When Zoho introduced Arattai in January 2021, it was envisioned primarily as an internal communication tool. Fast forward to today, and this “Made-in-India” messaging application has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with user sign-ups soaring from 3,000 to 350,000 in just three days, and monthly active users now exceeding 1 million. However, amidst this impressive growth, Arattai faces the challenge of establishing itself as more than just a temporary patriotic initiative.
Key Arattai Users & Statistics
- Arattai sign-ups skyrocketed from 3,000 to 350,000 within just three days.
- App downloads surged from under 10,000 to 400,000 in September 2025.
- Zoho added over 2 million new Arattai users in a single day.
- Monthly active users (MAUs) of Arattai surpassed 1 million during its peak growth.
- Arattai ranked #1 on app stores, surpassing WhatsApp and Telegram.
- Users can share files up to 2 GB and create groups with 1,000 members.
- Arattai remains completely ad-free, with no AI integration or data tracking.
What Is Arattai?
Arattai, which translates to casual chat in Tamil, is a cross-platform messaging and VoIP application developed by Zoho Corporation. Initially designed as an internal communication tool for Zoho and its partners, it has since gained significant traction in the mainstream market.
Positioning itself as a “Made-in-India” alternative to WhatsApp, Arattai emphasizes digital sovereignty and aims to provide a secure communication platform free from spyware. Tailored specifically for Indian users, the app supports multiple regional languages and is optimized for low-cost smartphones and slower internet connections. All data is stored in Indian data centers, adhering to the country’s data localization laws.
Arattai Users Growth
Arattai’s rapid user growth can be attributed to a staggering 100-fold increase in daily sign-ups, propelled by endorsements from prominent figures such as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who advocates for indigenous digital platforms. In September 2025, downloads reached 400,000, a significant leap from under 10,000 just a month prior. The app has now claimed the top spot on app stores, outpacing established competitors like WhatsApp and Telegram.
During peak periods, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu reported adding over 2 million new users in a single day. In response to this surge, the company has been rapidly scaling its infrastructure to accommodate a potential 100-fold increase in traffic, with current monthly active users exceeding 1 million—a notable achievement in India’s messaging landscape.
Arattai Vs WhatsApp: A Direct Comparison
Despite its impressive ascent, Arattai still faces stiff competition from WhatsApp, which boasts 2.95 billion monthly active users globally, including 535.8 million in India. In contrast, Arattai’s user base of over 1 million represents a mere fraction—approximately 0.18%—of WhatsApp’s Indian audience. While WhatsApp is accessible in over 180 countries, Arattai primarily targets the Indian market.
Security features also set the two platforms apart. WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls, whereas Arattai only offers this level of security for voice and video calls, leaving text messages unencrypted. This limitation has raised concerns among privacy-conscious users.
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Active Users (Global) | 2.95 billion | 1 million+ |
| Monthly Active Users (India) | 535.8 million | 1 million |
| Availability | Over 180 countries | Primarily India |
| End-to-End Encryption | Complete E2E encryption | Only for Voice & Video (text messages Unencrypted) |
| Low-Bandwidth Optimization | ❌ Not optimized specifically | ✅ Designed for slow internet and budget smartphones |
| Data Consumption | Higher | Lower |
| System Resource Use | Higher (resource-intensive) | Lower (lightweight for low-end devices) |
| Cross-Device Functionality | ✅ Supported (sync across devices) | ❌ Limited or unavailable |
| Network Reliability | Strong performance across various network conditions | Optimized for low-speed networks, but less robust overall |
Features of Arattai
Arattai offers a range of features reminiscent of WhatsApp, along with several unique functionalities:
- Distinctive features not found on WhatsApp.
- A meetings function that enables Zoom-like video conferencing directly within the app.
- A dedicated mentions tab, similar to Slack, that organizes all user mentions in one location.
- Android TV support, allowing conversations on larger displays—a feature currently absent in WhatsApp.
- An ad-free experience with no forced AI integration, contrasting with WhatsApp’s Meta AI features.
- Comprehensive messaging capabilities, including text and voice messages, multimedia sharing, and group chats accommodating up to 1,000 participants.
- File sharing of up to 2 GB, similar to WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp chat import functionality, allowing users to transfer existing conversations, both individual and group chats.
Three Things Arattai Must Prove
- Transparent encryption and audits – Publish a white paper or commission a third-party audit to confirm full end-to-end encryption for text messages.
- Retention data – Share basic 7-day and 30-day user retention figures. Transparency here would signal confidence.
- Scalable reliability – Demonstrate consistent uptime above 99.9 percent after the viral load surge and release incident reports publicly.
If Zoho can address even the first two criteria within the next six months, Arattai has the potential to evolve from a symbolic app into a legitimate competitor in the messaging space.
