<P> The ICQ client application and service were initially released in November 1996 and the client was freely available to download . Users could register an account and would be assigned a number , like a phone number , for others to be able to contact them ( users could also provide handles ) . ICQ was the first stand - alone instant messenger and the first online instant messenger service -- while real - time chat was not in itself new to the internet ( IRC being the most common platform at the time ) , the concept of a fully centralized service with individual user accounts focused on one - on - one conversations set the blueprint for later instant messaging services like AIM , and its influence is seen in modern social media applications . </P>
what was icq as related to instant messaging
the first online instant messenger service the first stand - alone instant messenger