GroupMe
GroupMe is a downloadable instant messaging application for users to communicate either individually or in groups. A free platform for its users, GroupMe is supported by almost all computers and phones via short message service (SMS) or push. To start a group chat, users either add individuals via phone number or through an invite link. The app may sound similar to instant message through a phone’s typical messaging system (such as iMessage), however users are not charged and there can be up to 500 members within each groupchat, compared to iMessage that only allows up to 32 members in a groupchat, depending on the service provider. Owned by Microsoft, GroupMe has evolved to include polls, calendars and a popular setting for each groupchat or direct message. It additionally has developed a “Campus Connect” tab where users can enter their college email and get access to different groupchats relating to their university. GroupMe has allowed people to connect no matter the distance.
History
GroupMe (then known as Grouply) was created in 2010 by Steve Martocci and Jared Hecht when they brought their idea of a large group messaging platform to TechCrunch Hackathon. After turning down interested investors, GroupMe officially launched on September 29, 2010 hitting their one-millionth text through the app. By its first birthday, Skype bought GroupMe for $85 million dollars which was later acquired by Microsoft in 2011.
Today, GroupMe continues to be a free messaging platform completely funded by Microsoft since there is not a direct revenue stream from its users. As of 2019, GroupMe boasts 10.75 million users in the U.S. alone, however this number is predicted to be much larger worldwide.
