BBM is an acronym for BlackBerry Messenger, which is an instant messaging application on BlackBerry devices.

The application can also be used to make voice calls and messages can be exchanged between either a single person or a chat group.

The messenger allows users to send messages and voice calls between owners of Blackberry, iOS, Windows Phone and Android devices.

How does BBM compare to WhatsApp?

Initially released in August 2005, the application is said to have more than 190 million users worldwide, as of 2015.

Features of BlackBerry Messenger include the ability to make BBM Video calls or Screen Share over Wi-Fi, or mobile network, and cross platform video calls.

There are several similarities between WhatsApp and BlackBerry Messenger, but also some differences.

WhatsApp is based on your own phone number whereas BBM uses Pins and users need to sign up for a BlackBerry ID.

On the emoticon front (because who doesn’t love an emoticon?!), BBM offers around 90 core emoticons, while WhatsApp has over 190.