How to Make Fake Chat Screenshots (2026 Guide)

What Are Fake Chat Screenshots?

Fake chat screenshots are mockups of messaging app conversations, built with a generator tool rather than screenshotted from a real app. They let you control every detail: usernames, timestamps, message content, and visual style. Common uses include marketing materials, content creation, design mockups, tutorials, and film production.

Last week, a friend asked me to help with a product launch deck. She had glowing customer feedback buried in emails and Slack threads, but pasting raw text into slides felt flat. That's when I showed her how to turn those quotes into realistic chat mockups. The difference was immediate: the testimonials felt alive.

If you're in a similar spot (showcasing customer feedback, building tutorials, or creating social content) this guide walks through how to make it happen.

Why Use Fake Screenshots?

You might be wondering when mockups actually make sense. Here are the scenarios where they work well:

• Marketing materials: Showcase product reviews or customer testimonials
• Content creation: Create engaging social media content
• Design mockups: Present app concepts or UI designs
• Educational content: Illustrate tutorials or documentation
• Film and video production: Create realistic props for scenes

Step 1: Choose Your Platform

Think about where your audience actually communicates. A B2B SaaS testimonial probably looks more natural in Slack than WhatsApp. A casual customer review might fit better in iMessage. Mockly supports 17+ apps including WhatsApp, iMessage, Slack, Discord, Instagram, and more.

Here's a WhatsApp mockup showing how a simple conversation might look:

Step 2: Set Up Your Conversation

With your platform selected, it's time to set up who's talking. This is where you define the participants:

• Sender: The person sending messages (typically "you")
• Receiver(s): The other participant(s) in the conversation

For professional contexts (say, a customer success win you want to share internally) apps like Slack fit naturally:

Step 3: Craft Your Messages

This is where many mockups fall flat. Stilted, overly formal dialogue breaks the illusion instantly. A few things to keep in mind:

1. Keep it conversational: Use contractions ("I'm" not "I am") and casual language
2. Add realistic timing: Quick exchanges happen in minutes, not hours
3. Include reactions: A thumbs up or heart reaction feels natural
4. Match the platform's style: Slack messages tend to be punchier than email; iMessage is casual

Read your dialogue out loud. If it sounds like something you'd actually text, you're on the right track.

Step 4: Customize the Appearance

Mockly lets you customize several visual elements:

• Dark/Light mode: Toggle between appearance modes
• Device status: Show battery level, time, and signal
• Device frame: Add or remove the phone frame
• Background: Use transparent backgrounds for flexible placement

Step 5: Export Your Screenshot

Once you're happy with your mockup, you can export it as:

• PNG: Best for most use cases with transparent background support
• JPEG: Smaller file size for web use
• SVG: Scalable for print materials

Social Media Mockups

Chat screenshots aren't the only option. Sometimes you need to show how a brand mention or customer shoutout looks on social. Here's an Instagram post example:

AI Chat Mockups

Creating a tutorial about prompt engineering? Building a case study around AI tools? Mockly supports ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok:

A Few Things That Help

These overlap with some of the steps above, but they're worth emphasizing:

1. Stay authentic: Base mockups on real scenarios or feedback you've actually received
2. Maintain consistency: If you're creating multiple mockups, stick to one theme (dark or light)
3. Consider your audience: A Discord mockup won't resonate with an audience that's never used Discord
4. Test different formats: Some audiences prefer dark mode; others find light mode cleaner

Related Tutorials

Want step-by-step guides for specific apps?

• How to Make Fake WhatsApp Chat
• How to Make Fake Discord Messages
• How to Make Fake Instagram DMs
• How Marketers Use Mockly

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to create fake chat screenshots?

Yes, for legitimate purposes like marketing, education, design mockups, and creative projects. The line is clear: don't use mockups to deceive, impersonate real people, or spread misinformation.

Which app should I choose for my mockup?

Match the app to your audience. B2B content works best as Slack or LinkedIn mockups. Consumer-facing content fits WhatsApp, iMessage, or Instagram. Check the table above for a quick reference.

Can I make group chat mockups?

Yes. Mockly supports group chats with multiple participants, custom names, and profile pictures across all supported apps.

Start Creating

Ready to try it yourself? Get started with Mockly and build your first chat mockup for free.