New Delhi:

The comments come as Telegram continues its fast-paced growth. Over the last year alone, it added 50 million users and clocked $547 million in profits in 2024.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov took a direct swipe at rival messaging app WhatsApp. In a post on X, Durov claimed that most of WhatsApp’s top features were lifted from Telegram, and that too, ‘Years later.”

“Telegram launches. WhatsApp imitates. Years later.”

In a bold post, Durov wrote, “Few WhatsApp users realize they’re using a copycat. Over 80% of its features were copied from Telegram — years later.” He attached a set of infographics showing how long it took WhatsApp to replicate key Telegram features. Some of the comparisons were eye-opening.

For example:

Channels were launched on Telegram in 2015, WhatsApp got them 8 years later

Message editing appeared in 2016 on Telegram, WhatsApp introduced it 7 years later

Disappearing media? Telegram had it in 2013. WhatsApp followed 8 years later

The list also included features like multi-device support, polls, stickers, and even voice-to-text, all of which Telegram claims to have pioneered years earlier. Durov’s post framed the rollout of these tools on WhatsApp as late, half-baked, and overly hyped.

Telegram’s rise in the creator and crypto space

Meanwhile, WhatsApp remains the global giant with over 2 billion active users, especially popular in markets like India and Brazil. But Telegram’s rapid rise and direct attacks on WhatsApp show that the rivalry between the two is far from over.

Telegram has evolved from a messaging app into a platform for creators, businesses, and crypto projects. It supports blockchain tools like the TON network, offers in-app wallets, bots, and has its own decentralized identity system. These features are helping Telegram carve out its own niche beyond traditional messaging.

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