Introduced in 1997,
AIM (short for AOL Instant Messenger) is one of the world's most popular instant messaging clients with over 195 million users,
according to Perdue University. With the free AIM program software, users can send an
instant message to anyone on their network, in addition to Facebook Chat and Google Talk (Gtalk).
AIM also features social networking integration, photo and file sharing, video and audio chat, buddy list themes/skins and more.

Used with permission. © 2012 AOL INC. All Rights Reserved.The original AIM gets better in their latest release. Keep in touch with what's happening on all your favorite social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, FourSquare and more, plus all the great features you've come to expect from this veteran IM client.
Free Download: AIM 7 Download
System Requirements
- Windows 2000 or higher
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
- 128MB RAM/512MB for enhanced multimedia features
- Macromedia Flash
- Microphone and speakers/headset for voice/audio chat

Used with permission. © 2012 AOL INC. All Rights Reserved.For Mac users looking for an alternative to iChat, AIM for Mac is a great alternative and features access to all your Facebook and Google friends, too. Video chat and
AIM Lifestream complete the exciting instant messaging experience.
Free Download: AIM for Mac v2.2 Download
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.4.11 (or higher) or 10.5.3 (or higher)
- PowerPC G4 or Intel Macintosh (minimum)
- 256 MB of physical RAM and 40 MB of available hard disk space

Used with permission. © 2012 AOL INC. All Rights Reserved.For users who cannot download an instant messaging client to their computers, especially at school or work, the AIM Express
web messenger is a great way to connect with friends. Simple text-based messaging for AIM and Facebook Chat, too. Plus, keep up with whats going on with AIM Lifestream. Just open your web browser and you are set!
No Download Needed: Sign In to AIM Express Now
System Requirements
- Javascript-enabled browser
- Adobe Flash 9.0 or higher
- Windows 2000/NT/XP/Vista or Mac OS X
- Internet Connection

Used with permission. © 2012 AOL INC. All Rights Reserved.While you are in AIM Mail, did you know you can also send instant messages to your friends, too? With the AIM Mail chat integration, users can sign in directly to their buddy list.
No Download Needed: Sign In with AIM Mail
System Requirements
- Javascript-enabled browser
- Adobe Flash 9.0 or higher
- Windows 2000/NT/XP/Vista or Mac OS X
- Internet Connection

Used with permission. © 2010 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.Before AIM became its own desktop IM client, most of us connected to the instant messaging network using the AOL Desktop software, which includes web browser and network-specific features available now for free to AIM users. Send and receive instant messages to friends, check your AIM Mail and browse the web all in one place.
Free Download: AIM Desktop Download

Used with permission. © 2011 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.Quickly becoming one of my favorite
free webcam sites, AV by AOL allows users to connect with up to three friends via video chat directly from your web browser, without needing to download any software or signing in to an IM client.
No Download Needed: How to Use AV by AOL
System Requirements
- Javascript-enabled browser
- Adobe Flash 10.3 or higher
- Windows 2000/NT/XP/Vista or Mac OS X
- Internet Connection

Used with permission. © 2012 AOL INC. All Rights ReservedWith three tiers of instant messaging fun, AIM for iPad is an innovative client for keeping in touch with friends via IM, social networking and more. Includes location sharing on statuses, access to your AIM Lifestream and more.
Free Download: AIM for iPad Download
System Requirements
- iPad iOS 3.2 or later
- 11.1 MB Disk Space

Used with permission. © 2012 AOL INC. All Rights Reserved.Harness the power of instant messaging on the go with the AIM for iPhone/iPod Touch app. Recently redesigned, the new AIM for iPhone app allows you to send and receive instant messages, host group chat, share location and images, access for Facebook Chat and Google Talk, and more.
Free Download: Download AIM for iPhone/iPod
Premium Download: AIM for iPhone/iPod< Ad-Free
System Requirements
- iOS 4.0
- 16.7MB of Disk Space

Used with permission. © 2012 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.As a top
Android IM app, AIM for Android users can enjoy instant messaging with friends on the AIM, Facebook Chat and Google networks, group chat, chat history, photo and location sharing and more.
Free Download:
AIM for Android App Download System Requirements
- Android 2.1 and Higher
- 2.9MB of Disk Space

Used with permission. © 2011 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved.Blackberry users can also enjoy a bevy of exciting features with their own AIM for Blackberry app, including instant messaging, social networking integration, SMS text messaging, photo sharing and location sharing all from one single IM client.
Free Download: Download AIM for Blackberry
System Requirements
- Blackberry 4.5.0 or higher
- 647kb Disk Space
For mobile users with an early model phone, an AIM app may not be available for your device. However, you aren't left out in the cold! The AIM for TXT service is a free option which utilizes your text message inbox to help you send and receive text-based instant messages to friends on your buddy list. SMS text messaging charges may apply.