| Price | Free |
| Version | 12.18.2 |
| Category | Communication |
| Developer | LINE Corporation |
| Source | iOS, Android |
| Rating | (4.7) |
In 2011, LINE was launched in Japan by LINE Corporation, who were then known as NHN Japan. However, while based in Tokyo, LINE Corporation is actually a subsidiary of South Korean-based Naver Corporation.
While it was focused on being a messaging service, over ten years later it has grown to become a hub of different platforms. If you need a particular service - to send money, get a taxi, or even online shop - then LINE is the app for you.
The reason LINE came about was because it was created as a rival to South Korea’s Kakao Talk. This app is still South Korea’s number one messaging platform, and was once the most commonly used app in Japan too.
Recently it has been stated that over 50 million people in Japan use LINE as their main form of socializing.
You can download the LINE app on both iOS and Android for free.
The regular app (without the extras) offers a simple messaging service that allows you to send texts, as well as stickers. These stickers can be purchased for free and downloaded to use.
You can also voice call, video call (as well as group video calls along with face filters), send stickers and emojis, and change the overall theme of your app.
The home page is the place where you can access the other services offered by LINE, as well as see your friends list and stickers.
There is also LINE VOOM which looks a lot like Instagram. In this area of the app you can publicly share a profile along with pictures and stories, as well as discover and follow other accounts.
This is the area businesses make the most of as you can follow companies that you like too.
There are a number of places across the world which can use the LINE app and its services. These are:
LINE offers the use of stickers. These can be virtually purchased (often for free) and sent to other users of the app.
Popular stickers include Milk and Mocha, as well as the LINE Friends which are the official characters of the company.
Disney and Pixar stickers are available too.
While LINE was once just a simple messaging service, it now has many other strings to its bow. Here are some of them:
LINE Pay - this service allows a user to send and receive money to other LINE users. You can also use LINE Pay to pay for items in a store, similar to that of Google and Apple Pay.
LINE Today - Integrated within the LINE app is a news hub where you can keep up-to-date with the latest news.
LINE Taxi - this service was launched in 2015 when LINE partnered with the Japanese taxi service, Nihon Kotsu. So long as the user uses LINE Pay, they can request and pay for a taxi using this in-app service.
LINE Shopping - users can use this referral program to receive discounts on items or earn LINE points when purchasing goods through this service.
Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of LINE:
End-to-end encryption - allows you to securely send messages to friends and family without the worry of private messages being hacked.
LINE offers extras - A plethora of platforms all in one place to provide you with messaging, the ability to pay, and so much more.
LINE Friends - the cute characters can be sent in sticker form to others through messages. There are also LINE Stores in several cities across the world where you can buy merchandise.
Can be used in many regions - despite being blocked in some countries, many places offer the ability to be able to download and use LINE.
Compatibility - LINE app can be used on both iOS and Android services.
Security issues - LINE has been plagued by many security problems since being launched back in 2011.
Not every country allows LINE app - while you may want to use LINE abroad, there are several countries that have blocked LINE. One such place is China.
Can only use it on one device - you can only use the LINE app on one device. If you want to use it on an additional device, you will need a different email or number.
The LINE app has been around for just over ten years. While the number one messaging platform in Japan, it is now used worldwide.
It offers users the chance to send end-to-end encrypted messages knowing that their information will be safe, as well as the ability to use LINE Pay, send cute stickers (such as LINE Friends) and if you are ever in Japan, to get a taxi.
All-in-all, LINE is a great app. However, the app itself has had many security problems in the past due to hacking and stealing data. While some are just rumors, others have been proved.
Still, LINE is a great app to use, especially if you find yourself vacaying in Japan. If you do, do not forget to go to the LINE store!
