Messaging apps, on both smartphones and desktops, have become an integral part of our daily lives. They have revolutionized communication, making it easier and more efficient to stay connected with loved ones and colleagues. They offer a variety of features, such as real-time messaging, file sharing, and voice and video calls. Messaging apps are also cost-effective and can be used for educational purposes and to build relationships and communities.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and Discord are primarily designed for mobile devices, but they can also be used on desktop computers. This can be especially useful if you want to type longer messages, multitask with other open windows, or use additional features, such as file sharing and screen sharing.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using messaging apps on desktop computers instead of mobile devices.
Benefits of using messengers on a desktop
So why would you use popular instant messengers on a desktop? There are several reasons for this.
Larger screen size makes it easier to type and view messages, especially if you have a lot of messages to read or want to share photos and videos.
More features. Some messenger apps offer additional features on desktop computers, such as file sharing, screen sharing, and video calling. These features can be useful for collaboration and remote work.
The ability to use a keyboard and mouse is generally faster and more efficient than typing on a touchscreen device, especially if you need to type long messages or send multiple messages at once.
Easier multitasking. Working on a desktop, you can easily open other windows along with messaging apps and switch between them, making it easy to employ omnichannel messaging and stay productive while communicating with others.
How to start using messengers on a desktop
To use a messenger on a desktop computer, follow these steps:
- Choose a messenger app to use. Some popular options include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and Discord.
- Download and install the messenger app on your desktop computer. You can usually find the download links on the messenger app’s website.
- Create an account or log in with your existing account. If you already have an account on your mobile device, you can use the same account on your desktop computer.
- Add your contacts to the messenger app. You can usually do this by searching for their contact information or by importing your contacts from your email account or social media account.
- Start a conversation with a contact by typing a message in the chat window and hitting enter.
Tips for using messengers on a desktop effectively
Here are some tips and tricks for maximizing the use of messengers on a desktop computer:
Use keyboard shortcuts: most messenger apps offer keyboard shortcuts to quickly navigate the app and perform common tasks.
Enable notifications, so that you are alerted when you receive a new message, should enable notifications for the messenger app.
Customize the app. For example, you can change the theme, font size, and other settings.
Take advantage of desktop-specific features: Some messengers offer additional features on desktop computers, such as the ability to create and manage groups or to use bots and integrations.
Conclusion
Using popular messengers on a desktop computer can be a great way to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues, and to be more productive while communicating with others. However, if you are a small business, the best way to streamline customer communication among multiple messengers is by using an omnichannel messaging platform, such as Umnico. The platform allows you to combine all text-based communication: email, free live chat, social media, and messaging apps in a single window, automate answers to frequent questions, and analyze the performance of sales and support agents.