Rakuten Viber's User Penetration in the Philippines Surges to 71%, Aims to Introduce Viber Pay

Viber, a cross-platform messaging app owned by Japanese tech conglomerate Rakuten Group Inc., has gained immense popularity in the Philippines. Viber has become one of the country's most widely-used messaging apps in the Southeast Asian nation.

That makes the Philippines a prime launching pad for new features along the Japanese company's path to becoming a "super app."

According to Viber CEO Ofir Eyal, Kyodo News noted that Viber's strong presence in the Philippines can be attributed to the country's cultural dynamics.

With a user penetration rate of 71 percent, Viber has capitalized on the country's deep-rooted culture of text communication. Filipinos, known as the "text capital of the world," have seamlessly embraced Viber as their primary means of connecting with friends and family, including those residing abroad.

Dominance in the Philippines, Lagging in Japan

Initially launched in 2010 by Israeli friends as a solution for expensive international phone calls, Viber's popularity soared globally. Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten Group Inc. recognized its potential and acquired Viber for $900 million in 2014. Since then, Viber has introduced a range of features, including end-to-end encryption, group calls, and an API for chatbots, enhancing its user experience, according to Japan Today.

While Viber trails behind Line, the dominant messaging app in Japan, it has witnessed remarkable global growth. With over 1.4 billion downloads worldwide and over 250 million monthly active users, Viber has become popular in several Middle Eastern and Eastern European countries.

Viber faces stiff competition from tech giants like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. However, in the Philippines, Viber has surpassed WhatsApp in popularity. With its user-friendly interface, innovative features, and cost-effective calling options, Viber has emerged as a preferred choice for millions of Filipinos.

Viber's Impact in Ukraine

Viber enjoys widespread popularity in Ukraine, installed on 98 percent of smartphones. During a visit to Ukraine, Rakuten Group Chairman and CEO Hiroshi Mikitani emphasized the company's commitment to combating fake news and Russian propaganda on Viber. Cooperation with the Ukrainian government and telecommunication companies is crucial in ensuring a safe and reliable user experience.

Viber's Commitment to Security and Privacy

Rakuten Group Inc. has strategically expanded Viber's reach by introducing new features and continuously improving the app's performance. The company's acquisition of Viber aligns with its broader e-commerce goals, providing users seamless integration between messaging and online shopping experiences.

Viber's commitment to user privacy sets it apart from competitors. End-to-end encryption ensures secure communication, giving users peace of mind. These efforts resonate with users who value privacy in an increasingly digital era.

Photo: Viber Newsroom