Telegram Surpasses One Billion Active Users, Celebrated By Elon Musk

In a significant milestone for the messaging platform, Telegram has announced that its number of active users has comfortably surpassed one billion per month. This impressive feat was confirmed by Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, through a statement made on March 20, 2025.

Telegram now stands as the second most popular messaging application worldwide, trailing only WhatsApp, which Durov has controversially referred to as a "cheap, diluted imitation of Telegram." This bold statement reflects the competitive landscape of messaging apps, where Telegram continues to carve out its niche. Despite WhatsApp's larger user base, Durov remains confident in the unique features and independence of Telegram.

In his announcement, Durov emphasized the growing engagement among users, noting that each individual opens the app an average of 21 times a day and spends about 41 minutes inside it daily. Such statistics highlight not only the platform's increasing user base but also the high level of engagement that users exhibit on the app.

Furthermore, the financial health of Telegram indicates its success within the tech industry. The company reported a profit of $547 million for the year 2024, showcasing robust financial performance which could empower further innovation and expansion.

Elon Musk, the owner of social network X, extended his congratulations to Pavel Durov on this landmark achievement. Musk's simple yet impactful message of "Congratulations!" underscores the significance and recognition given to Telegram in the tech ecosystem.

Durov took the opportunity to dismiss his competitors vigorously. He stated, "They have spent billions on lobbying and PR campaigns to slow us down. They have failed. Telegram has grown, remained profitable, and, unlike our competition, preserved its independence." His comments reflect a broader sentiment among many technology entrepreneurs who emphasize the importance of staying true to their original vision for their platforms.

Pavel Durov's comments also come as a fresh reminder of his commitment to innovation. He concluded optimistically with, "We only just started," suggesting that the best is yet to come for Telegram and its users.

As Telegram continues to grow, both its user engagement and business model will be closely watched. The messaging application not only competes in terms of user numbers but also aims to provide a unique service that differentiates it in a crowded market. As the digital communication landscape evolves, Durov's focus appears steadfast on maintaining the qualities that have fueled Telegram's growth.

In conclusion, by surpassing a billion active users, Telegram has firmly established itself as a key player in the messaging app realm. With the backing of its user engagement statistics and a strong profit margin, along with assurances from Durov about its direction, Telegram is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years. The congratulatory note from Musk only adds to the visibility of this achievement and the level of competition within the industry.