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Kik

Full company profile

uuid0004fgg

Namestring
Kik
Legal namestring
MediaLab AI Inc.
Websiteurl
kik.com
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2009
Descriptiontext

Kik is a mobile messaging application operated by MediaLab AI Inc., a private Los Angeles-based parent company whose portfolio also includes Imgur, Worldstar, and Amino. Originally founded in 2009 in Waterloo, Canada under Kik Interactive Inc., the asset now reports corporate operations from 8023 Beverly Blvd, Suite 1144, Los Angeles, California. Kik provides anonymous 1:1 chat, public group discovery, and live streaming to an 18+ consumer audience, differentiating on anonymity (no phone number is required at registration) and an ephemeral message architecture in which Kik does not persist message content on its servers after a user logs out.

Short descriptiontext

Kik is an 18+ mobile messaging app operated by MediaLab AI Inc. offering anonymous chat, public interest-based groups, The Meet Group-powered live streaming, and 1:1 connection features to a global consumer audience distributed via Google Play and Apple App Store.

Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
101–250
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersWaterloo, Canada
HQ citystring
Waterloo
HQ countrystring
Canada
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices1 record

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
anonymous messaging app, mobile chat platform, live streaming communities, public group chat, consumer messaging service
NAICS code1 code
  • Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services519290
Product category
Mobile Messaging
GTM motion1 record

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model2 records
1Credits (Kik Live)
TypeTransaction Fee
Description

Users can purchase Credits (digital gifts) on Kik Live directly through Kik or via third-party app stores (Apple App Store or Google Play Store). Credits are non-refundable and used for purchasing digital gifts during live streams. Third-party payment processors handle transactions.

kik.com
2Advertising
TypeAdvertising
Description

Kik generates revenue through advertising, sharing user data with advertising partners including over 60 named ad tech companies. The platform uses cookies, device identifiers, and behavioral tracking for targeted advertising.

kik.com
Marketing channels2 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels2 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components4 values
Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Pricing details1 tier
1Free messaging app
ModelFreemiumBilling cadenceOthers
Notes

Kik is free to download and use for basic messaging, groups, and community features. In-app purchases available for Kik Live Credits.

kik.com
GTM typeB2C
B2C
Offering typeSoftware
Software
Core offering1 text field

Kik is a free mobile messaging application that enables anonymous 1:1 and group chat, interest-based public group discovery, live streaming interactions through Kik LIVE, and 1:1 connection-making via Kik•It. The platform is targeted at adult consumers (18+) and is owned and operated by MediaLab AI Inc.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Product overview1 text field

Kik is a messaging and community platform operated by MediaLab AI Inc. The core product is the Kik Messenger app, which provides anonymous messaging without requiring a phone number. The platform offers public group discovery for finding interest-based communities, Kik LIVE for live streaming interactions with streamers (powered by The Meet Group), and Kik•It for making new 1:1 connections. The platform targets users 18+ and stores messages only locally on user devices, not on Kik's servers.

Product and service3 records
1Kik Messenger
CategoryMobile Messaging
Description

Free anonymous mobile messaging application enabling 1:1 and group chat without phone number signup, with public group discovery and community features; targeted at adult consumers 18+.

2Kik LIVE
CategoryLive Streaming
Description

Live streaming feature within Kik that enables users to interact with streamers in real time; powered by The Meet Group platform.

3Kik•It
CategorySocial Networking
Description

Feature enabling users to make new 1:1 connections with other users on the Kik platform.

Scale indicator1 record

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership1 partner
1The Meet Group, Inc.
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

The Meet Group, Inc. (TMG) is a third-party provider for Kik LIVE live streaming feature. Users interacting with Kik LIVE are subject to TMG's separate terms of service and privacy policies in addition to Kik's terms.

Recent move4 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight4 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Peers10 records
1Wire
TypeDirect peer
Description

End-to-end encrypted messaging with group and conference features. Targets the same privacy-conscious consumer segment that anchors Kik's differentiation.

2Imgur
TypeOthers
Description

Sibling MediaLab AI portfolio brand focused on community-driven image sharing and discovery. Adjacent rather than competitive; useful for cross-promotion and shared ad inventory.

