BlackBerry has today announced that its new BBM app for Android is set to come pre-installed on “a variety of Android-based smartphones from leading OEMs.” The popular messaging service will be baked into devices sold across Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin America, and the Middle East starting next month.

Be, Brightstar, Celkon, EVERCOSS, IMO, Micromax, Mito, Snexian, Spice, TECNO, TiPhone, and Zen are the manufacturers that have entered into the agreement with BlackBerry — but those with Android-powered smartphones from other companies will still be able to download the app for free from Google Play.

“It is clear that smartphone customers see BBM as a must have app for active conversations. The uptake we have seen for BBM since the launch on Android and iPhone is amazing,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President for BBM at BlackBerry.

“We’re thrilled to be working with leading Android smartphone manufacturers from across the globe to help bring their customers the best out-of-the-box experience with BBM preinstalled.”

BBM made its debut on Android and iOS back in October, and it’s been a big success for BlackBerry. In just one week of availability, the apps helped BBM gain another 20 million users worldwide, taking its total number of active users to over 80 million.

Earlier this month, BlackBerry added new features to the Android version of the app, and it promises that even more — including Channels, BBM Voice, and BBM Video — will be added later on.

• ViaBerryReview