History of Viber
Viber, a popular messaging and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) application, was founded in 2010 by Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinik, two Israeli entrepreneurs. Initially launched for iPhone devices, Viber quickly expanded to other platforms, including Android, Windows Phone, and desktop computers. The app gained rapid popularity due to its free messaging and calling features, which allowed users to communicate with friends and family globally without incurring traditional SMS or voice call charges.
In 2014, Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten acquired Viber for $900 million, aiming to strengthen its position in the global messaging market. Under Rakuten's ownership, Viber continued to grow its user base and introduced new features such as Viber Out, enabling users to make low-cost international calls to non-Viber users. The app also integrated additional functionalities like stickers, group chats, and multimedia sharing, enhancing its appeal to users worldwide.
Throughout its history, Viber has faced competition from other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger. However, it has maintained a significant user base, particularly in regions where it gained early traction. Viber's commitment to user privacy, security, and innovation has contributed to its enduring popularity as a reliable communication platform, serving millions of users across the globe.