In April 2024, Telegram CEO and owner Pavel Durov predicted that the messenger would surpass 1 billion users in 2025. Today, he announced on his Du Rove’s Channel that Telegram had officially crossed the milestone of 1 billion monthly active users, making it the second most popular messaging app worldwide (excluding China’s WeChat).
Durov shared the following message on his Telegram channel: “WhatsApp is ahead of us — a cheap, watered-down imitation of Telegram. For years, they have been desperately trying to copy our innovations, burning billions on lobbying and PR campaigns to slow us down. They have failed. Telegram has grown, become profitable, and — unlike our competitor — retained its independence. We are just getting started.”
User Growth and Revenue Highlights
Alongside this achievement, Durov highlighted a steady increase in user engagement. According to him, the average user opens Telegram 21 times a day and spends approximately 41 minutes in the app daily. The company reported revenue of $547 million for 2024, marking a strong financial position.
Despite having only 50 full-time developers, Telegram has experienced immense growth in recent years, notes NIX Solutions. It has evolved into a crucial communication tool for governments and officials globally, as well as a vital platform for citizens living in conflict zones. This rapid expansion reflects the platform’s unique appeal and continued relevance.
Future Focus and Moderation Strategy
Looking ahead, Telegram is prioritizing improvements in its moderation system. Durov mentioned ongoing efforts to introduce “mechanisms related to artificial intelligence to solve potential problems.” At the same time, he emphasized that the company remains committed to user freedom, stating that “if they [users] do not cross red lines, we should not control people in the way they express their thoughts, otherwise we can quickly slide into authoritarianism.”
Telegram’s growth trajectory appears strong, and the company shows no signs of slowing down. We’ll keep you updated as new features and moderation tools are introduced, especially as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into the platform’s operations.