From SmarterChild through to Siri, automated chatbots have been around for almost as long as the internet itself. And now – despite the presence of more advanced, flashy apps – their popularity is on the increase once again. But what’s the cause of the chatbot comeback?

Most teenage girls look to their friends for beauty advice, but thanks to messaging app Kik, Sephora customers can now use a ‘chatbot’ to find out the newest tips and trends. After a talk, some emojis and a quiz, it gives the user the most relevant content to suit their beauty needs.

The Apple App Store houses over one million apps. Despite once trying to do everything, apps are now being split into single purpose platforms. But how do people actually use them? And which is more useful – the Swiss Army knife approach or a tailored, single purpose app?

Private messaging is an ideal medium to do the obvious – open a dialogue and conduct a conversation. In fact, 59% of all US social sharing now occurs in private channels. But while people are happy to chat to their mates on platforms like Facebook Messenger, how can brands get involved?