WhatsApp is certainly giving Facebook a bit of a headache, and Signal is using this moment as an advantage.
It all began when WhatsApp announced a planned privacy policy change. Quickly, mass exodus started to happen, with people moving away from WhatsApp to competitors.
WhatsApp tried to explain itself, but many people don't really much care.
Quickly, Signal tweeted that the surge of new users has temporarily made some delays in its ability in sending verification codes.
And when Signal is finally coping with the surge, the encrypted messaging app began introducing some new features to make it more like WhatsApp.
Most notably, Signal wants to be a bit more mainstream and user friendly.
Here's a sneak peek at some new Signal features that will start rolling out in a few days:
• Chat wallpapers!
• About field for your Signal profile
• Animated stickers
• For iOS: Media auto-download settings and full-screen profile photos (to match Android)
Good morning ! pic.twitter.com/KEAbhMswRI— Signal (@signalapp) January 12, 2021
Signal has long been a popular messaging option for those focused on the security of their communications.
It was popularized by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. Then Elon Musk started advocating it. The European Commission also told staff to switch to Signal in February 2020.
While Signal is still developing some of its main selling points, which include security-focused features like encrypted group video calls, Signal isn't forgetting some consumer-focused features that should make the app more appealing.
Most notably, this should also appeal WhatsApp users who have long enjoyed those features.
By bringing some features WhatsApp are already accustomed of, Signal should be more approachable for users coming to the messaging app owned by Facebook.
This should make users more comfortable in using the messaging app.
Chat wallpapers have arrived! Customize wallpapers for each of your chats or just set a default background for everyone if your patience is wallpaper thin. Now available in Signal 5.3 for Android and iOS. pic.twitter.com/IxAxQUCm9n
— Signal (@signalapp) January 28, 2021
"Chat wallpapers have arrived! Customize wallpapers for each of your chats or just set a default background for everyone if your patience is wallpaper thin," Signal said.
With the update, users can change the background wallpapers for their chats to either custom or default, just like WhatsApp.
Among other features, this should add value to the app experience.
According to Signal's tweet, the feature is available in Signal version 5.3 for both Android and iOS.
Signal is not the only encrypted messaging service that has tried to up its game to lure in some more users.
Competitor Telegram for example, has also begun offering a service allowing users to migrate their chats over from other messaging apps.