Google hangouts are my daily using app to get connected with my friends and family members and its best in connecting with others as I have been using this app since 2 years and its the best. using hangouts you just need and google account to sign in.
When you open it you will see a new hangouts field at the top of the hangouts list and list will change to your contacts and you can any person to you hangouts by clicking oropening contacts or existing hangout box will open an chat box and you can messages even if is not online he will receive as message when next time they opens the hangouts abd you can search persons by email id and through phone number and you can also make video call through this hangout and I have personally use this and its best based on internet speed and voice is clear.
Through hangouts I can share images also and can send emojis as messages and I recommend to have this app in your phone.