What is Kakaotalk?
Kakaotalk is a mobile messaging app that has been in service since 2010 on Kakao. It is undoubtedly South Korea’s top messaging app and the key factor that transformed Kakao into a giant corporation.
History of KakaoTalk Development
KakaoTalk, a mobile messaging app that started its service in 2010, was initially released for iOS on March 18 and later for Android on August 23 of the same year. The PC version launched on June 20, 2013, for Microsoft Windows, followed by the macOS app on May 29, 2014. Although a Blackberry OS version was introduced on March 7, 2012, it was discontinued by December 28, 2015. KakaoTalk also launched versions for Bada OS in 2012 and Windows Phone in 2012, which were later discontinued in 2014 and 2016 respectively.
KakaoTalk played a pivotal role in ending the feature phone era in Korea and significantly boosted smartphone adoption. With its simple yet effective service, KakaoTalk became the primary reason many users purchased smartphones, even opting for low-cost models instead of high-end devices.
The app revolutionized messaging, eliminating the constraints of feature phone text message charges, which were once considered burdensome. As smartphones became more widely used, KakaoTalk made communication more accessible, with users flocking to it for both social and professional interactions.
KakaoTalk’s success eventually led to the merger of its developer, Kakao, with Daum, an internet portal company, in 2014. The merger, completed in October 2014, resulted in the creation of Daum Kakao, which was later renamed Kakao in 2015. Over the years, Kakao has expanded its services beyond messaging, introducing KakaoPay in 2014, KakaoTV in 2015, and further diversifying into various content platforms, including search services and KakaoChannels.
The influence of KakaoTalk on other messaging apps is significant, with Tencent’s WeChat reportedly taking inspiration from KakaoTalk’s features, with Tencent’s chairman, Ma Huateng, investing 72 billion KRW in KakaoTalk during its early stages.
KakaoTalk Services Overview
KakaoTalk is a versatile communication platform offering a range of services to enhance user interaction and convenience.
Free Calling and Messaging
KakaoTalk offers free calling and messaging, allowing users to send text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, locations, webpage links, and contact information.
Users can create one-on-one conversations or group chats with no limit on the number of participants. The app automatically syncs with the user’s smartphone contact list, making it easy to connect with friends who also use the service.
Additionally, users can search for friends by their KakaoTalk ID, bypassing the need for phone numbers.
Plus Friend
KakaoTalk has evolved into a platform for distributing third-party content and apps. Through the Plus Friend feature, users can follow brands, celebrities, and media outlets to receive exclusive messages, coupons, and real-time information via chatrooms.
Users can also purchase real-world goods through KakaoTalk’s Gifting platform, enhancing the social commerce experience.
Kakao Pay
KakaoPay, integrated with KakaoTalk, is a mobile payment and digital wallet service. It enables users to make mobile payments, send money, and complete online transactions.
Launched in 2014, KakaoPay has expanded into additional financial services, including KakaoBank and debit cards, making it a comprehensive financial tool.
Emoticon Plus
In 2021, KakaoTalk introduced Emoticon Plus, a subscription service allowing users to access an unlimited collection of Kakao’s emoticons for a monthly fee of ₩6,900. This service can be purchased through the KakaoTalk Wallet, separate from the in-app payment system.
File Sharing and Backup
KakaoTalk supports sending various files and offers the option to adjust the quality of photos and videos before sending them. It also provides cloud storage for text and media through Talk Storage Plus, though open and secret chats cannot be backed up.
Friend Management and Privacy
Users can manage their friends, block or remove contacts, and customize their profiles with unique photos, backgrounds, and multiple nicknames. Friend requests can be filtered and controlled through the app’s settings, ensuring privacy and control.
User Distribution by Country
South Korea
The country with the most active users is undeniably South Korea, where, as of the fourth quarter of 2021, the monthly active users (MAU) reached 47 million.
In South Korea, KakaoTalk has approximately 50 million users and over 100 million downloads, making it the most popular mobile messaging app. As of 2018, its market share in South Korea was a staggering 94.4%, effectively making it the national messaging app used by almost the entire population.
Notably, the app’s penetration rate among the population under 65 years old, excluding the elderly, is nearly 100%, making it nearly impossible to find anyone not using KakaoTalk. Because of this, not having KakaoTalk can disadvantage people in social and professional settings in South Korea. Universities, workplaces, and other social organizations commonly use KakaoTalk’s group chat function for announcements or official meetings, and even administrative or public institutions sometimes send notifications or bills via KakaoTalk. This shows how thoroughly KakaoTalk has integrated into the daily lives and society of South Koreans.
As of the fourth quarter of 2023, the app’s MAU outside of South Korea stands at 5.12 million, accounting for only about 10% of its total user base.
International
KakaoTalk is available in 15 languages and used in over 130 countries. On July 26, 2011, Kakao Corp. established Kakao Japan, with Cha-Jin Park as the representative. The app saw a significant surge in usage during Japan’s massive earthquake on March 11, 2011, as millions sought to confirm the safety of loved ones. KakaoTalk played a crucial role in connecting people when wired and wireless networks were down.
KakaoTalk has focused on Southeast Asia, targeting countries without a dominant mobile messenger service. The app has formed partnerships in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, airing TV commercials featuring Big Bang alongside local celebrities. By the end of 2013, Indonesia became KakaoTalk’s second-largest market, with 13 million users. KakaoTalk also customized its service by collaborating with local companies to create content specific to each region. In February 2014, it launched on Nokia Asha devices, expanding its user base.
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