Viber

Enable Two-Step Verification

Adding an extra security layer helps protect your account.

Use Desktop Sync

Install the desktop version to continue conversations while working.

Organize Chats

Pin important conversations and mute unnecessary notifications.

Explore Communities

Join verified communities to follow brands, creators, hobbies, and news.

Customize Conversations

Use stickers, GIFs, and custom sticker creation tools to personalize chats. (Viber)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Viber App free?

A: Yes. Messaging, voice calls, and video calls between Viber users are free when using an internet connection. Charges may apply only for mobile data usage or optional services such as Viber Out. (Viber)

Q: Is Viber safe to use?

A: Yes. Viber protects personal chats and calls with end-to-end encryption by default. Additional privacy tools include disappearing messages, trusted contacts, and message editing or deletion features. (Viber)

Q: Can I use Viber on my computer?

A: Yes. Viber is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. After linking your account, chats and calls can sync across supported devices. (Viber)

Q: What is Viber Out?

A: Viber Out is a paid service that allows users to call mobile and landline numbers worldwide, even if the recipient does not have Viber installed. (Viber)

Q: Does Viber support group video calls?

A: Yes. Users can create group voice and video calls, making Viber suitable for family conversations, online meetings, and team collaboration. (Viber)

Q: Which devices support Viber?

A: Viber is compatible with Android phones, iPhones, Windows PCs, Macs, Linux computers, and supported tablets, allowing users to stay connected across multiple devices. (Viber)

Conclusion

The Viber App has evolved into a comprehensive communication platform that combines free messaging, high-quality voice and video calls, strong privacy protections, and cross-platform convenience. Its default end-to-end encryption, support for Communities and Channels, disappearing messages, and desktop synchronization make it a versatile choice for personal and professional communication. Whether you need to stay in touch with family overseas, collaborate with colleagues, or join interest-based communities, Viber offers a secure and feature-rich experience backed by years of continuous development and a focus on user privacy.