Strava app launches instant messaging

On December 4th, Strava is launching an update to its mobile application, with a major new feature: a private messaging service. On the menu: instant messages between users, group chats, sharing of activities or routes, and later, photos and videos.

All Strava studies prove it: together we go further. Strava is therefore introducing an effective way for its athletes to coordinate rides, connect, find inspiration or advice, or share routes.

Upon its public release on December 4th, the messaging service will be accessible to all Strava users to facilitate one-on-one discussions or group interactions, but only on the mobile application, not on the desktop version. Additional updates are planned for early 2024.

Strava Messaging Features

Strava messaging is included in version 335 of the application. An update will therefore be necessary. It is available to all Strava athletes, but subscribers can expect to see specific options appear in the future. It is accessible via the speech bubble icon on the “Home” and “Groups” tabs of Strava.

Direct messages can be sent via a “Message” button on profile pages, depending on athletes’ invitation permissions. A conversation can be a private message or a group message depending on the number of athletes invited when creating the thread.

With Strava messaging, athletes can control who contacts them. Messaging settings default to profile privacy settings.

Everyone: anyone you follow can send you a message.
Followers: only people you follow and who follow you back can send you a message.
No one: no one can send you a message first, but you can start chatting with others.

We had the opportunity to briefly preview Strava messaging. The features are comparable to Messenger or iMessage, with instant messages and the ability to see when your interlocutor has read the message, or is in the process of replying. Depending on your smartphone’s notification settings, you can know at any time when you receive a message. Sharing routes is extremely simple, with a small tab at the bottom left of the discussion thread. The system is therefore not revolutionary, but it definitely brings something more, especially for communities of athletes who share the common goal of riding together or for clubs, without being close enough to share their personal contact information.

STRAVA STATISTICS
• Over 8 billion activities shared on Strava.
• Active individuals in over 190 countries.
• 40 million activities uploaded per week.
• Over 30 million segments.
• Over 3,000 professional athletes on Strava.
• Nearly 10 billion Kudos given last year.
• Over 10 million photos and videos shared every week.
• Over 3,200 partner municipalities and regions improving their infrastructure
thanks to Strava Metro.