Privacy is a major concern for users when it comes to online communication. Messaging apps like Threema have gained popularity because they offer top-notch security and encryption.

Unlike mainstream messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, Threema does not require a phone number or email. This makes it a top choice for those who value privacy.

As per Business Research Insights, the worldwide messaging app market size is estimated to grow $64.39 billion by 2033, relieving a CAGR of 9.3% from 2025 to 2033. This shows the demand for secure messaging apps will grow in the coming years. 

Thus, if you’re planning to build an app like Threema, you need to focus on security, encryption protocols, and a user-friendly interface. Thus, in this blog, we will discuss the process to make a secure messaging app like Threema along with its features, costs for a successful solution.

So, let’s begin! 

 

What is a Threema App?

Threema is a secure messaging app that puts privacy and encryption first. It allow users to make voice and video calls, send text messages, share files, and form groups, and it encrypts all of their communications from beginning to end. 

Threema is more privacy-focused as you don’t need a phone number to sign up. The Threema messaging app development does not collect or keep information about its users, so they can control their privacy. Users know about how safe it is as it has open-source code and anonymous messages. 

 

 

Secure Messaging App: Key Facts That You Can’t Ignore! 

• Messaging security market will be worth $11.14 billion in 2025, and it will be worth $30.68 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 22.45% per year. (Mordor Intelligence) 
• In February 2025, two billion people were using WhatsApp every month. 

 

Source: Statista

• Threema has more than 12 million users, and more than 3 million of them use Threema Work.
• 87% of people who use the internet at least once a month talk to each other through a texting app.(Media engagement)

 

How Does Threema App Work? 

To know the working mechanism of Threema app, you should check out the below steps: 

• Anonymous Setup: First users download the app, and instead of a phone number, generate a unique, random ID. This ensures privacy from the start.
• Contact Verification: Share your ID via QR code or manual entry. Verify contacts by comparing their IDs to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
• End-to-End Encryption: All messages, calls, and files are automatically encrypted, meaning only you and your contact can access them.
• Metadata Minimization: The app avoids storing unnecessary metadata, such as timestamps or location data, further protecting your privacy.
• Local Data Storage: Messages and files are stored locally on your device, giving you full control over your data. You can delete them anytime.

 

How To Build a Secure Messaging App Like Threema?

Building a secure messaging app similar to Threema needs a thorough planning and research. We will focus on the private messaging app development process for startup and potential startup business owners. Check out the crucial steps on how to develop an app like Threema given by an AI development services provider.  

 

 

1. Research and Planning

Start by performing a through market research. Understanding how secure messaging apps work and what features users expect is crucial. Here’s what you can do:

 

i. Analyze the Market:

Just look at the similar apps like Threema, Signal, and Telegram to understand their strengths and weaknesses. You can perform a SWOT analysis. Just find out what features your target audience would like and what issues they face. 

 

ii. Define Your App’s Unique Features:

Now think about the possibilities like what makes your app different. Will it have stronger encryption? More privacy controls? A better user experience?

 

iii. Understand Security and Privacy Laws:

Secure messenger app like Threema handle sensitive user data, so they must comply with laws like GDPR for European users, CCPA for US users and other local regulations depending on your target market.

 

2. Choosing the Right Technology Stack

Now you need to decide on which technology you want to build your secure messaging app. The social media app development company will select the right programming languages, frameworks, and tools that aligns with your budget. Choosing the right technology ensures the app is fast, secure, and scalable. Here are the tech stack required for backend, frontend and security protocols. 

 

# Frontend Development:

• For iOS: Use Swift 
• For Android: Use Kotlin 
• For Cross-Platform: Use React Native or Flutter

 

# Backend Development:

• Programming Languages: Use Node.js, Python, or Go. 
• Database: Choose a secure database. 
• Cloud Storage & Hosting: Use AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean. 
• End-to-End Encryption: You can use Signal Protocol, OpenPGP, or TLS to encrypt messages.  

 

3. Design UI/UX for an App

As you know that mobile app design is what attracts the users. So, when you build an app like Threema iPhone or Android, ensure that the user interface must be simple, and easy to navigate while maintaining security. It is vital to to provide themes and larger fonts for better usability. Just thing about the following parameters before UI/UX for secure messaging app development: 

• Simple Design: The chat interface must be clean and tidy. Do not put any unnecessary buttons or elements.     

• Private User Registration: Instead of phone numbers, you must enable users to create accounts by using unique IDs. 

• QR Code Contact Verification: You should allow users to scan a QR code to verify contacts securely. 

 

4. Build a Strong Backend

The backend is where all the technical magic happens. First, the private messaging app development company set up a secure server to store user messages safely. Just ensure that all the necessary messages are fully encrypted so that no third-party can read the messages. 

