Kik is not unique in how it transmits communications it is in fact similar to other messaging apps. It differentiates itself with a distinctive but controversial effort to target a specific group. Kik appeals to the teenage crowd because of its focus on privacy and anonymity. You can register with your name and email alone which provides you with more privacy than other apps. This however can have negative effects where users can share almost anything without ever being identified.

Like other messaging applications Kik gives you the option of seeing when you sent messages and when they were received. You can personalise audio notifications with different tones and receive them when someone messages you. You can apply themes to your chats. There is a real time indicator to show when someone is replying and like other messaging apps there is a ‘read’ function.

Kik stands out for its social media integration. You can use Kik to invite friends or family through email, Facebook or Twitter.

Kik has a feature known as ‘Meet New People’. This feature throws you into chats with other Kiksters based on your interests, who are also looking to meet someone new.

Kik offers private and public group chats up to 50 participants. Within these groups you can be messaged privately by any of the users via a direct message function unless it has been disabled.

Kik has a bot shop. Another feature that appeals to teenagers. Kiks chatbots are orientated to social interaction. You can do the following with them - take quizzes and find fashion tips, news, advice and more in categories like Games, Fun with Friends and Lifestyle. If you don't have Kiksters to chat with these bots provide entry into an arena so that you can meet new people.