Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, recently announced that the messaging platform has reached a significant milestone, boasting 1 billion active users each month. This achievement positions Telegram as the second most popular messaging application globally, surpassing all competitors except for WhatsApp, which Durov refers to as a “pathetic copy” of his innovation.
Competitive Landscape
Durov’s remarks highlight a competitive landscape where he claims WhatsApp has struggled to keep pace with Telegram’s advancements. He asserts that the rival platform has spent billions on lobbying and public relations efforts to undermine Telegram’s growth, yet these attempts have been in vain. In contrast, Telegram has not only flourished but also achieved profitability while maintaining its independence from corporate influences.
In terms of financial performance, Durov revealed that Telegram generated revenues of 7 million in 2024. User engagement metrics further underscore the platform’s popularity:
- Each user opens Telegram an impressive 21 times daily.
- The average user spends approximately 41 minutes per day within the app.
In a recent turn of events, Durov returned to Dubai after a prolonged stay in France, where he faced legal challenges related to the platform’s operations. He had been detained for nearly six months due to serious allegations, including the distribution of harmful materials and promotion of terrorism.
Despite these challenges, Telegram continues to play a vital role in information dissemination, particularly in Ukraine, where around 73% of users rely on the platform for news updates. This figure reflects a modest increase of 1% over the past year, indicating Telegram’s steady presence in the region’s media landscape.
