What Is Viber and How It Works

Elsa Updated on Aug 8, 2025 Filed to: Parent Control

Messaging apps make it easier to stay in touch with friends and family. Viber is one of the most widely used apps around the world. Viber has everything you want, including messaging, calling, video calling, and file transferring with an emphasis on security and quality.

In this article, we will go over what is Viber, its features, how to use Viber, what is the difference between WhatsApp & Viber, and how parents can safely monitor Viber activities.

Part 1: What Is Viber?

Viber is a free messaging and calling app developed by the Japanese company Rakuten. It allows you to connect with friends using the internet, using your phone number in the same way WhatsApp does. The Viber application is just an app to talk and message securely via text, voice, and video (only using the internet or Wi-Fi, so it normally does not use your mobile balance).

Viber grew rapidly from its initial release in 2010, adding support for group video calls, public chats, and end-to-end encrypted messages. It is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. It's well-known for having privacy systems. All of your messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted, which means that only you and the person you’re communicating with can read or listen to them.

Part 2: What Can You Do With Viber?

With Viber app users can enjoy extensively more than simple messaging as it has several ways to communicate.

Text Messages & Media

With Viber, you can send and receive text messages, photos, stickers, emojis, voice notes, and videos. Replying with emojis, forwarding messages, and replying to specific texts are other features that enhance your messaging experience.

Viber Call (Voice & Video)

When using Viber, you are able to make free video and voice calls using Wi-Fi or mobile data. The Viber call quality is excellent, allowing you to enjoy even long-distance conversations.

Viber Group Call

You can start group conversations and make voice or video calls for group discussions. This feature is useful not just for families and friends but also for remote teams working together.

Viber Camera

Viber has a built-in camera that allows users to capture images and even record video. The recorded videos and images can be altered with different filters and effects to make them more appealing.

Viber Share Screen

With Viber share screen, you can use the share screen features during video calls from your desktop. This comes in handy when you want to present slides, explain materials, or watch videos together.

Public Chats and Communities

Viber offers public groups or communities that users can join freely. As with other messaging apps, these communities can have an unlimited number of members, while the community leaders can manage posts, comments, and other submissions.

Disappearing Messages

For those seeking additional privacy, messages can be set to self-delete after being viewed.

International Calling (Viber Out)

If you need to contact someone who does not have Viber, you can use Viber Out to call landlines and non-Viber mobile numbers for a small fee and at a low rate.

Part 3: How to Use Viber

Using Viber only requires a few steps to get started and is simple. Below is an easy step-by-step guide on how to use Viber first time:

Step 1: Viber Download

Using your phone, you can go to the app store (Google Play for Android or App Store for iPhone) and search “viber download”. Alternatively, you can go to www.viber.com for a desktop version.

viber download

Step 2: Set Up Your Account

After installing the app, launch Viber and input your phone number. A verification code will be sent to you via SMS, which you will use to confirm your identity. After that, you have the option to add your name and a profile picture.

what is viber

Step 3: Start Chatting and Calling

  • To send a message, tap the chat icon and pick a contact.
  • To start a Voice or Viber call, simply touch the phone symbol.
  • To start video calls, touch the camera icon.
  • You can also form group chats by clicking on “New Group” and adding participants.
what is viber application

Step 4: Explore Extra Features

Inside the Viber app, you can access the Viber camera to capture photos and videos. If you are using the desktop version, feel free to use the Viber share screen feature during video calls for better interaction.

viber application features

Part 4: Differences Between Viber and WhatsApp

While they are both well-known, Viber and WhatsApp each have certain characteristics that set them apart. Let’s take a look.

FeatureViberWhatsApp
End-to-End EncryptionEnd-to-end by defaultEnd-to-end by default
Group Chat Member LimitUp to 250 Up to 512 
Group Voice/Video CallUp to 60 participants (8 shown onscreen) Up to 32 participants
Screen SharingAvailable (desktop only) Available (mobile & desktop) 
Public Communities / ChannelsCommunities with unlimited members + Channels for one-way announcementsChannels for broadcasts (not encrypted) 
Stickers & CustomizationSticker store, GIFs, themes Stickers & animated packs, but fewer extras 
Disappearing MessagesYesYes; viewonce photos, disappearing messages
Business & Broadcast ToolsViber broadcast up to 50 contacts free; paid Business Messages & bots WhatsApp Business + Channels + API with analytics 
File Size LimitLarger than WhatsApp (exact limit not published) Up to 2 GB per file  
Ads & MonetizationIncludes ads and sticker purchases No ads; monetizes via business tools and services  
User Base & Global Reach260M users, strong in Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Russia  2B users globally  

As you can see, WhatsApp tends to be more simplistic in design and is widely used in certain areas. Viber includes additional functions like Viber group call support for more participants, desktop screen sharing, and community chats.

Part 5: How to Protect Your Teens on Viber

For parents and guardians worried about a child’s online safety, closely monitoring the apps they utilize is critical. Due to the fact that Viber online communication contains the potential to interact with strangers (public chats), using a parental control application is advisable.

Using AirDroid Parental Control, it’s possible to discreetly and effectively track Viber activity. Its features include the following:

  • Screen Mirroring: You’re able to check your child’s phone live screen and observe the activities they are performing on Viber.
  • App Notification Access: Access displays Viber messages, calls, and alerts through the monitored device even if the app is closed.
  • Daily Usage Reports: Check the average screen time for Viber alongside other applications.
  • Geofencing & Location Tracking: Be aware of your child’s current location and get notifications when they enter or exit predefined locations.

Establish Clear Time Limits for Viber

If you are a parent, it is recommended that you use
AirDroid Parental Control
to set downtime for your children and limit them to viber.

Free Trial

If your teen is going to bed late and you think they are chatting on Viber, you can track Viber camera usage and check AirDroid for calls. This approach helps protect your child and build trust at the same time.

Conclusion

Viber is not only a messaging application, it is an all-in-one communication app that allows group calls, camera and screen sharing, and has public communities. The Viber app is for you if you want to have fun, work, or connect with family, since it is simple to use and has many features. And if you are a parent, AirDroid Parental Control allows you to monitor Viber activity online without invading your child's privacy.

Click a star to vote
3035 views
Elsa
Elsa
Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.
Discussion

Leave a Reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*

Real-time Protection
4.6