Telegram has become the latest app to exceed the one billion downloads mark internationally. The instant messaging software, which debuted in late 2013, competes with WhatsApp and Facebook’s Messenger. Despite public outcry over WhatsApp’s latest privacy policy modification, it was able to expand its market penetration. Telegram also added new features, such as group video calls, screen sharing with sound, and an improved voice chat experience, which helped entice more users.
Telegram reached a billion downloads globally last week, according to TechCrunch. Telegram’s main competitor WhatsApp, as well as Messenger, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Spotify, and Netflix, are all on the list.
According to Sensor Tower, India has emerged as Telegram’s largest Internet market, accounting for around 22% of its lifetime downloads. Following India, Russia and Indonesia were the two most important markets for the app, accounting for 10% and 8% of total installations, respectively.
Telegram also announced 214.7 million downloads in the first half of 2021, a 61 percent growth over the 133 million reported at the same time in 2020.
It’s worth noting that the number of downloads provided by Sensor Tower does not indicate the app’s active user base. Telegram, on the other hand, said last year that it had about 500 million monthly active users.
