Note: This article was published in 2013. Software versions, prices, settings, apps and services mentioned may have changed or been discontinued since then — please check current information before relying on it.

With WhatsApp becoming a rage amongst Smartphone users across the globe, IM has acquired a whole new meaning. IM, short for instant messenger is one of the sought after feature that every user seeks for on their smartphone. After all it is the most cost effective yet efficient way to send out text, messages, photos and videos in real time to friends and family. Although WhatsApp has scored quite high in terms of popularity, there are other less -known but extremely handy IM options that are far ahead from WhatsApp when it comes to better usage, features and services. Here is a list of top 5 IM iPhone apps that will make you forget WhatsApp.

1. BeeJive IM

(Image Source: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/06/0624_best_iphone_3G_apps/image/02_beejive.jpg)
It is one of the most popular IM apps on the Apple App store. The best feature of this app is that it supports wide range of messenger namely Facebook, Gtalk, Yahoo, Myspace IM, Jabber and few others. In addition to that the IM supports multimedia support and picture sharing, push notification. A must have application for those who have an overwhelming presence on social media platforms.

(iTunes Store:- https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/beejiveim-with-push/id291720439?mt=8)

2. e-Buddy Pro

(Image Source: http://a1937.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/110/Purple/v4/fb/c6/34/fbc63461-0a32-5d7c-e7b1-e7f261a9ae7a/mzl.lipdvupf.320×480-75.jpg)
This is another IM app that is supported by popular IM clients such as AIM, MSN Live, ICQ, Gtalk, Yahoo Messanger. The app boasts of a pretty large user base and has many awesome features like picture sharing, push notification etc. There is a paid as well as the free version of the app. It was an excellent layout and interface that makes chatting with friends and family a pleasurable experience.

(iTunes Store:- https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/ebuddy-pro-messenger/id336346413?mt=8)

3. Meebo

(Image Source: http://cache.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/08/meeboiphone3.png)

Meebo is all in one integrated instant chat messenger that works equally well across devices namely the desktop or the iPhone. It enjoys the support of over 100 IM networks including popular IM’s such as Gtalk, Facebook, MySpace, Yahoo, AOL, Yahoo! etc. The advanced chat session management is perhaps the best aspect of this app that allows users to switch between the App and the phone. It is great app with additional features like searchable chat history; add/remove friend option, Chat groups and much more. An excellent IM app that will connect you with all your friends anytime, anywhere.

(App link:- http://ipod.about.com/od/iphoneappsreviews/fr/meebo-iphone-app-review.htm)

4. Verbs IM

(Image Source : http://media.idownloadblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/VerbsApp-Banner.png)

It may be argued that Verbs does not support many features that many of its competitors offer, yet it on the list. The reason for this is that Verb is a very classy IM app which is extremely easy to use. The app has an extremely intuitive UI which looks good. Although not many, Verbs support two of the leading IM clients namely Gtalk and MobileMe.

(iTunes Store:- https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/verbs-im/id392501688?mt=8)

5. Kik Messenger

(Image Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dJYza2jIp5Q/UWgM3MunYpI/AAAAAAAAE1M/p-wySY8KU64/s1600/Kik-Messenger-apk.jpg)

There is more than one reason, why you will love this instant messenger. To begin with, it is undoubtedly the fastest and most reliable IM designed for a Smartphone. The application is highly personalized with advanced sent option, delivery report, read and type notification and much more. The simplicity of the design is perhaps the best aspect of this app. Apart from that, it gives you full control of your identity and helps you keep your phone number hidden. No wonder, it is one of the most popular IM tool that people are using to stay connected on variety of social media websites.

(iTunes Store:- https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/kik-messenger/id357218860?mt=8)

The IM options featuring in this write-up have several reasons to feature on this list. To begin with, these iphone apps are extremely customizable and can help you use IM in a guarded and subtle way. The best part is that both iOS and Android OS have most of these apps on their platforms, allowing users to use it from any device.