Zalo 26.11.10

Zalo: Vietnam's widely used messaging app

Zalo is a messaging and social app developed by VNG and widely used in Vietnam. VNG reports more than 81 million users and about 2.2 billion messages sent each day. The app covers one-to-one and group chat, voice and video calls, file sharing, location sharing and a range of additional services. It is available on Android, iOS, Windows and macOS, and a browser-based version is also offered.

Messaging and calls

• Chat: Individual and group conversations with text, emoticons, stickers, animated images, photos, videos, voice messages and file transfers. On Zalo PC, files of up to 1GB can be sent.
• Calls: Audio and video calls between contacts, available alongside messaging.
• Message controls: End-to-end encryption, disappearing messages and message recall.
• Social features: Zalo Timeline for sharing photos and moments with family and friends, the ability to find and connect with people nearby, chat rooms, and in-app games that can be played with friends.

Desktop and cross-device use

Zalo PC runs on Windows and macOS, and the web version can be used in a browser. The desktop client synchronizes messages with the mobile app, so conversations stay consistent across devices. It includes screen capture and is aimed at group chat and work communication.

Official accounts and services

• Official Accounts (Zalo OA): Businesses, organizations and government agencies use official accounts to publish information and communicate with followers. VNG reports more than 20,600 Zalo OA channels operated by government agencies and other service providers, along with 2,000 Mini Apps.
• Mini Apps: Small applications within Zalo that provide public services and utilities.
• Entertainment and information: Zing MP3 for music, Báo Mới for news, Zalo Video for short-form video, and Kiki Auto, an AI assistant for vehicles.

Privacy and safety

Users can control who may send friend requests, message or call them, and follow their Timeline. Data is encrypted in transit, users can request deletion of their data, and the app includes a violation reporting mechanism and a Safety Center.

Ratings and user feedback

User ratings are low. The iOS version averages 2.1 out of 5 from 8,515 ratings. Reviews on Google Play raise complaints about advertising, notifications for new features that are grouped with messages, limited message history after changing devices, and message data stored on the phone.

Availability

1. Android: Available on Google Play.
2. iOS: Available on the Apple App Store and requires iOS 15.1 or later.
3. Windows and macOS: Zalo PC can be downloaded from the official website, and Zalo Web is available at zalo.me.