How to Build a Messenger App Like Botim

Building a messenger app like Botim is an exciting project that can help you create a simple, yet powerful communication tool. Whether you're looking to offer text messaging, voice calls, or video chats, creating your own app can open doors to a wide range of possibilities.

This guide will walk you through the key steps and essential features needed to build a messaging app similar to Botim. From choosing the right platform to integrating core functionalities, this article will provide you with clear and easy-to-follow steps to bring your app idea to life. Let's get started on creating your own messaging app!

What is Botim App?

Botim is a popular messaging app that offers text messaging, voice calls, and high-quality video calls. It is especially useful in areas where other communication services are limited. One of the app's main features is its ability to provide clear video calls, even with slower internet speeds. This makes it a reliable choice for many users.

In addition to one-on-one communication, Botim supports group chats, making it easy to stay connected with multiple people at once. Whether you're catching up with friends or collaborating with work colleagues, the app makes group communication simple. You can also send voice messages, share files, and send photos or videos, all within the app.

Another key benefit of Botim is its ability to work across different devices. Whether you are using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, you can access your messages and calls without any issues. This flexibility ensures that you can stay connected wherever you are.

Botim’s user-friendly interface and reliable performance have made it a popular choice for personal and professional communication. The app provides an easy and efficient way to communicate, no matter where you are or what device you’re using. Whether you need it for casual chats or business calls, Botim has you covered.

What are the Features of a Messenger App like Botim?

A messenger app like Botim comes with several key features that make communication easier and more efficient. Here are some of the main features you can expect:

• Text messaging: At its core, a messenger app allows users to send and receive text messages instantly. This feature is essential for day-to-day communication with friends, family, or colleagues.

• Voice calls: Messenger apps like Botim allow users to make voice calls. This is a convenient feature for anyone who prefers talking rather than texting. Voice calls are often clearer and more reliable compared to traditional phone calls, especially with a stable internet connection.

• Video calls: One of the most popular features is video calling. With this, users can see each other while talking, which makes communication feel more personal and interactive. Video calls are especially useful for business meetings, family catch-ups, or long-distance connections.

• Group chats: Group chats allow multiple people to communicate within the same chat window. This feature is great for organizing events, planning projects, or simply staying in touch with a group of friends.

• File and media sharing: A good messenger app lets you share files, photos, and videos with ease. File sharing is especially useful for sending important documents, pictures, or videos quickly.

• Voice messages: Instead of typing, users can send voice messages. This feature is useful when you need to communicate quickly but don't want to type out a message.

• Cross-device support: A key feature of apps like Botim is cross-device compatibility. Users can access messages and calls from their phone, tablet, or desktop, making it easy to stay connected no matter where you are.

How to Develop Apps like Botim

Building an app like Botim—one that offers smooth communication through text messages, voice chats, and high-quality video calls—can be an exciting project. With ZEGOCLOUD, you’ll have access to the tools you need for real-time communication. In this guide, we’ll take you through creating an app that mirrors Botim’s core features. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, we’ll break down everything from setting up real-time messaging to enabling high-definition video calls.

Why Choose ZEGOCLOUD?

When developing a communication app, having reliable tools that can scale with your needs is crucial. ZEGOCLOUD offers a set of powerful SDKs, including:

• Express video SDK: With this tool, your users will experience video calls with clear, adaptive video and audio, no matter their network conditions.
• **ZIM SDK: **This allows you to build real-time messaging with group chat capabilities, media sharing, and low-latency communication.
• Cross-platform support: ZEGOCLOUD SDKs are designed to work seamlessly across all devices—be it web, iOS, or Android.
• Flexibility and ease of use: Thanks to detailed documentation and an easy-to-integrate API, ZEGOCLOUD gives you the freedom to focus on developing unique features for your app.

Prerequisites

Before you dive in, here’s what you should have ready:

• A ZEGOCLOUD account to get your AppID and API keys. You can sign up here.
• Node.js installed on your machine.
• Solid grasp of JavaScript or TypeScript.
• A code editor (like Visual Studio Code).
• WebRTC-enabled browsers like Chrome or Firefox.

1. Initialize the Project

Start by setting up your project folder and initializing it as a Node.js project:

mkdir botim-clone
cd botim-clone
npm init -y

Your project directory should now be structured like this:

botim-clone/
├── index.html        # HTML for user interface
├── index.js          # JavaScript for handling functionality
├── styles.css        # CSS for styling the app
├── package.json      # Node.js package information

2. Create the User Interface (UI)

Next, create a simple interface for messaging and video calls in the index.html file. This layout will allow users to chat and make video calls within the app.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8">
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
    <title>Botim Clone</title>
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="styles.css">
</head>
<body>
    <div id="app">
        <h1>Botim Clone</h1>
        <div id="chat-container">
            <div id="messages"></div>
            <input type="text" id="message-input" placeholder="Enter your message">
            <button onclick="sendMessage()">Send</button>
        </div>
        <div id="video-controls">
            <video id="localVideo" autoplay muted></video>
            <video id="remoteVideo" autoplay></video>
            <button id="toggleCamera">Camera</button>
            <button id="toggleMic">Mic</button>
            <button id="endCall">End Call</button>
        </div>
    </div>
    <script src="index.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

3. Install ZEGOCLOUD SDKs

To integrate messaging and video calling, install the necessary ZEGOCLOUD SDKs:

npm install zego-express-engine-webrtc zego-zim-web

• zego-express-engine-webrtc: This SDK handles video calls and streaming.
• zego-zim-web: This SDK powers real-time messaging and group chats.