The best thing is to use the end-to-end encryption to keep chats private. Also, ask the Threema app development team to integrate strong login security like passwords. Here are the major factors that you should consider:  

• Set Up Secure Servers: You can use the dedicated or decentralized servers to store users data safely. 

• Build Secure APIs: Just make sure that all communication between your Threema messenger app and server is fully encrypted.  

• Add Multi-Layer Authentication: You can use the passwords, biometric security, or two-factor authentication for additional security.  

 

5. Test the Application

Now comes the testing part which is crucial for your app’s success. So, before you release the encrypted messaging app like Threema, the testers will perform the rigorous testing to find and fix the bugs. Here are the ways you can test the app.  

• Load Testing: You can make sure that your Threema clone app can handle thousands or millions of users without losing its speed. 

• User Experience Testing: Real users should test the app to ensure it’s easy to use.

• Bug Fixes & Improvements: After testing, mobile app developers should fix bugs and optimize performance.   

 

6. Launch and Update the App

Once testing is complete, your private messaging app is ready to launch. However, the Threema clone app development doesn’t stop after release. Here’s what you will do next: 

• Beta Testing: You should release the encrypted messaging apps to a small group of potential users for final feedback.   

• Marketing & User Acquisition: You can leverage the social media, technical blogs, and influencer marketing to attract potential audience.  

• Ongoing Updates: Regularly update the app to fix bugs and security issues. Also, it improves encryption methods and you can add new privacy-focused features. 

 

 

Key Features To Add in Threema Clone App Development 

If you want to build a secure messaging app like Threema, you need to include important features that ensure privacy, security, and a great user experience. You can look at the below features of Threema app clone development for integration: 

 

 

• Send Text and Voice Messages

Customers should be able to text and call their contacts on a daily basis. Users who do not want to type can use voice messages to talk instead. Everyone should be unable to read or hear these messages because they are end-to-end encryption.    

 

• Edit and Delete Sent Messages

Users send texts by accident or change their minds after they have sent them. Similar to Viber, your app should allow users to change or delete texts from their own chat and the other person’s chat after they have been sent.

 

• Make Voice, Video, and Group Calls

An app for texting is not complete without the ability to make calls. Your app should have strong encryption for talk calls, video calls, and group calls. So, when you build an app like Threema Android, add private talks that are safe and can not be listened to or hacked.

 

• Share Videos, Pictures, and Locations

Users often tell their friends and family where they are and share pictures, videos, and other content. It should be simple and safe to send high-quality video with your Threema chat app clone. Sharing where you are helps users find each other when you meet up in person. 

 

• Send Any Type of File

Users need to share more than just writing and media. They need to share music, documents, PDFs, ZIP files, and other file types. Different types of files should be able to be sent through your Threema messenger app instead of email. 

 

• Use a Desktop or Web App

It is better for users to chat on their web as well as on the app. Similar to an app like Line, there should be a PC version or a web client for your app so that users can keep talking from any device. 

 

• Create Groups for Chatting

Users like to make group chats with family, friends, or coworkers. Users should be able to add more than one person to a chat and change group rules, like adding or removing members in an encrypted messaging app like Threema.

 

• Conduct Polls in Groups

Having a poll option can help you make a choice. Users can ask questions, and everyone in the group can vote on the different answers. The Threema app development helps to plan things like meetings, events, and even easy things like where to eat.    

 

• Dark and Light Mode

A dark setting is better for some people than a light one for others. There should be both dark mode and light mode in your Threema chat app clone so users can pick the one that works best for them.

 

• React to Messages with Emojis

Users might rather use an emoji, like a thumbs-up or a heart, to respond to a message than type something. So, when you create a mobile app similar to Threema, add this feature as discussions are more fun and open. 

 

• Verify Contacts with QR Code

For extra safety, users should be able to check a contact’s QR code to make sure they are who they say they are. This makes sure they are talking to the right person and not a fake in your secure messaging app development. 

 

• Use the App Anonymously

Some users might not want to give out private information like their email address or phone number. Your Threema messaging app clone should let people sign up anonymously, that way they can use it without giving away their name.  

 

5 Most Secure Messaging Apps like Threema   

The bad news is that there are a lot of other people who want to create an encrypted messaging app like Threema. The good news is that there are not many experiments required. So, let’s examine the most best messaging apps like Threema.

 

 

Best Threema Alternatives	Available Platform	Downloads	Ratings
Signal	Android | iOS	100M+	4.5
Telegram	Android | iOS	1B+	4.2
WhatsApp	Android | iOS	5B+	4.2
Line	Android | iOS	1B+	3.7
Discord	Android | iOS	500M+	4.1

 

How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like Threema? 