3Line
TypeDirect peer
Description

Asian consumer super-app combining messaging, content, and a large virtual-sticker/gift economy. Closest analogue to Kik's freemium messaging-plus-Credits monetization stack.

4Signal
TypeDirect peer
Description

Privacy-first messaging app targeting users who value anonymity and minimal data retention. Directly addresses the same user concerns that drive Kik's no-phone-number, no-server-storage positioning.

5Telegram
TypeDirect peer
Description

Cloud-based messenger with public channels/groups and large-group community features that directly compete with Kik's Public Groups and 1:1 messaging. Both target global consumers seeking community-driven chat experiences.

6Discord
TypeDirect peer
Description

Community-centric messaging platform organized around interest-based servers with voice, video, and live interaction. Closely mirrors Kik's public-group + live-streaming model for an adult-leaning user base.

7WhatsApp
TypeDirect peer
Description

Dominant global consumer messaging app. Differs on anonymity (requires phone number) but competes for the same messaging mindshare and ad/transaction monetization opportunities in international markets.

8Snapchat
TypeDirect peer
Description

Ephemeral messaging + AR + creator content platform. Competes with Kik for the same youth/18+ demographic and has built scaled monetization through virtual goods and advertising.

9Viber
TypeDirect peer
Description

Cross-platform consumer messaging app with group chat and sticker/gifting monetization, highly comparable to Kik's freemium model and Credit-based virtual goods.

10Amino Apps
TypeOthers
Description

Sibling MediaLab AI portfolio brand centered on interest-based community apps. Directly comparable to Kik's Public Groups model and represents both a cross-promotion partner and an internal competitor for community engagement mindshare.

Market position
Strengths4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Weaknesses4 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Competitive moat4 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks5 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Segment1 record

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile1 record

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
Yes
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

Integration3 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Description, Source

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature4 records

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles2 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

No data
No data
Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds6 records

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors14 records

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A4 records

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Kik

Mobile Messagingkik.com

Kik is an 18+ mobile messaging app operated by MediaLab AI Inc. offering anonymous chat, public interest-based groups, The Meet Group-powered live streaming, and 1:1 connection features to a global consumer audience distributed via Google Play and Apple App Store.

What Kik does

Kik is a mobile messaging application operated by MediaLab AI Inc., a private Los Angeles-based parent company whose portfolio also includes Imgur, Worldstar, and Amino. Originally founded in 2009 in Waterloo, Canada under Kik Interactive Inc., the asset now reports corporate operations from 8023 Beverly Blvd, Suite 1144, Los Angeles, California. Kik provides anonymous 1:1 chat, public group discovery, and live streaming to an 18+ consumer audience, differentiating on anonymity (no phone number is required at registration) and an ephemeral message architecture in which Kik does not persist message content on its servers after a user logs out.

Kik firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Kik
Legal name
MediaLab AI Inc.
Website
https://kik.com
Company type
Private
Founded year
2009
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
101–250 employees
Short description
Kik is an 18+ mobile messaging app operated by MediaLab AI Inc. offering anonymous chat, public interest-based groups, The Meet Group-powered live streaming, and 1:1 connection features to a global consumer audience distributed via Google Play and Apple App Store.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Where Kik is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
Waterloo
HQ country
Canada
HQ region
North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

Kik business model

Business model
GTM type
B2C
Offering type
Software
Cost components
Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

  1. Credits (Kik Live): Users can purchase Credits (digital gifts) on Kik Live directly through Kik or via third-party app stores (Apple App Store or Google Play Store). Credits are non-refundable and used for purchasing digital gifts during live streams. Third-party payment processors handle transactions.
  2. Advertising: Kik generates revenue through advertising, sharing user data with advertising partners including over 60 named ad tech companies. The platform uses cookies, device identifiers, and behavioral tracking for targeted advertising.

Pricing tiers

ModelBillingPrice
FreemiumOthersFree messaging app

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels2 records

Kik product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Kik is a free mobile messaging application that enables anonymous 1:1 and group chat, interest-based public group discovery, live streaming interactions through Kik LIVE, and 1:1 connection-making via Kik•It. The platform is targeted at adult consumers (18+) and is owned and operated by MediaLab AI Inc.

