photo_library54

imo Messenger

A Decent Messenger for Video Calls and Chats - Some Pros and Cons

Name: A Decent Messenger for Video Calls and Chats - Some Pros and Cons
Item: imo Messenger
Rating: 3
Author: rachel_turnr

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've been using imo as a messaging app for video calls and chats with my family, and it's been a decent alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, which can be flaky in some regions. The app is owned by PageBites, Inc., a California-based company that develops and maintains the service. While it's popular in regions with slow internet, I've experienced some issues with it in Dagestan, where it's been flaky for over a year now. However, I've been using it alongside BiP, which I recently reviewed, and I've also been trying out TeleGuard, which doesn't require a phone number or email for registration. imo is a decent option, but it's not perfect. For one, it can be slow to load and may experience lag, especially with video calls. Additionally, it doesn't offer end-to-end encryption, which may be a concern for some users. The app also requires a phone number or email for registration, which can be a hassle for some users. On the other hand, imo is free to download and use, with no hidden costs or fees, and it's available on both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users. I've also appreciated the app's ease of use and user-friendly interface, which makes it a great option for staying in touch with friends and family.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Güvenlik9/10

HizmetKalite8/10

KullanıcıDostu7/10

I've got to say, we're all too familiar with the realities of messaging apps these days. I'm talking about WhatsApp, which only works if you've got another app running in the background, or Telegram, which has been flaky for us in Dagestan for over a year now.

When I started looking for an alternative, I switched to imo with my family. Now, I'm using it alongside BiP, which I recently wrote about in a super detailed review, and I've also been trying out TeleGuard, which doesn't require a phone number or email for registration.

But let's talk about imo for now.

imo is actually owned by the American company PageBites, Inc., based in California, which develops and maintains the service, offering messaging and calling features. The app is popular in regions with slow internet, and it's also partnered with the Chinese company Joyy. Despite temporary blocks and fines in Russia, imo has continued to work after meeting the requirements set by Roskomnadzor.

As you might've read earlier, imo was initially blocked in our country, but they managed to unblock it after meeting the requirements set by Roskomnadzor, likely by handing over encryption keys.

Nothing new here, to be honest – I'm not aware of any messenger that truly prioritizes user privacy. But imo at least doesn't tie itself to our government services, so that's a plus.

It's worth noting that imo sometimes works better than the rest combined, even when the connection is pretty bad.

So, the description about the service being popular in regions with slow internet might actually be true – at least, it works for me when the connection is subpar.

Now, let's talk about the app's features.

We'll start with the main page, which displays your nickname and imo ID, along with tabs for settings and privacy.

One of the features I loved about this app is that you can add music to the main page, so when friends come over, they'll hear the track you've set as your profile music.

The music player is pretty large, and there's a good selection, but unfortunately, you can't upload your own music from your phone - you're limited to the tracks available in the app.

I was a bit disappointed to find that the 'Recent Visitors' feature requires a premium subscription to access a longer time period.

Security and Privacy.

Private Chats and Calls : this is where you can set up a secret chat with your contacts, keeping your conversations private.

One feature I really like in this app is the secret chat option. Even when your screen is unlocked, the messages you receive will be hidden until you open the app itself.

Another useful feature in this section is the screenshot blocking during a call. It's pretty straightforward – just slide the toggle to the right, and your conversation partner won't be able to take a screenshot while you're on a video call.

I also like the ability to hide certain contacts, which I've dubbed 'invisible friends'.

The family guardian feature is another interesting aspect of this app – it's like having a built-in parent control.

The other features in this section are pretty standard – profile confidentiality, online status, last seen, and read receipts. I won't dwell on those.

I wanted to mention another interesting aspect: the method for adding me.

This implies that the app asks how other contacts can find you and add you as a friend – by phone number, IMO ID, through groups, recent visitors, and so on.

If you turn everything off, you won't be found unless you initiate a conversation with someone yourself.

Settings.

In this section, you can set up notifications, configure file saving or block it, and – most importantly – delete unnecessary tabs like planet and voice club.

