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Free and streamlined social media messaging service for smartphone users

Free and streamlined social media messaging service for smartphone users

Vote: (2 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Skype Communications S.a.r.l

Version: 6.91.2

Works under: Windows

Also available for Android

Vote:

Program license

(2 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Skype Communications S.a.r.l

6.91.2

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Android

Pros

  • Allows you to create unlimited group chats
  • Works across a wide array of devices
  • Supports a browser-based interface

Cons

  • SMS and email messaging is a bit limited
  • Group chat design is somewhat rigid

GroupMe is a group text messaging services that provides you with a silver platter of messaging services regardless of what device you're using. Despite being invented by Microsoft, this is platform agnostic software that's designed to bridge the gap between different operating systems and the inherent differences between how they handle SMS and other messaging formats. And while it's since become outpaced by other messaging services, it remains a seamless and highly functional approach to alternatives like Facebook Messenger.

GroupMe makes use of your existing phone number to verify your identity, but that also allows you to get the information you want without having to directly own the GroupMe app. You can sync it up to send GroupMe group messages directly to your SMS text messaging service, and users without GroupMe accounts can still receive messages from the group although some formatting elements like emoji don't make the transition for people who don't have the app on their devices. Fortunately, it's easy to invite new members and find which friends are already on GroupMe. The app can automatically scan your phone's address book to send out new invites and automate the process of connecting with contacts.

Once you have your number registered and your contacts imported, you can begin creating chat groups. There's no limit to how many groups you can create, and each stands alone as a completely private chat. And while you can have one-on-one conversations with friends and family through the GroupMe app, most of the features are focused on managing the hassles of larger group conversations. But regardless of who belongs to your group or what devices they use, everyone has access to a wealth of resources that include a large emoji collection, photo and video sharing, and GIFs.

But while GroupMe's structure makes it easy to delineate your conversations into separate groups, it can be more rigid than other messaging apps. You have to create a group before you can add people to it, and it can be difficult to leave a group once you've already been assigned to one. And while all group conversations are completely archived, deleting them can actually be difficult. If you're the type of person who likes conversations to flow and shift spontaneously, you might find that the structure of GroupMe's design is a bit too prescriptive to your tastes. Those turned off by messaging services tied to social media platforms like Facebook will find something cleaner and less ad-driven with GroupMe, and there's even a browser-based version to use if you don't like downloading external software. It provides a great method for organizing your various conversations, but it's an app you'll get the most value from it all of your friends are willing to use it.

Pros

  • Allows you to create unlimited group chats
  • Works across a wide array of devices
  • Supports a browser-based interface

Cons

  • SMS and email messaging is a bit limited
  • Group chat design is somewhat rigid