Online Chat - Software and Protocols

Software and Protocols

The following are common chat programs and protocols:

  • AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)
  • Camfrog
  • Campfire
  • Gadu-Gadu
  • Google Talk
  • Apple Messages
  • I2P-Messenger (anonymous, end-to-end encrypted im for the I2P network)
  • ICQ (OSCAR)
  • Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
  • MUD
  • Paltalk
  • QQ
  • ActivEngage
  • SILC
  • Skype
  • Talk
  • Talker
  • TeamSpeak (TS)
  • WhatsApp
  • Windows Live Messenger
  • XMPP
  • Yahoo! Messenger

Chat programs supporting multiple protocols:

  • Adium
  • Google Talk
  • IMVU
  • Kopete
  • IBM Sametime
  • Miranda IM
  • Pidgin
  • Quiet Internet Pager
  • Trillian
  • Windows Live Messenger

Web sites with browser-based chat services (also see web chat):

  • Cryptocat
  • eBuddy
  • Facebook
  • FilmOn
  • Gmail
  • Zumbl
  • MeBeam
  • Meebo No longer available
  • Mibbit
  • Souguide
  • Tokbox No longer available
  • Tinychat
  • Trillian
  • Userplane
  • Convore
  • Woo Media
  • Google+
  • Wireclub
  • Takimee


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