KakaoTalk vs LINE – Which Is the Better Messaging App?

KakaoTalk vs LINE – the debate between these two messaging apps has been going on for a while now. So, which one is better? KakaoTalk or LINE?

In today’s digital world most of the communication happens through messaging apps. In Asia, there are a few major messaging apps that people use every day. Two of the most popular are KakaoTalk and LINE. All these messaging apps offer similar features such as free text and voice messaging, group chats, video calls, and more. However, each app has its own unique features that set it apart from the rest. This blog post discusses the differences between these two apps and which one is better.

What Is KakaoTalk?

In a world where WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger dominate the messaging app market, it may come as a surprise to learn that KakaoTalk is the most popular messaging app in South Korea. With over 50 million monthly active users, KakaoTalk has a wide range of features that set it apart from its competitors.

The app allows users to send text, photos, videos, and files, as well as voice and video calling. In addition, KakaoTalk offers a variety of features such as built-in games, emojis, and more. For businesses, KakaoTalk can be used for marketing purposes such as sending promotional messages and running marketing campaigns.

Here are our posts on KakaoTalk with more details about the app and its features.

• KakaoTalk – Why Is It the Most Commonly Used Communication Tool in Korea

• Kakao Account – How to and Why Should You Create a Kakao Account

What Is LINE?

Launched in June 2011, LINE is a social media app that was launched by Naver Corporation, a South Korean company.  but is more popular in the Japanese market. It started off as a chat app that has since evolved into a platform for entertainment, social and day-to-day activities. LINE app offers a variety of features allowing users to connect with friends and family, such as instant messaging, voice and video calls, stickers and emojis, group chats, timeline posts, and memory saving. The app also provides users with access to news, weather, sports, and other information. 

We have covered the features of LINE in detail here.

[H2] The Differences Between KakaoTalk and LINE

Both LINE and  KakaoTalk are two of the most popular messaging apps on the market. While they both offer a variety of features, there are some key differences between them.

Search Functions

KakaoTalk has added an integrated search function to its latest PC version on Windows. Unlike KakaoTalk, LINE’s integrated search function is available in both Windows OS and Mac OS. This makes it possible to search for friends, chat rooms, and messages all in one place. Further, KakaoTalk’s message search function allows you to search for messages with a specific keyword in the entire chat room. You can also filter by search period or the message search scope, which makes it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for. KakaoTalk’s search results are classified by type (e.g. image, video, etc.), which makes it even easier to find what you need. On LINE’s PC version, users can search for chat rooms and messages in the chat room list window. There is not much difference in the search function in the mobile version of both platforms.

Chat Room Settings

Another difference between the two messenger apps is the settings and features of their chat rooms. There is a difference in how they show the status of the messages. In KakaoTalk, if you send a message in a group chat, it’ll show the total number of members who have not yet read the message. On the other hand, LINE shows the number of people who have read the message.

Both platforms have a “Do Not Disturb” mode, which allows you to mute notifications for a certain period. In KakaoTalk, you can also schedule the “Do Not Disturb” mode, so that it automatically turns on and off at a certain time. But in LINE this function is limited to a few options.

These two apps also differ in the way the group chats are created. In KakaoTalk, when a user creates a group chat, the members are automatically added to the group when they are invited. In LINE, the invitees can accept or decline the invitation to join the group. This is more convenient for users as they don’t have to join unwanted group chats.

Memo Function

Another feature the KakaoTalk users can enjoy is the ‘Chat with me’ function. A user can create a chat room with themselves to make memos or notes. LINE has a ‘Keep’ function where the users can save chats or files exchanged. But the memos or notes cannot be created on LINE.

Additional Services

Both offer a variety of additional features and services that appeal to users. KakaoTalk provides a range of services beyond simply messaging, including reservations, shopping, mobile payment, mobile games, taxi calls, and remittance services. LINE also offers several additional services, such as LINE Pay and LINE Games. Another key difference is in the emoticons/stickers that are available. KakaoTalk has Kakao Friends, while LINE has LINE Friends. While both apps have free and paid emoticons/stickers, LINE has more free options available. With so many stickers available for free, users are always happy to pay for something unique or special. 

Which Messaging App Is More Popular?

It’s hard to say which messaging app is more popular, KakaoTalk or LINE. Both apps have a large number of active users, and both are used extensively in their respective countries. However, LINE does have a lead in terms of overall popularity.

In South Korea, for example, KakaoTalk is used by over 95% of mobile phone users (around 47 million). LINE, on the other hand, is more popular in Japan, where it has over 90 million users.

According to the data, the popularity of both apps is high in their respective regions. KakaoTalk has been consistently more popular than LINE in South Korea, while LINE has had a higher market share in Japan. Their popularity has seen continuous growth in recent years with additional services and features being offered.

Why Do People Prefer Kakaotalk Over Line?

While LINE was the first messaging app to gain widespread popularity in East Asia, it has since been eclipsed by KakaoTalk in South Korea. This is partly due to KakaoTalk’s focus on catering to a Korean audience. The app offers features that are specifically designed for a Korean audience, such as integrated payment options and emojis designed to appeal to a Korean sensibility. KakaoTalk also gives priority to the Korean language which adds to its popularity in South Korea. 

KakaoTalk benefits from the close-knit nature of South Korea’s social media landscape. Because KakaoTalk is so deeply entrenched in the country’s social media ecosystem, it has become the go-to messaging app for many South Koreans. As a result, LINE has struggled to gain traction among Korean users, despite its early lead in the region.

So, What Do You Prefer – KakaoTalk or LINE?

So, which is the much better messaging app? The answer to that question depends on your preferences. KakaoTalk and LINE are both great apps with their own unique features. If you’re looking for a messaging app with more stickers and emoticons, LINE would be a good choice. However, if you want an app with more integrated services, KakaoTalk is the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. South Koreans tend to prefer KakaoTalk over LINE because of its many privacy features and large user base in Korea. Have you tried out both apps? What do you think is the best messaging app? 

FAQs

Is KakaoTalk Free Internationally?

Yes, KakaoTalk is free to use internationally as long as you have an internet connection. You can use the app to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos and videos with your friends and family no matter where they are in the world. Plus, KakaoTalk offers a variety of fun features that you can use to stay connected with your loved ones, including stickers, emoticons, and group chat rooms. So whether you’re catching up with an old friend or staying in touch with a far-flung relative, KakaoTalk is a great way to do it for free.

Can You Send Money through KakaoTalk?

The app offers a variety of features, including the ability to send money. While KakaoTalk does allow users to send money, there are some limitations to consider. First, the app only works with Korean banks. This means that if you want to send money to someone in another country, you will need to use a different service. Second, KakaoTalk charges a fee for each transaction. The fee is typically a percentage of the total amount being sent, and it can vary depending on the amount of money being transferred. As a result, KakaoTalk may not be the best option for sending large amounts of money. However, for small transactions, the service can be a convenient way to send money to friends and family members.