View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. What Is
July 19, 2016updated 07 Feb 2017 9:16am

What is Kik?

Did you know that 40% of its user base is US teenagers?

By James Nunns

Kik is an instant messenger application for mobile devices that is available free of charge.

The app is available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone operating systems and is modelled after BlackBerry Messenger.

Kik messenger uses a smartphone’s data plan or Wi-Fi to transmit and receive messages, photos, videos, sketches, mobile webpages, and other content.

The service can be used by those who have registered a username.

Is Kik safe for kids?

One of the key features of the messenger services is that it helps to preserve a users’ anonymity by allowing a user to register without providing a telephone number and preventing users from being located on the service through any information other than their chosen username.

This has led to controversy due to fears that it is unsafe for minors to use.

In December 2015 there were approximately 240 million registered users, of which 40% are said to be US teenagers.

Content from our partners
An evolving cybersecurity landscape calls for multi-layered defence strategies
Powering AI’s potential: turning promise into reality
Unlocking growth through hybrid cloud: 5 key takeaways

The initial release of the app was in 2010.

 

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU