Build a WhatsApp-like App
A real-time messaging app with end-to-end encryption, group chats, and media sharing.
$22K
Starting budget
10 wks
Minimum timeline
E2EE
End-to-end encrypted
< 100ms
Message delivery target
What goes into building it?
Messaging apps require WebSocket infrastructure for real-time delivery, end-to-end encryption, media compression and storage, and read receipts. We build chat products for internal enterprise tools, customer support platforms, and consumer messaging apps.
Tech Stack
Core Features
Real-time messaging
WebSocket-based instant delivery with read/delivered receipts
End-to-end encryption
Signal Protocol implementation for private messages
Group chats
Create groups, add members, admin controls
Media sharing
Photos, videos, voice notes, and file attachments
Voice & video calls
WebRTC-powered 1:1 and group calls
Message reactions
Emoji reactions and message replies
Status / stories
24-hour disappearing photo and text status updates
Business messaging mode
Auto-replies, catalog, and broadcast messages for B2B use
Key Screens
Technical Challenges
E2E encryption key management
WebSocket scalability
Media storage costs
Call quality on poor connections
We've solved all of these challenges in production apps. Ask us how during your scoping call.
Common Questions
How much does it cost to build a messaging app like WhatsApp?
A chat app with real-time messaging, groups, and media sharing starts at $22,000. Adding voice/video calls and encryption brings the range to $40,000–$55,000.
Is end-to-end encryption required?
For consumer apps, yes — users expect it. For internal enterprise tools, server-side encryption with access controls is often sufficient and simpler to implement.
How do you handle message delivery at scale?
We use Redis pub/sub with Socket.io for real-time delivery and a message queue (Bull/BullMQ) for offline delivery when users reconnect.
Can this be white-labeled for businesses?
Yes — we build multi-tenant messaging platforms where each business gets its own branded chat experience with custom domains and branding.
Ready to build your WhatsApp-like app?
Get a fixed-price proposal within 48 hours. No agency jargon — just a clear scope, timeline, and cost.