PLANET is basically like a local social media platform, and VOICE CLUB is like channels and communities.

I've been super frustrated because I still haven't found a single decent video on PLANET or an interesting community in VOICE CLUB, despite their popularity in this messenger.

I used to have no idea how to turn off these two features, which would make unwanted communities, that I wasn't even subscribed to, pop up in the middle of my chats - it was super annoying.

Storage and Data - here you can choose the quality of media file uploads.

I chose the original file, which means that the files I send and receive won't get compressed and will have high quality.

You get to choose the quality of video that suits you.

Calls. The app does a great job here: I can always hear and see the other person clearly, and the connection stays strong - no dropped calls or interference. Plus, you can enable end-to-end call encryption, which means no one outside the chat can eavesdrop on your conversations.

Stickers. Unlike Bip, imo has a wide variety of stickers - and you can even create your own. I'm not sure how advanced this feature is, but I've had no issues with stickers in the app.

One major drawback. Now that I've got a gripe, let's talk about the advertising.

It's not like the app is flooded with ads, but they're there, and they mostly pop up when you're wrapping up a call.

I get that it's a necessary evil for developers to make money, but it's just so annoying. Even Bip, which is a similar service, doesn't have any ads, and it's still just as good.

The verdict.

IMO is a decent app, but let's be real, if the developers are buddies with Roskomnadzor, you can forget about any real confidentiality. And don't even get me started on the ads – they're just a major turnoff.

In all other aspects, IMO is a solid app: you can get through to people quickly, and it's also got a decent video-watching feature – even if the video quality is a bit sketchy.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is imo and how does it work?

imo is a messaging app that allows users to send messages, make video calls, and share files with friends and family. The app is owned by PageBites, Inc., a California-based company that develops and maintains the service.

Is imo free to download and use?

Yes, imo is free to download and use, with no hidden costs or fees. The app is available on both Android and iOS devices.

Does imo offer end-to-end encryption?

No, imo does not offer end-to-end encryption, which may be a concern for some users.

Can I use imo with slow internet?

Yes, imo is popular in regions with slow internet, making it a great option for those with limited connectivity.

How do I register for imo?

To register for imo, you'll need to provide a phone number or email address. You can then download the app and start using it to send messages and make video calls.

Is imo available on both Android and iOS devices?

Yes, imo is available on both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Can I use imo to make video calls?

Yes, imo allows users to make video calls with friends and family. The app is easy to use and offers a user-friendly interface.

Does imo offer any additional features?

imo offers a range of features, including file sharing and group chats. However, it may not offer as many features as some other messaging apps, such as BiP and TeleGuard.

Is imo a secure messaging app?

imo takes user security seriously and uses various measures to protect user data. However, it's worth noting that imo doesn't offer end-to-end encryption, which may be a concern for some users.

Can I use imo with multiple devices?

Yes, imo allows users to access their account from multiple devices, making it a great option for users who want to stay in touch with friends and family from anywhere.

check_circlePros

•imo is a decent alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, which can be flaky in some regions.
•The app is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.
•imo offers video calling and messaging features, making it a great option for staying in touch with friends and family.
•The app is popular in regions with slow internet, making it a great option for those with limited connectivity.
•imo is free to download and use, with no hidden costs or fees.
•The app is available on both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
•imo offers file sharing and group chats, making it a great option for staying in touch with multiple people at once.
•The app is constantly being updated with new features and improvements, making it a great option for users who want a reliable messaging app.

cancelCons

•imo can be flaky in some regions, especially in areas with slow internet.
•The app can be slow to load and may experience lag, especially with video calls.
•imo doesn't offer end-to-end encryption, which may be a concern for some users.
•The app requires a phone number or email for registration, which may be a hassle for some users.
•imo doesn't offer as many features as some other messaging apps, such as BiP and TeleGuard.
•The app can be buggy at times, with some users experiencing issues with crashes and freezes.
•imo doesn't offer a built-in screen sharing feature, which can be a limitation for some users.
•The app's customer support can be lacking at times, which can be frustrating for users who need help.