Is Instant Messaging The Same As Texting?
If you are confused about the difference between instant messaging and texting, you are not alone. Many people like you who are used to mobile phone texting think it is the same as texting. But, well, as we shall see shortly, the two are related but not the same. So, let’s highlight the difference and usage of these communication strategies.
The fact is, texting and instant messaging have gained immense popularity over the last ten years or so. Thus, many people use the terms “text messaging” and “instant messaging” as if the two mean the same thing. However, some key distinctions exist between the two. Consider the following before using the wrong strategy to pass your message around to your target audience.
What is Texting?
Texting is an interesting question, given that many people are used to what they call texting or messaging. But maybe what you do might, or might not be, texting. So, let’s elaborate on what texting is or is not. Both SMS (Short Messaging Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messages fall under the texting concept. However, the two have a few slight differences.
For starters, texting, popularly known as messaging, is where you send short electronic messages between two, three, or more electronic devices. These devices can be mobile phones, laptops, desktops, tablets, etc.
For this messaging to work, you need a cellular network. This network means a channel to send cellphone-based messages.
This type of cell phone-based messaging is popular with cellphone users. That is why more than half of the over 5 billion people own smartphones.
Now, that is an immense market if you are in business. But, it doesn’t tell you about instant messaging and what it can do. That’s fine; it will get clearer down here.
What Does Instant Messaging Mean?
Most likely, you have sent messages via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessage, and WeChat; if so, you were using instant messaging services. This messaging uses software applications or apps to relay your message in real-time. These apps relay real-time messages, which has made the apps gain popularity over the years.
This kind of instant messaging is commonly referred to as “Over the Top” (OTT) applications. Why? Because sending or receiving these messages doesn’t need your device to be connected to any cellular network connection. However, to send or receive these kinds of messages, you need to have a device that connects to the net. Such devices include a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or desktop.
What’s more, some instant messaging apps allow you to make voice and video calls and share some files.
Is Texting Same as Instant Messaging?
In a nutshell, these two professional texting techniques are not the same. Instant messaging only requires an internet connection, while texting requires a cellular connection. In other words, with texting, you need to use a cellular internet connection, while with instant messaging, it is your device that requires connecting to the internet. So, even without a cellular phone connection, you can still use instant messaging as long as your device can connect to the internet.
Let’s delve deeper into these concepts.
The Difference between Texting and Instant Messaging
Application/Cellular Carrier
If you want to use instant messaging, both the sender and recipient must use the same application. For instance, you cannot send an instant message from WhatsApp to Facebook Messenger or vice versa.
Texting allows the sender and recipient to use the service on any cell phone; it doesn’t matter the cellular carrier. So, for instance, if you have a T-Mobile phone, you can easily text someone with a Verizon plan.
International Capabilities
Instant messaging allows anyone with an internet connection to communicate with people worldwide.
If you want to use texting services, your international carrier will determine if you can send messages to people in other countries. Besides, the carrier will determine the cost of such messaging services.
Devices
You can send Instant messages from a smartphone, desktop, laptop, and tablet. Sadly, if you are using regular cell phones without an internet connection, you can’t enjoy instant messaging services.
Texting is custom-designed for each mobile device; This means you only need your cell phone to send text messages.
Should You Use Messaging or Texting or for Your Business?
Messaging and texting are valuable tools for any business that wants easy, fast, and cost-effective communication with its customers.
However, you might be wondering, between the two, which one is better for marketing purposes?
Texting
- Your customers don’t have to download any additional applications to text.
- Texting enables you to reach clients faster than a phone call or an email.
- Imagine this, 94% of U.S. adults own a mobile phone. This means you are sure to reach a wider audience via text messaging than almost any other marketing channel.
- Your businesses can achieve an 11%-30% increase in customer engagement using SMS marketing. When you send a text, 95% of customers read it within 3 minutes of receiving it.
- All modern mobile networks and devices support SMS messaging. So, the only thing you need to text your customers is their respective cell phone numbers.
Instant Messaging
- It allows you to send unique content that contains text, videos, and photos.
- It requires both the sender and the receiver to share the same messaging app to communicate.
- Instant messaging requires you and the recipient to have an internet connection. This means that customers who are not connected to the internet won’t receive your messages expeditiously.
Start Texting Customers Today with TextP2P
You have the facts with you. So, you have all the reasons to start texting your customers today. If you’re looking for reliable and credible internet messaging to contact your customers, get in touch with TextP2P. Try our service for free for 14 days to learn how to maximize your outreach using text messaging now.
TextP2P provides easy-to-use, affordable SMS solutions that enable you to start texting your customers immediately.
