UK-based chat app maker Tengi, which gives away 50 per cent of its revenue to its users, will give away £10,000 in a draw next week, as it looks to build its presence in this competitive market.

The company’s website states that “the majority of the money we give away comes from advertisers – so when you see ads, remember, they’re adding to the prize fund”.

The app launched earlier this month and has 17,000 monthly active users already, a spokesperson told Mobile World Live, adding that Tengi is now up to number 15 in the free social networking category in the iOS App store chart.

“We return 50 per cent of our revenue to users, so as more people join Tengi, the prizes will increase,” said Neil Laycock, CEO.

It said it will “never charge” people for using it. It has already given away £100,000, Laycock said.

The messaging app market is an extremely competitive one, dominated by the likes of Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat and Line, which may explain why Tengi is taking a new approach to attract users.