Telegram Surpasses 1 Billion Users: Pavel Durov Critiques WhatsApp as a ‘Cheap Imitation’
Telegram has officially surpassed the milestone of 1 billion active users, marking a significant increase from last year’s 950 million monthly users. This remarkable growth highlights Telegram’s rising popularity in the competitive messaging app landscape.
Telegram’s Financial Success
In addition to its user growth, Telegram reported a substantial profit of $547 million last year. Founder Pavel Durov had hinted at the company’s profitability in December but did not disclose specific figures until now.
Comparison with WhatsApp
Durov didn’t hold back when comparing Telegram to its major competitor, WhatsApp, owned by Meta. He referred to WhatsApp as a “cheap, watered-down imitation of Telegram,” emphasizing the differences in innovation and independence between the two platforms. In his recent update, he stated:
“Ahead of us stands WhatsApp — a cheap, watered-down imitation of Telegram. For years, they’ve desperately tried to copy our innovations while burning billions on lobbying and PR campaigns to slow us down. They failed. Telegram grew, became profitable, and — unlike our competitor — retained its independence.”
Legal Troubles and Investigations
Recently, Durov returned to Dubai after facing legal issues in France related to alleged criminal activities on Telegram. These allegations included:
- Facilitating organized fraud
- Illegal transactions
- Sharing child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
In August, he spent a few days in police custody, which brought significant attention to the platform’s regulatory challenges.
Market Position and Features
Despite these hurdles, Telegram continues to thrive, particularly outside China. While WhatsApp boasts over 2 billion monthly active users, Telegram is fiercely competing for the attention of businesses and content creators. Both platforms are enhancing their services with features like:
- Business accounts
- Channels for broadcasting messages
- Integration of cryptocurrency functionalities
Telegram has also attracted crypto enthusiasts by incorporating the TON blockchain, offering wallets, and creating a decentralized app ecosystem. This allows for:
- Unlocking content
- Tipping creators
- In-app purchases for mini-apps and games
Furthermore, the company launched a decentralized verification system in January through a network of third-party accounts, enhancing user security and authenticity.
For more information on the latest messaging app trends, check out our article on messaging app trends.
In conclusion, Telegram’s impressive growth and profitability, combined with its innovative features and competitive stance against WhatsApp, position it as a formidable player in the messaging app market.
