Rakuten Viber

Rakuten Viber — usually just called Viber — is a cross-platform messaging, voice and video calling application owned by Japan's Rakuten Group. It was created in 2010 by Israeli entrepreneurs Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinnik, originally as a free VoIP calling app that let users place international calls over the internet instead of paying carrier rates. That calling-first identity, plus early support for many platforms and low-cost international calls, helped Viber build a large user base, particularly in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Greece, the Middle East and parts of Southeast Asia. Viber's core product is a free messaging app offering one-to-one and group chats, voice and video calls, file and media sharing, and end-to-end encrypted conversations. Over time the company layered on features that go beyond plain messaging: Viber Out (paid low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles), Viber Communities and Channels, sticker and sticker-market monetization, business messaging and chatbots, and Viber Pay for in-app payments in some markets. These additions reflect a strategy of turning a communications utility into a broader platform for consumers and businesses. In 2014, Rakuten Group acquired Viber for approximately US$900 million, folding it into the Japanese e-commerce and internet conglomerate's portfolio alongside other digital properties. Under Rakuten, Viber has been positioned as a global messaging asset and a channel for Rakuten's ecosystem, while continuing to operate as a distinct consumer brand. The company has emphasized privacy and encryption in its marketing, and it has been active in business messaging, where brands use Viber to reach customers with notifications, promotions and customer service. Today Rakuten Viber competes in a crowded messaging market dominated by WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, WeChat and regional players such as LINE (also part of Rakuten's broader competitive landscape). Its differentiation rests on free calling, a strong regional footprint in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and business messaging tools. The brand is active and continues to release product updates, though it operates as a subsidiary rather than a separately listed company.

Viber was founded in 2010 by Israeli entrepreneurs Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinnik, who had previously worked together on other technology ventures. The app launched as a free VoIP calling service that allowed users to make international calls over the internet, undercutting traditional carrier rates. Early versions focused on voice calling across platforms, and the service grew rapidly as smartphone adoption spread, especially in markets where international calling costs were high. As messaging apps proliferated in the early 2010s, Viber expanded from pure calling into text messaging, group chats, media sharing and stickers, evolving into a full messaging platform. Its user base concentrated in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Greece, the Middle East and parts of Southeast Asia, where it became a mainstream communication tool. The company also introduced Viber Out, a paid service for calling landlines and mobile numbers at low rates, which became a meaningful monetization channel alongside stickers and, later, business messaging. In February 2014, Japan's Rakuten Group announced the acquisition of Viber for approximately US$900 million, marking one of Rakuten's largest overseas acquisitions and its entry into the global messaging market. Under Rakuten, Viber continued to operate as a distinct brand while being integrated into Rakuten's broader internet ecosystem. The company invested in features such as end-to-end encryption for chats, Viber Communities, Channels, and business messaging tools aimed at brands and enterprises. In the years since, Viber has faced intense competition from WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger and regional players, and has focused on differentiation through free calling, privacy features and business messaging. It has also experimented with payments (Viber Pay) in select markets. The brand remains active as a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, with product updates and regional marketing continuing, though it is not separately listed on any stock exchange.

• 2018

  Viber launches Communities and expands business messaging tools.

• 2016

  Viber introduces end-to-end encryption for chats.

• 2014

  Rakuten Group acquires Viber for approximately US$900 million.

• 2010

  Viber founded by Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinnik; launches as a free VoIP calling app.

A free, privacy-focused cross-platform messaging and calling app with strong regional strength in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, positioned as a global communications platform within Rakuten's ecosystem.

• Viber messaging app

  Free cross-platform messaging with chats, calls, media sharing and encryption.

• Viber Out

  Low-cost paid calls to landlines and mobile numbers.

• Viber Business Messages

  Business messaging and chatbot tools for brands and enterprises.

• Viber Pay

  In-app payment feature available in select markets.

1. 1Viber official websiteviber.com
2. 2Rakuten Group official websiteglobal.rakuten.com
3. 3Rakuten Viber launches new tools to fight spam on the platformsundaytimes.lk
4. 4Viber launches eSIM service in Philippinesphilstar.com