Barely a month after it was introduced to the Philippines, free chat app KakaoTalk claims to have vaulted to the top of the mobile app charts for iOS and Android in the country.
KakaoTalk supposedly surged to No. 1 spot in the Communications category of Google Play on Aug. 18, after topping the App Store's Social Networking category last Aug. 7.
The app, which allows users to send and receive unlimited calls and text messages anywhere worldwide, had a surge of downloads in the last few weeks.
Its features include group chats, free group calls, coupons, games, and animated emoticons and themes.
KakaoTalk is a cross-platform messenger with apps available for BlackBerry App World, Samsung Apps, and Windows Marketplace.
It caters to users from 230 countries.
Localization efforts
KakaoTalk credited part of its success to an aggressive localization drive, which included ads that featured K-pop superstars Big Bang and Philippine singer-actress Sarah Geronimo.
After its strong showing, Kakao plans to partner with more Philippine celebrities and companies, to offer locally relevant content to Filipino users.
