LINE

LINE is a Japanese cross-platform instant messaging app developed by LINE Corporation, a subsidiary of Z Holdings. Founded in 2011, LINE has expanded to become one of the most popular messaging apps in Asia, with over 187 million monthly active users. The headquarters of LINE Corporation is located in Tokyo, Japan. LINE offers instant messaging, voice and video calls, and a range of additional services, including LINE Pay, a mobile payment service, and LINE Today, a news and content platform. Revenue for LINE is generated through advertising, in-app purchases, and premium subscriptions for features like stickers and games. Technically, LINE operates on a cloud-based infrastructure with servers located in Japan and other regions to ensure high performance and reliability. The app supports end-to-end encryption for messaging and multimedia sharing, including text, voice messages, images, and videos. LINE is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, and includes features such as official accounts for businesses, which allow brands to engage with customers. The app also offers LINE Friends, a popular line of stickers and merchandise featuring its mascot characters. LINE has maintained its popularity in Japan and other Asian markets by continuously introducing new features and services, such as LINE Music and LINE TV, to enhance the user experience. The app has also expanded globally, though it remains most dominant in its home market and surrounding regions.