Viber to introduce monetisation by way of stickers

Viber will not be the first cross-platform messaging app to run down monetisation lane and it definitely will not be the last. It has, however, taken the same beaten path to monetisation taken by most apps of this sort from the eastern part of Asia – using paid stickers.

Even while you go, “Oh no, not again,” let us remind you that the likes of WeChat, Line, Path, MessageMe and even Kik all have tried to monetise by opening up a sticker shop that users can purchase cute-critters from. These can, of course, be used to liven up a conversation and some of these stickers are even animated.

Taking the sticker route to monetisation

TechCrunch reports that the company will be creating its own paid content, as well as licensing content from other sources including characters, TV shows, and more. This reeks of inspiration from Facebook, who has already pumped in sticker characters like Snoopy and Minions from Despicable Me, for free. Viber intends to make only part of the content paid for and will be providing for most stickers for free.

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Stickers were available on Viber since a while now but have always been free to use for everyone. Viber will now be undergoing some changes and will be introducing a store where you will be able to pick up stickers and sticker packs for a nominal fee. The question now arises whether a part of the 200 million-odd user base of Viber will be interested in picking up stickers from yet another cross-platform messaging app, especially since Viber is mainly considered to be an app to make free phone calls.