Messaging platform Viber is evolving into a super app with the launch of Viber Dating, its latest feature that allows users to meet and interact within the same platform. The company is also preparing to roll out ViberPay, an e-wallet service, later this year.
Rakuten Viber CEO Ofir Eyal said the goal is to expand beyond messaging by integrating services that people already use. With Viber Dating, users no longer need to switch between apps, as the dating experience is built directly into the platform. The feature was partly developed in the Philippines, one of Viber’s strongest markets.
“The Philippines is a vibrant market with high usage of dating apps, so there is an openness to try new things,” Eyal said in an ABS-CBN News report.
To address privacy concerns, dating accounts are kept separate from regular messaging accounts. Users’ phone numbers remain hidden, and they can set a different profile picture for dating. The platform also employs AI and manual verification to prevent fake profiles and scams.
Meanwhile, ViberPay is expected to launch by mid-2025, allowing users to send money directly within the app. The service will later expand to include QRPH payments, credit and debit card integration, and international remittances. Viber is currently securing necessary licenses for the service, and about a million users have already pre-registered.
Eyal emphasized that by merging messaging and financial transactions, Viber aims to simplify digital interactions, making it more convenient for users. With the Philippines being among its top five markets, the company expects further growth as it enhances its services.
