In-App Chat vs. SMS: Whatâs the Difference?
Blog post from Stream
Exploring the differences between SMS and in-app chat for user outreach, SMS offers a direct method for businesses to communicate with users through short messages, ideal for sending reminders and alerts across various industries like telehealth, gaming, and marketplaces. While SMS boasts high open rates and cost-effectiveness, its limitations include stricter regulations, potential UX disruption, and perceived impersonal interactions. In contrast, in-app chat provides a more engaging and customizable platform for communication, supporting community building, enhanced user experience, and data ownership, although it requires users to download the app and have internet access. The cost comparison reveals that while SMS may seem cheaper, in-app chat offers more value by enhancing user engagement and retaining customer analytics. Ultimately, SMS is suitable for straightforward communication, whereas in-app chat fosters a more interactive and personalized user experience, making it a compelling choice for apps aiming to create a community-driven environment.