In the ever-evolving realm of instant messaging, Telegram, the brainchild of Pavel Durov, is making waves with a daring new initiative aimed at content creators. The company has launched a contest with a substantial prize pool of ,000, inviting participants to craft a viral video that highlights Telegram’s assertion of being the original innovator in messaging technology, a claim it makes against its competitor, WhatsApp, which it refers to as a “cheap copycat.” This contest, announced on May 19, 2025, marks Telegram’s inaugural venture into the world of user-generated content competitions, reflecting a strategic shift towards harnessing the creativity of its user base to showcase the platform’s distinctive features.
Telegram calls out WhatsApp in a viral contest
As two of the largest players in the messaging arena, Telegram and WhatsApp are in a constant battle for supremacy. WhatsApp, under the umbrella of Meta Platforms Inc., boasts a staggering user base of over two billion, while Telegram has carved out its niche by prioritizing privacy and advanced functionalities. The competition has escalated over the years, with each platform often highlighting features that the other has adopted, leading to a dynamic rivalry.
Pavel Durov, the visionary behind Telegram, has publicly accused WhatsApp of orchestrating smear campaigns aimed at tarnishing Telegram’s reputation. In response, the newly launched contest serves as a strategic public relations maneuver, reinforcing Telegram’s innovative edge and solidifying its standing among messaging app users.
Telegram offers K for viral videos calling out WhatsApp ‘copying’
The contest invites creators to produce a viral video, capped at three minutes, that celebrates Telegram’s technological advancements and its historical innovations compared to WhatsApp. Key elements of the contest include:
- Prize amount: A generous ,000, designed to attract a broad spectrum of participants.
- Submission deadline: May 26, 2025, at 23:59 Dubai time, aligning with Telegram’s headquarters.
- Eligibility: Open to participants from around the globe.
- Content requirements: Videos must be in English and suitable for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
- Use of AI tools: Permitted as supplementary aids in video production.
- Judging criteria: Videos will be assessed based on clarity, visual impact, meme potential, and virality.
Participants will receive a curated list of 30 key features that Telegram introduced before WhatsApp adopted similar functionalities. Durov emphasizes that this list is not exhaustive, as many of Telegram’s features remain unmatched by WhatsApp.
Features Telegram claims to pioneer
Telegram has long positioned itself as a trailblazer in the messaging app sector, having introduced a plethora of features that are now standard in WhatsApp and other competitors. These include:
- End-to-end encrypted secret chats
- Large group chats and channels
- Bots and third-party app integrations
- File sharing with higher size limits
- Multi-device support without requiring the primary device to be online
- Self-destructing messages and media
- Advanced privacy controls
This innovation-centric branding enhances Telegram’s appeal to privacy-conscious users, tech enthusiasts, and developers alike.
Amid privacy push, Telegram’s viral contest takes aim at WhatsApp
The timing of the contest is particularly strategic, as Telegram increasingly positions itself as a privacy-focused alternative to mainstream messaging apps. This aligns with a growing trend among users who are concerned about data privacy, censorship, and the control exerted by digital communication platforms. Furthermore, Telegram’s open architecture and support for bots and APIs have made it a favorite among developers and businesses seeking customizable communication solutions. Thus, the contest not only serves marketing goals but also reinforces Telegram’s identity as a leader in technology.
Pavel Durov’s recent statements on political pressures
Alongside the contest announcement, Durov addressed the political pressures faced by Telegram on a global scale. He revealed that a Western European government, implied to be France, had requested Telegram to silence conservative political voices in Romania ahead of the presidential elections on May 18, 2025. Durov firmly stated that Telegram rejected this request, underscoring the platform’s commitment to safeguarding political freedom and user rights without blocking political channels. This stance highlights Telegram’s dedication to political neutrality and freedom of expression, positioning it as a platform resistant to government censorship.
Implications for users and content creators
The contest presents a wealth of opportunities for a diverse array of content creators, including video producers, social media influencers, and digital marketers. By incentivizing the creative promotion of Telegram’s features, the company aims to expand its user base and enhance engagement on emerging social media platforms, where short-form videos reign supreme. Participants are encouraged to utilize contemporary digital marketing strategies, meme culture, and AI tools to maximize their video’s reach and impact. The contest guidelines stress the importance of clear messaging, visual appeal, and the potential for viral dissemination.
Contest evaluation and future prospects
Submitted videos will undergo a thorough review process, evaluated against predefined metrics by Telegram’s evaluation panel, with winners set to be announced in June 2025. This approach underscores Telegram’s commitment to community-driven content creation as a pivotal aspect of its marketing and brand positioning strategy. Should the contest prove successful, it could pave the way for future initiatives designed to engage users creatively, leveraging social media trends to amplify Telegram’s narrative surrounding innovation and privacy.
