Telegram has officially surpassed 1 billion monthly active users and has become the second-largest messaging app globally (excluding WeChat in China). The app’s founder, Pavel Durov, made the announcement while also taking a swipe at WhatsApp, calling it a “cheap, watered-down imitation” of Telegram.
This milestone comes after a steady rise in user numbers, up from 950 million last year. Beyond just expanding its user base, Telegram has also achieved financial success. It has reported $547 million in profit in 2024.
Also read: Best Texting Apps
Durov highlighted the app’s strong user engagement. He noted that each Telegram user opens the app 21 times a day and spends 41 minutes daily on the platform.
In his announcement, Durov didn’t hold back on criticizing WhatsApp. He claimed that Meta’s chat app has spent billions on lobbying and PR to slow Telegram down, but ultimately failed. He emphasized that, unlike WhatsApp, Telegram has retained its independence while continuing to innovate.
WhatsApp, despite having over 2 billion monthly active users, faces growing competition from Telegram, especially among privacy-conscious users and business communities.
Both Telegram and WhatsApp are expanding beyond traditional messaging. Telegram has been actively integrating crypto-friendly features, including the TON blockchain, digital wallets, and a decentralized app ecosystem. These additions allow for tipping creators, in-app purchases for mini-apps, and a decentralized verification system launched earlier this year.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp continues to dominate business communication. It offers features like WhatsApp Business accounts and payment solutions. However, Telegram’s rapid growth and feature-rich ecosystem suggest that Meta’s chat app has serious competition.
With over a billion active users and strong revenue growth, Telegram is proving to be more than just an alternative to WhatsApp. What app do you prefer for personal communication? Let me know in the comments
