Imo is a free video calling and messaging app. The mobile version supports HD-quality video calling, in addition to quick messaging. Imo has been downloaded almost a million times and it enjoys high online user ratings.
Quick and Easy To Use
Imo is a reliable choice for spontaneous video calling. Registration is effortless and the interface is clean and looks good. Parents will love the fact that the app doesn't force users to make in-app purchases. All features are available free of charge.
The app prohibits users younger than 13, but it doesn't verify your age. Despite the official limit and a disclaimer stating that offensive talk is prohibited, many children use Imo. Live streams often contain inappropriate language and imagery.
Completely Free
If your contacts don't have the app, you can invite everyone from your contacts list to join you. While other messaging apps make you pay for some extra features, Imo gives everything for free. It automatically organizes chat sessions by tabs and runs these sessions in the background for three days. You can record and send short looping videos. Imo even has a simple drawing tool that lets you doodle something and share it with friends.
Imo's best feature is voice and video calling. We were pleasantly surprised with the quality of voice calls, and group calls didn't disappoint. Until recently, the app didn't offer end-to-end encryption, leaving the door open for hackers. The addition of encryption makes Imo much more appealing.
Safety Concerns
Imo asks users to confirm that they are at least 13 years old. Since making calls is the core of the app, it can also be used for sending inappropriate texts to teenagers. Thus, it is only safe for children under parent supervision.
Users can only chat with people in their address book. There are no discovery or search features to enable random encounters with strangers. However, streamers chat with others in real-time. Encryption makes the app relatively safe.
Conclusion
Imo has everything you could possibly look for in a messaging app. Though there are many messaging apps, Imo is our favorite because it's free and simple to use. Imo features in-app advertisements, however, and ads can reference gambling, alcohol, and other mature themes.
Highlights
- High-quality video calls;
- Talk and text simultaneously;
- Includes a drawing tool;
- Send stickers, photos and videos.