Telegram has officially surpassed 1 billion active users, marking a major milestone in the messaging app’s ongoing battle for dominance in the global chat platform market. Founder Pavel Durov made the announcement, highlighting the platform’s rapid growth from last year’s reported 950 million monthly active users. This achievement not only solidifies Telegram’s position as a leading messaging service but also underscores its increasing challenge to Meta-owned WhatsApp.
Alongside the user milestone, Durov revealed that Telegram recorded $547 million in profits last year. While he had previously declared the company’s profitability in December, this is the first time he has shared actual figures. The announcement marks a significant shift for Telegram, which had operated without a clear monetization model for years. With the introduction of premium subscriptions, in-app advertisements, and blockchain integrations, the company has successfully turned a profit while maintaining its independence.
Durov did not shy away from taking shots at WhatsApp, calling the rival platform a “cheap, watered-down imitation of Telegram.” He accused WhatsApp of spending billions on lobbying and PR campaigns to slow Telegram’s growth while failing to out-innovate its competitor. “For years, they’ve desperately tried to copy our innovations while burning billions on lobbying and PR campaigns to slow us down. They failed. Telegram grew, became profitable, and—unlike our competitor—retained its independence,” he stated in a bold update on his Telegram channel.
The rivalry between Telegram and WhatsApp has intensified over the years, with both platforms competing for dominance in messaging, business communication, and creator monetization. WhatsApp, which boasts over 2 billion monthly active users, remains the leader in the space outside of China, but Telegram’s rapid growth indicates that more users are looking for alternatives.
Beyond traditional messaging, Telegram has expanded its ecosystem to cater to crypto enthusiasts by integrating the TON blockchain, crypto wallets, and a decentralized app ecosystem. These features allow users to tip creators, unlock content, and make in-app purchases for mini-apps and games, setting Telegram apart from competitors. Additionally, in January, the company introduced a decentralized verification system through a network of third-party accounts, further embracing its commitment to privacy and decentralization.
However, Telegram’s journey hasn’t been without controversy. Durov recently returned to Dubai after clearing legal issues in France, where he was under investigation for allegedly facilitating organized fraud, illegal transactions, and the sharing of CSAM (child sexual abuse material) on Telegram. The investigation led to his brief detention in August, but Durov has since been cleared of any wrongdoing. Despite the legal scrutiny, Telegram has continued to expand its features and grow its user base at an impressive rate.
With 1 billion users now on board and a profitable business model in place, Telegram’s future looks promising. The platform’s ongoing battle with WhatsApp will likely continue as both companies roll out new features targeting businesses, creators, and everyday users. Whether Telegram will eventually surpass WhatsApp remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Durov is not backing down from the fight.