Product overview

Kik is a messaging and community platform operated by MediaLab AI Inc. The core product is the Kik Messenger app, which provides anonymous messaging without requiring a phone number. The platform offers public group discovery for finding interest-based communities, Kik LIVE for live streaming interactions with streamers (powered by The Meet Group), and Kik•It for making new 1:1 connections. The platform targets users 18+ and stores messages only locally on user devices, not on Kik's servers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

  • Kik Messenger Free anonymous mobile messaging application enabling 1:1 and group chat without phone number signup, with public group discovery and community features; targeted at adult consumers 18+.
  • Kik LIVE Live streaming feature within Kik that enables users to interact with streamers in real time; powered by The Meet Group platform.
  • Kik•It Feature enabling users to make new 1:1 connections with other users on the Kik platform.

Companies that use Kik

Customer profile

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Kik technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Kik partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

  • The Meet Group, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationThe Meet Group, Inc. (TMG) is a third-party provider for Kik LIVE live streaming feature. Users interacting with Kik LIVE are subject to TMG's separate terms of service and privacy policies in addition to Kik's terms.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Kik competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

  • Wire: End-to-end encrypted messaging with group and conference features. Targets the same privacy-conscious consumer segment that anchors Kik's differentiation.
  • Line: Asian consumer super-app combining messaging, content, and a large virtual-sticker/gift economy. Closest analogue to Kik's freemium messaging-plus-Credits monetization stack.
  • Signal: Privacy-first messaging app targeting users who value anonymity and minimal data retention. Directly addresses the same user concerns that drive Kik's no-phone-number, no-server-storage positioning.
  • Telegram: Cloud-based messenger with public channels/groups and large-group community features that directly compete with Kik's Public Groups and 1:1 messaging. Both target global consumers seeking community-driven chat experiences.
  • Discord: Community-centric messaging platform organized around interest-based servers with voice, video, and live interaction. Closely mirrors Kik's public-group + live-streaming model for an adult-leaning user base.
  • WhatsApp: Dominant global consumer messaging app. Differs on anonymity (requires phone number) but competes for the same messaging mindshare and ad/transaction monetization opportunities in international markets.
  • Snapchat: Ephemeral messaging + AR + creator content platform. Competes with Kik for the same youth/18+ demographic and has built scaled monetization through virtual goods and advertising.
  • Viber: Cross-platform consumer messaging app with group chat and sticker/gifting monetization, highly comparable to Kik's freemium model and Credit-based virtual goods.

Others

  • Imgur: Sibling MediaLab AI portfolio brand focused on community-driven image sharing and discovery. Adjacent rather than competitive; useful for cross-promotion and shared ad inventory.
  • Amino Apps: Sibling MediaLab AI portfolio brand centered on interest-based community apps. Directly comparable to Kik's Public Groups model and represents both a cross-promotion partner and an internal competitor for community engagement mindshare.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Kik social profiles

Digital presence

Kik financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Kik leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Kik funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds6 records

Investors14 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Kik M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A4 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kik

What does Kik do?

Kik is a free mobile messaging application that enables anonymous 1:1 and group chat, interest-based public group discovery, live streaming interactions through Kik LIVE, and 1:1 connection-making via Kik•It. The platform is targeted at adult consumers (18+) and is owned and operated by MediaLab AI Inc.

Is Kik a public or private company?

Kik is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.

When was Kik founded?

Kik was founded in 2009. It employs 101 to 250 people.

Where is Kik based?

Kik is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada, in the North America region.

How does Kik make money?

Two revenue lines are on record. Credits (Kik Live) is the primary driver. The others are advertising.

Who are Kik's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are Wire, Line, Signal, Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, Snapchat and Viber. Others are Imgur and Amino Apps.

Does Kik have an API?

No public API is recorded for Kik.

