Telegram, the popular messaging application, has recently surpassed a significant milestone by exceeding 1 billion monthly active users. This announcement came from Pavel Durov, the founder of the platform, who revealed that the user base has grown by 50 million since July 2024.
Durov shared that users are engaging with the app at an increasingly higher rate, opening it an average of 21 times daily and spending approximately 41 minutes per session. This uptick in engagement highlights Telegram’s position as the second most popular messaging app globally, trailing only WhatsApp, which has around 3 billion users.
The competition between these messaging platforms has intensified over the years. "We are ahead of WhatsApp - a cheap, poor imitation of Telegram. For years they have desperately tried to copy our innovations while spending billions on lobbying and PR campaigns to stop us. They have failed. Telegram has grown, become profitable, and - unlike our competitors - has remained independent," stated Durov, indicating his confidence in Telegram's future as a leading messaging platform.
Durov not only emphasized the growing active user base but also noted that the application's revenue has sharply increased, reaching $547 million in 2024. This financial success is a testament to the growing popularity and usage of the platform.
According to Durov's blog post on March 19, 2025, Telegram has now secured its position as the top messaging app barring the Chinese WeChat. Each user’s frequent interaction with the app highlights a significant trend in today’s communication landscape, where instant and effective messaging is increasingly pivotal.
The founder’s announcement coincided with an exciting update that brought forth new features, enhancing user engagement and experience on the app. The update includes several ways to engage with stars and other new functionalities that promise to enrich the Telegram user experience.
As Telegram continues to evolve, Durov's confidence in its independence and innovation reinforces the platform's vision in a crowded messaging arena. He expressed his belief that the future holds more advancements as Telegram strives to provide unique features that cater to the needs of its growing user base.
The remarkable growth in Telegram's monthly active users comes at a time when social communication platforms are under increased scrutiny regarding privacy and user data management. Durov has consistently advocated for user privacy and transparency in the messaging space. His commitment highlights the importance of secure messaging in an era where privacy concerns are paramount.
Pavel Durov's recent move from France to Dubai has also drawn attention, as he shifted residence after a court approved his request to change supervision terms. This move occurred on March 15, 2025, following the court's decision that allowed him to leave France for several weeks. This development, alongside the announcement of Telegram's user growth, paints a picture of an entrepreneur actively steering his company and advocating for user rights and a free messaging experience.
As Telegram prepares for further phases of growth and innovation, the platform's position in the global messenger rankings remains strong. It is navigating fierce competition while reinforcing its core values of independence and user satisfaction. With its impressive numbers and committed leadership, Telegram is poised to remain a vital player in the messaging app market for years to come.