4. Import and Initialize the SDKs

In your index.js file, import the SDKs and initialize them with your ZEGOCLOUD credentials:

import { ZegoExpressEngine } from 'zego-express-engine-webrtc';
import { ZIM } from 'zego-zim-web';

const appID = 123456789; // Replace with your AppID
const serverURL = 'wss://your-server-url'; // Replace with your server URL

const zegoEngine = new ZegoExpressEngine(appID, serverURL);
const zim = ZIM.create({ appID });

5. Implement Messaging Features

User Login for Messaging

To enable users to log in to the messaging system, use this function:

async function loginZIM() {
    const userID = 'user_' + Math.random().toString(36).substr(2, 9);
    const zimToken = 'your_zim_token_here'; // Replace with your ZIM token

    await zim.login({ userID, userName: `User_${userID}` }, zimToken);
}

Send and Receive Messages

Set up the functions to send and receive messages in real time, and update the UI accordingly:

async function sendMessage() {
    const messageInput = document.getElementById('message-input');
    const content = messageInput.value;

    if (content.trim()) {
        await zim.sendMessage({
            conversationID: 'group-chat',
            conversationType: ZIM.enums.ConversationType.GROUP,
            message: { content }
        });
        displayMessage(`You: ${content}`);
        messageInput.value = '';
    }
}

zim.on('receiveMessage', (msg) => {
    displayMessage(`Friend: ${msg.message.content}`);
});

function displayMessage(message) {
    const messagesContainer = document.getElementById('messages');
    const messageDiv = document.createElement('div');
    messageDiv.textContent = message;
    messagesContainer.appendChild(messageDiv);
}

6. Group Chat Management

Create, join, and manage group chats. Here's how to set up a group chat:

6.1 Create a Group

To create a new group with customizable settings:

zim.createGroup(
    { groupID: 'botim-group', groupName: 'Botim Group' },
    [],
    {
        joinMode: 0, // 0: Open; 1: Approval required; 2: Invite-only
        maxMemberCount: 100 // Limit to 100 members
    }
)
.then(({ groupInfo }) => console.log('Group created:', groupInfo))
.catch(console.error);

6.2 Join a Group

Allow users to join a group either freely or by approval:

zim.joinGroup('botim-group')
    .then(({ groupInfo }) => console.log('Joined group:', groupInfo))
    .catch(console.error);

6.3 Invite Users to a Group

Enable group invitations by using the following method:

zim.inviteUsersIntoGroup(['userID1', 'userID2'], 'botim-group')
    .then(() => console.log('Invitations sent'))
    .catch(console.error);

7. Implement Video Calling

Integrate video calling functionality so users can make real-time video calls:

async function startVideoCall() {
    const userID = 'user_' + Math.random().toString(36).substr(2, 9);
    const token = 'your_video_token_here'; // Replace with a valid video token

    await zegoEngine.loginRoom('botim-room', token, { userID, userName: userID });

    const localStream = await zegoEngine.createStream();
    document.getElementById('localVideo').srcObject = localStream;

    zegoEngine.startPublishingStream('streamID', localStream);

    zegoEngine.on('roomStreamUpdate', async (_, updateType, streamList) => {
        if (updateType === 'ADD') {
            const remoteStream = await zegoEngine.startPlayingStream(streamList[0].streamID);
            document.getElementById('remoteVideo').srcObject = remoteStream;
        }
    });
}

8. Style the App

For the interface styling, use the following CSS in styles.css:

#chat-container, #video-controls {
    margin: 20px;
}
#messages {
    border: 1px solid #ddd;
    padding: 10px;
    height: 300px;
    overflow-y: auto;
}
input, button {
    margin: 10px;
}
video {
    width: 45%;
    height: 250px;
    background-color: black;
}

9. Clean Up Resources

To ensure smooth performance, call a cleanup function when a user exits the app or ends a call:

function cleanup() {
    zim.logout();
    zegoEngine.logoutRoom('botim-room');
    zegoEngine.destroyEngine();

    console.log('Cleaned up resources');
}

Add the cleanup function to handle page unload:

window.addEventListener('beforeunload', cleanup);

Conclusion

building a messenger app like Botim is easier than it seems with the right tools. By using ZEGOCLOUD SDKs, you can add video calls, messaging, and group chat features to your app.

These SDKs provide smooth performance across platforms and are easy to integrate. With clear instructions and practical steps, developers of all experience levels can create a reliable and engaging communication app. Whether you're just starting or have experience, this guide helps you build a fully functional messaging app with video call capabilities.