Telegram Surpasses 1 Billion Users, Durov Critiques WhatsApp

Telegram has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users, making it the second largest messaging app globally, according to CEO Pavel Durov. He highlighted that user engagement is on the rise, with individuals spending an average of 41 minutes per day on the app, contributing to a reported profit of $547 million in 2024. Durov took the opportunity to criticize his main competitor, WhatsApp, calling it a 'cheap, watered-down imitation' of Telegram that has tried for years to replicate its innovations while failing to slow its growth. The competitive landscape has intensified as both platforms vie for user attention and business capabilities, with WhatsApp currently holding over 2 billion users. Durov's comments followed his recent return to Dubai after facing legal scrutiny in France regarding alleged criminal activities on Telegram. Despite these challenges, Durov expressed confidence in Telegram's independence and profitability as it continues to evolve and enhance user experience with new features.