BBM for Android and iPhone has already been downloaded over 5 million times in the first 8 hours of availability.
Despite initial availability issues, BBM for iPhone and Android devices is proving exceedingly popular with consumers with the app downloaded over 5 million times already.
According to a tweet from the official BBM Twitter account, the recently released app has already been downloaded by 5 million users within the first 8 hours.
{pulllquote}“Next five million in line – your turn! Open up BBM and click “I got the email” to get started on #BBM right away!”{/pullquote} read the tweet.
The multi-platform app is available to download now but it is being gradually rolled out to users on a first-come-first-serve basis.
In order to qualify to use the BBM app for iPhone and Android you’ll have to download the app and enter your email address when prompted. This will enter you into the BBM queue at which point you’ll have to wait until BlackBerry contacts you and offers you full access.
“Thanks for all your excitement. We’re moving through the lineup on a first-come, first-serve basis,” explained the BBM Twitter feed earlier.
BBM for iPhone and Android release date was originally scheduled for a month ago, but it was delayed when an unofficial Android version of the app was leaked on the Google Play Store and downloaded over 1 million times.
BlackBerry then had to address all the issues caused by the unofficial version and delay the launch for all those who had patiently waited since it was announced in May at the BlackBerry Live event.
It will be interesting how BlackBerry’s multi-platform messaging app will be able to compete with rivals like WhatsApp in the long run, but this initial popularity will certainly be a boost for the financially struggling smartphone manufacturer.
Next, read our pick of the best smartphones of 2013.
