Tango Live

Tango is a third-party,^[2] cross platform messaging application software for smartphones developed by TangoME, Inc. in 2009. The app is free and began as one of the first providers of video calls, texting, photo sharing, and games on a 3G network.^[3][4][5]

Tango Live

Developer(s)	JP Inc.
Operating system	Android, iOS
Type	Voice over IP, instant messaging, videoconferencing
License	Proprietary[1]
Website	tango.me

As of 2018, Tango has more than 400 million registered users.^[6][7][8][4] It was rated by PCMag as "the simplest mobile chat application out there, with a good range of support."^[5]

In 2017, Tango entered the live-streaming space, and has become a B2C platform for Live Video Broadcasts, combining high-quality video streaming, a live messaging chat and a digital economy.

History

Tango, based in Mountain View, California, was founded in September 2009 by Uri Raz and Eric Setton.^[5][9] Raz currently serves as its CEO.

The founders raised venture capital from a range of investors such as Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Len Blavatnik.^[10]

In July 2013, the Syrian Electronic Army hacked the Tango chat app and stole 1.5 terabytes of user data.^[11]

A financing round in March 2014 brought in $280 million from Alibaba, Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang and other investors.^[12]

In February 2017, Tango added integration with GIF platform Gfycat, allowing users to search and send GIFs.^[13]

In December 2024, Tango faced serious concerns following reports that it was being used for inappropriate activities, including child pornography and abuse. A New York Times article highlighted the issue, revealing how the app has been exploited by some users for harmful purposes. This has raised alarms about the platform’s safety and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children. ^[14]