As the mobile industry continues to grow, our ways of communicating are also becoming more evolved in the process. We're getting new and more convenient ways to reach other people and sending messages to each other has never been this easy. In fact, mobile messaging has become so entrenched in our daily lives, that there are probably hundreds, if not thousands of messaging apps on iTunes right now. But with the sea of apps out there, how are users supposed to know which are the best ones? What exactly are the apps that are worth spending money on?

To answer this, the PointCom team did some research and scoured the app store for messaging apps that bring something new and unique to the table. Check out our findings below:

1. instaDM - Despite having a colossal user base, photo sharing app Instagram doesn't provide a way for members to privately communicate with each other. Typically, Instagram users that have something to say to another person would leave a public comment on a photo. But what if you need to take your conversations elsewhere? Well, if you're having this dilemma, then instaDM is definitely worth checking out. As its name implies, the app provides an instant direct messaging service for Instagram users. Just download the app, and you'll be able to chat with other Instagrammers with just a few taps.

2. HippySocial - Ever wanted to meet like-minded people in your area? With HippySocial, you can do so easily and securely. HippySocial lets users create and enter chat rooms based on their interests, location, or both. Say you want to chat up people who are interested in the upcoming Olympics, simply launch the app and look for the Summer Olympics 2012 room and chat away. If you're more interested in talking to people in your location, just head to the "Places" tab and the app will automatically locate you and search for chat rooms within your proximity. Can't find nearby rooms? Create one yourself and invite your friends. When it comes to apps like these, more is definitely merrier.

3. IM+ Pro - Are using online instant messaging? If so, take your conversations on the go with IM+. This app supports Skype, Facebook, Google Talk, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, and other messaging services, allowing you to reach your contacts even when you're out and about. IM+ is perfect for people who are managing several IM accounts.

4. Kik - If you're looking for an alternative to text messaging, then be sure to check out Kik. It fast and "transforms regular texting into a real-time conversation" it even lets you see when messages are delivered, read, and if the person on the other end is typing. Kik also allows you to send pictures and even create groups by adding more people to the conversation. Moreover, it's a multi-platform app that lets you touch base with iPhone, Android, Windows Phone 7, Symbian, and BlackBerry users.

5. Smurge - Mass-text and group messaging features are very convenient, because they allow you to communicate to several individuals all at once. The only downside is, using these group capabilitie strip messages of a "personal touch". Smurge takes care of this issue by allowing you to insert the names of individual recipients in your messages. Similar to the mail merge feature of word processors, Smurge inserts a "{NAME}" field that would be replaced by the names of the recipients. That way, a group messages or greetings like "Happy 4^th of July!" won't look so generic, because the names of the people you're sending it to will be included in the message.