Viber will need to prove that it offers more value and increased customization than either of those providers. The challenge:Payments within messaging apps isn’t a new concept-players like WeChat and Meta-owned WhatsApp are prime examples of messaging providers that have pushed into the payments space.īreaking into the payments space could be a challenge for Viber, which has a much smaller base of users than WeChat and WhatsApp. And while Germany only has 3 million Viber users, the country shares a strong payments corridor with Greece, newly minted CEO Ofir Eyal told TechCrunch.In Greece, Viber boasts 91% smartphone penetration, making payments a viable growth opportunity.But the company is taking a more targeted approach with its new payments service by tapping two key markets. Viber already offers some payment services like chatbot payments and money transfers in select countries.

The messaging app features a tailored news feed and end-to-end encryption to protect user privacy.

Why it’s worth watching: Viber has approximately 250 million monthly active users and is present in 180 countries, though Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are its largest markets.

Viber vs whatsapp