In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, messaging apps have become essential tools for daily interactions. As users increasingly seek alternatives to mainstream platforms, a new contender has emerged from India: Arattai, developed by Zoho. This homegrown app is quickly capturing attention, experiencing a remarkable surge in daily sign-ups and garnering endorsements from government officials.
What is Arattai, and why is it gaining popularity
Arattai, which translates to “casual chat” in Tamil, was launched by Zoho in January 2021. Designed with Indian users in mind, it positions itself as a viable alternative to WhatsApp. The app is marketed as “easy-to-use, instant messaging” that emphasizes simplicity and security, proudly stating its Indian roots.
Recently, Arattai’s user base has skyrocketed, with reports indicating a jump in daily sign-ups from approximately 3,000 to an astonishing 350,000 within just three days. Zoho’s founder, Sridhar Vembu, noted on social media that the app experienced a 100-fold increase in traffic, prompting the company to bolster its infrastructure to accommodate further growth. This momentum has been amplified by endorsements from prominent figures, including Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who praised Arattai as “free, easy-to-use, secure, and safe.”
What does Arattai offer
Arattai boasts a range of features that align with user expectations for a modern messaging app, including:
- Sending text and voice messages
- Making audio and video calls
- Sharing images, documents, videos, and media files
- Utilizing groups, broadcast channels, and “stories”
- Accessing the service across smartphones, tablets, and desktops, with synchronized settings, contacts, and messages
- Importing conversations from other chat apps, facilitating a smooth transition for new users
How big is its user base as compared to WhatsApp
Despite its rapid growth, Arattai remains significantly smaller than WhatsApp, which boasts over 500 million users in India. Currently, Arattai claims to have surpassed 1 million users, with recent estimates suggesting around 400,000 downloads in September alone, a stark increase from fewer than 10,000 in August. This surge in visibility has been fueled by government interest and a growing sense of national pride in homegrown technology.
The parent company behind Arattai
Zoho Corporation, the driving force behind Arattai, is no stranger to the tech industry. Founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas, the company is headquartered in Chennai and is renowned for its extensive suite of business software. With over 55 applications catering to various business needs—from email and customer service to accounting and project management—Zoho serves more than 130 million users across 150 countries. The Indian government has also recognized Zoho’s contributions, with Union IT and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighting the use of Zoho Show in cabinet presentations.
Can Arattai really replace WhatsApp
While Arattai is garnering significant attention, it faces challenges in truly competing with WhatsApp. A notable gap is its lack of end-to-end encryption for messages, a critical security feature that ensures only the sender and receiver can access the content. Although Arattai provides encryption for voice and video calls, the absence of message encryption may deter users who prioritize digital privacy. As Arattai carves out its niche in the market as a proudly Indian alternative, addressing these security concerns and continuously enhancing its features will be key to its potential success in reshaping how Indians connect.