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Live signals
Fox 59Docs: Hancock County man said ‘curiosity’ led him to view, use AI to create CSAMSamuel Woodward, a Hancock County man, faces child exploitation and child pornography charges after police say he used AI to create CSAM and exchanged files on Kik. He allegedly used burner accounts and admitted to creating AI-generated images of nude children from photos of underage children.BostonGlobe.comFormer Mass. Air National Guard gets more than six years for child pornNicholas J. Wells, a former master sergeant in the Massachusetts Air National Guard, has begun serving a 78-month prison sentence for possessing and distributing child pornography. The conviction stems from an FBI investigation that found he distributed over 70 videos of abuse material, including some involving infants, via the Kik messaging service. Prosecutors highlighted his position of trust within the military and as a father as aggravating factors during sentencing.wcnc.comFormer Rock Hill track coach facing more child sexual abuse material chargesFederal prosecutors have filed additional charges against Doug MacAlpine, a former teacher and track coach in Rock Hill, South Carolina, for the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The charges stem from activities conducted via the Kik messaging platform in 2024 and are being prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. These federal counts add to previous state-level charges regarding sexual exploitation of minors that remain pending.https://www.wwnytv.comSt. Lawrence Co. man going to prison after child pornography convictionMichael St. Denny of St. Lawrence County, New York, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography via the KIK app and possessing hundreds of illicit images and videos. The conviction follows a January 2025 search of his home that uncovered 220 videos and 421 images, with authorities emphasizing the severity of the harm caused to vulnerable children.FuturismCops Mistype Username, Send Innocent Man to Prison for 18 MonthsA typo by Wisconsin police in a subpoena to Kik messaging app led to the wrongful arrest and 18-month imprisonment of Canadian man Brandon Klayme, who was acquitted by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeals on July 23 after his lawyer discovered the error. The investigators misspelled the target username (fus__ro_dah) as fus_ro_dah when requesting user data, which happened to match Klayme's account, despite zero physical evidence linking him to the case. Halifax Regional Police, which executed the arrest, stated it bore no responsibility since the investigation originated with Wisconsin authorities.LA NACIONUn error de tipeo: pasó 18 meses preso por una confusión y ahora fue absueltoBrandon Klayme was acquitted by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal after spending 18 months in prison due to a police identification error involving a similar username on the messaging app Kik. The court ruled that authorities mistakenly linked Klayme to criminal messages sent from an account with nearly identical credentials, leading to his wrongful conviction for child exploitation offenses. Klayme is now considering legal action for damages following the annulment of his sentence.GamerantSkyrim Username Sends Innocent Man to Prison for 18 MonthsA Canadian man named Brandon Klayme was wrongfully convicted and spent 18 months in prison after Wisconsin police investigating a crime against a minor requested the wrong user data from the Kik messaging platform due to a typo in his username (asking for "fus_ro_dah" instead of "fus__ro_dah"). Despite his devices being clean and no evidence linking him to the crime, he was found guilty of three charges until the username mismatch on the subpoena was discovered and prosecutors realized the mistake. Klayme has now been acquitted on all charges, with the real person of interest reportedly living in California.TechSpotA missing underscore in a username sent an innocent man to prison for 18 monthsA Halifax man named Brandon Klayme was wrongfully convicted and served 18 months in prison after police investigators missed a single underscore in a username while investigating a child sexual abuse case involving a 12-year-old girl in Wisconsin. The misspelled username "fus_roh_da" (one underscore) led police to Klayme's Google account, while the actual suspect's username was "fus__roh_da" (two underscores), and his legal team later determined the real perpetrator was likely based in California. The case illustrates both the life-altering consequences of clerical errors in criminal investigations and the extent to which tech companies like Google and Kik provide identifying information to law enforcement.RetailDetail EUKiK appoints new executive directorKiK appointed Ulrich Hanfeld as CEO on June 1, succeeding Patrick Zahn, who left in September. Hanfeld previously led Hervis and TriStyle, and now heads KiK's executive team with CFO and CCO. He sees a bright future for the retailer with over 4,000 stores.Financial Crime AcademyICO and Token Offering RegulationsThis article provides an educational overview of regulatory frameworks governing Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs), explaining how securities laws apply to digital token sales and the legal considerations for launchers. It cites the SEC's enforcement actions against Block.one (2019, $24M penalty for unregistered ICO) and Kik Interactive Inc. (2020, $5M penalty) as illustrative examples of compliance requirements and potential consequences. The piece emphasizes the importance of jurisdictional awareness, the Howey Test for determining security status, and transparency obligations for token offerings.