LINE as the Most Popular SNS Platform in Japan

LINE as the Most Popular SNS Platform in Japan

The majority of us rely on SMS and voice calls as channels of communication. However, some countries have already been embracing messaging apps’ convenience, just like LINE in Japan. LINE swiftly gained its dominance in the Japanese market, replacing all other means of communication, and has become the most popular messaging app since 2013.

LINE as the Most Popular SNS Platform in Japan

Since the release of LINE in 2011, it has roughly advanced its features used by a diverse group of individuals at any age. Now, LINE lets you experience a full-packed service of free local and international calls, messaging boasting its adorable stickers, gaming, a service beneficial to business owners, and many more.

LINE FEATURES AND SERVICES

Over the years, the increasing number of LINE users and its popularity in Japan made significant changes over its features and services, especially in entertainment and business. Currently, LINE has more or less 35 subsidiary apps worldwide. Some of its features and services are available in Japan.

  1. LINE friends – Cony, Brown, and Moon, the most popular sticker characters, admired by many Japanese users, became LINE’s symbol featured in products, games, and animation.
  2. LINE News – A feature wherein users can read and get recent news and information.
  3. LINE@ – This is a convenient feature where regular and corporate users send instant messages for business and personal purposes.
  4. LINE Camera – Users enjoy this app to take pictures while enjoying its featured filters, effects, and stickers.
  5. LINE Manga – A service where users can subscribe to get a good source of manga stories.
  6. LINE Music – A service where you can stream your favorite music.
  7. LINE Pay – A cashless payment feature that allows users to request and send money through the LINE app itself.
  8. LINE Taxi – A convenient feature where you can book a ride or taxi, launched in 2015 in partnership with a local taxi service in Japan.

BUSINESS MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

There are approximately 84 million active LINE users in Japan, a good number for brands to introduce and market themselves to Japanese audiences. LINE@ accounts and to become a LINE partner are the two good options wherein you can explore and enjoy business marketing and advertising on the platform. These will let you reach your target customers easily.

Creating a LINE@ account is free, but it has limited account features. However, premium or paid accounts allow businesses to post content, coupons, or announcements on the timeline, send bulk messages to followers, and manage surveys and statistics. On the other hand, to become a LINE Partner, you must submit a partner proposal for review and approval. LINE Partner offers a lot better features as it allows you to take advantage of tools like LINE Official Accounts, Promotion Stickers, LINE Points, Games, etc.

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT?

Without a doubt, LINE has been continuously improving and changing. A simple messaging and video call app is expanding into online gaming, taxi services, digital music streaming, and business marketing. Indeed, they still have much in store that will offer LINE users convenience and unique services.

Conclusion

There are various ways to communicate with others and reach consumers. It varies from country to country. However, if you and your brand want to connect with a Japanese audience, LINE is your best option. Should you have any interest in promoting and introducing your brand or service, please contact us!

Reference:

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-36710888

https://en.lab.appa.pe/2019-11/how-did-line-become-the-go-to-messaging-app-in-japan.html

https://www.humblebunny.com/advertise-line-messenger-japan/

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