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Telegram founder Pavel Durov says app now has 1B users, calls WhatsApp a ‘cheap,watered down imitation’
Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced the app has surpassed 1 billion users, up from 950 million last year, and reported $547 million in profits. He criticized WhatsApp as a 'cheap imitation' that fails to match Telegram's innovations, highlighting their ongoing competition in the messaging space and features aimed at businesses and creators.
Key points
- Telegram has now over 1 billion active users, an increase from 950 million last year.
- Durov reports Telegram made $547 million in profits recently.
- He criticized WhatsApp for imitating Telegram and emphasized Telegram's independent success.
- Durov faced legal issues in France regarding allegations of criminal activities but has returned to Dubai.
- Telegram and WhatsApp are competing for users and business features, with Telegram appealing to crypto enthusiasts through integrations.
Why it matters
- The growth of Telegram to 1 billion users illustrates a rising trend among messaging apps aiming at user privacy and independent operations.
- The competition between Telegram and WhatsApp reflects ongoing debates about data security, user trust, and platform monetization in the tech industry.
- Telegram’s development of blockchain features connects with broader trends in 2025 about decentralization and user control over data.
Durov's announcement of reaching 1 billion users and profit underscores Telegram's competitive stance against WhatsApp, as both platforms vie for leadership in the evolving messaging market, particularly in terms of user experience and innovative features.