8 Best Messaging Apps For Large Group Communications

- Tarun Malik, Growth Leader Microsoft Kaizala Product Group 

Organizational efficiency has heavily improved with the influx of technology in the modern workplace. This is partly thanks to a plethora of new tools and products available in the market, aimed at increasing the effectiveness of collaboration and communications channels. Nowadays, it is impossible to even imagine an organization of any level to function without any kind of app/tool that engages everyone across a common platform. So, if you are looking for an app/tool to engage large networks for your organization or for a team event in your neighborhood, here are some that fit the bill.

This list of the best messaging apps for large group communication has been prepared after reviewing multiple tools and apps.

1. Microsoft Kaizala:The new player on the block, Kaizala has been a smart introduction by Microsoft. Kaizala was conceived after interviewingthousands of individuals and organizations, and understanding what makes a perfect chat-based productivity app. After having used the app, we can say mission accomplished! With loads of practical features viz. announcements, surveys and polls, Kaizala offers 1:1 chat and group chats which can accommodate unlimited members. This app is geared towards organizations and individuals and offers all the comfort of a chat app along with enterprise level security and encryption. Organizations and individuals can onboard and accommodate their entire network in one group without having to create several groups to track. With its feature-rich UI and tight security, Kaizala is a go-to messaging app for large group communication. The good news is Microsoft has plans to integrate Kaizala with Teams in the near future and that would provide a complete communication solution. The app is available worldwide.

2. Slack:Probably the most popular name when it comes to large group communication. Used by many and known by all, Slack is the first tool that probably comes to anyone’s mind, considering it has been here for a long time. Although it is not as feature rich as Kaizala, it is indeed a fine tool. Easy to use, supports large groups and has an attractive pricing, Slack’s built-in bot tool can remind you of messages or give you reminder about anything. With many customizable features and it even lets you turn any chat message into a micro channel about that a specific topic.

3. Telegram-Telegram had two main USPs: secretive chats which are super secure and large members in a single group. Telegram can add close to 200K members in its groups, which is, fair to say, a lot! Telegram also introduced something called Telegram X making experimental changes to it. It can be used by any organizations or even across friends. Telegram also lets you manage channels (chats without any member limits). Recipients cannot reply within the channels, but can only exclusively view the content sent to them.

4. Flock- Another great option when it comes to large group communication. In Flock, you can start a new chat by adding people you need. You can reply to someone's message in this and Flock will quote what they said right under your reply, creating a forum-like atmosphere. You can also start a one-to-one video chat or a group video call, when topics can't be discussed over chat. You also have the option to create polls and to-do list, assigning tasks etc. Oh! You can also send across documents as well!

5. Discord-A lot can be done on Discord. It has channels for almost every topic, fun emoji reactions to give for quick feedback etc. You can also pin messages, so you don't lose track of important ideas. One of the best features they have is: you can keep a voice channel on and talk to anyone on the team. You can keep your mic off and whenever you want to jump-in, just press the button. You can quickly add someone from another team to your chats, with a DiscordTag or the Instant Invite link, which shares a chat server with anyone.

6. WhatsApp-Believe it or not but a lot of companies indeed use WhatsApp for large communications. We are talking about small and medium scale organizations. Considering it is WhatsApp, you probably know all its features: sharing pictures, documents, videos, locations, voice calls, video calls etc. If you think WhatsApp does not deserve to be in this list, we can show you a hundred companies minimum that rely on WhatsApp for communication within their organization.

7. ZohoCliq-ZohoCliq is uniquely different. Instead of having one conversation-view, it lets you open multiple chats and private messages. Now, you don't have to switch between your most frequent-used conversations; you can open all of them at once. It also has something called Prime Time. You can use ZohoCliq as a broadcasting service where you can stream video in real time to anyone who tunes in. The best part? It’s dirt- cheap!

8. Cisco Webex-One for the innovative mind, Cisco Webex enables quick sharing of work with your team members. It helps you keep your communications straight forward by being in "one room". You can also sketch and share your ideas on a virtual whiteboard. How awesome is that?!

And that brings us to the end of our best large group communication. Let us know which one you use in your organization or which one you plan on using in the near future. Go ahead, head over these websites and check for a demo.