The cost to build an app like Threema ranges between $10000 – $25000. These are just the basic estimation for Threema clone app development. If you want to make a secure messaging app for both Android and iOS with customizations, then the private messaging app development cost will go up. 

The Threema app development cost vary depending on the features, app complexity, app design, platform choice and so on. So, it is vital to consult with a mobile app development company about the actual cost. 

Now let’s look at the below table that shows you a detailed breakdown of Threema app development cost on the basis of features integration. 

 

Feature	Description (what may be included)	Approx time, hours	Approx cost
Sign in / Sign up	– Sign in/Sign up using email, phone number, social media  – Reset password – Log out	40-80	$1,500 – $3,000
User Profile Management	– Edit info  – Upload photo – Change password	30-60	$1,000 – $2,000
Basic Text Messaging	– Write text and send voice messages – Edit and delete sent messages on the recipient’s end	60-120	$2,000 – $3,000
Multimedia Sharing	– Share videos, pictures, and locations   – Send any type of file	80-160	$1,000 – $3,000
Voice & Video Calls	– Make voice, video, and group calls	120-240	$2,000 – $4,000
Group Chat	– Create groups  – Manage members	50-100	$1,800 – $3,500
Theme Customization	– Choose between a dark and a light theme	20-40	$800 – $1,500
Total		520 – 1040	$10,000 – $25,000

 

 

How To Monetize A Secure Messaging App Like Threema? 

To earn money from your private messaging application like Threema, you need to leverage the best monetization strategies. So, here are the top revenue streams which you can use for best ROI. 

 

 

1. Subscription Model

Businesses need secure messaging solutions to protect sensitive data. Threema offers Threema Work, a business version of the on demand app development solution that companies can subscribe to. You can create a business-friendly version of your app with features like admin control, employee communication tools, and private servers. Charge companies a monthly or yearly fee per user.

 

For example: Slack uses a similar model and charges $7.25 per user per month. 

 

2. Monetize with Secure API Services

Another way to earn money is by offering a secure messaging API that other businesses can use. Threema provides Threema Gateway, which allows companies to integrate end-to-end encrypted messaging into their apps. You can charge businesses based on API usage.  

 

For Example: Twilio, which earns $4 billion per year by offering communication APIs.

 

3. Accept Donations

Threema is partially open-source, meaning encrypted messaging app development services provider contribute to the chat app secure and improvements. You can allow users to donate to support Threema app development or offer premium privacy features in exchange for contributions. 

 

Free Example: Wikipedia runs on donations and receives over $150 million per year from users who support its cause.

 

4. Charge a One-Time Fee

One of the simplest ways to generate revenue is to charge a one-time fee for users to download your Threema messaging apps replica. Threema charges around $5 per download, and with over 10 million downloads, they have already earned millions from this model. If you create a highly secure and privacy-focused messaging app like Telegram, users will be willing to pay for it. 

 

For Example: Apps like iMessage and Signal are free, but Threema’s success shows that people are willing to pay for better privacy.

 

Ready to Build an App Like Threema?

Building Threema-like encrypted messaging apps demands careful planning and execution, focusing on robust encryption and user privacy. While investing in Threema mobile app development is quite challenging, the result is a powerful solution for secure communication. 

Thus, if you’re looking to build an app like Threema, you should avail our Android app development services who can turn your idea into reality and ensure a successful launch.  

 

Frequently Asked Questions!   

 

Q1. How Long Does It Take To Make An App Like Threema?

The average time to create similar apps like Threema can take around 2 – 7 months. But your project requirements can affect the overall development time.  

 

Q2. How Much Does It Cost To Create An App Like Threema?

The Threema app clone development cost can be between $10000 – $25000 but can vary depending on the level of customizations and other factors. So, it is perfect to take assistance from a Threema app development company. 

 

Q3. Should I Build A Messaging Website?

Yes, adding a website to your app is a smart move, similar to encrypted communication platform like TikTok, which replicates app functionality online, or Twitch which offers a full-fledged website experience alongside its encrypted messaging apps. This approach broadens accessibility and enhances user engagement.  

 

Q4. Is Messaging App Development Different From Messaging Website Development?

Yes, encrypted messaging app development differs from messaging website development in encrypted communication platform compatibility. Privacy-focused messaging apps offer better speed, push notifications, and offline access. However, websites provide broader accessibility without installation but may lack real-time responsiveness and native features.    

 

Q5. How Can I Make a Messaging App from Scratch?

You can develop a messaging application from scratch with the below steps: 

• Define Objectives 
• Choose Tech Stack 
• Develop Backend 
• Design UI/UX 
• Integrate Features 
• Test & Deploy