Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging app recognized for its speed, security, and privacy features. Launched in 2013 by brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, Telegram is continuing to grow into the most popular messaging platforms, with over 800 million monthly active users (as of 2024). Unlike traditional SMS or other messaging apps, what is telegram app used for end-to-end encryption, large file sharing, secret chats, and public channels, rendering it a favorite for both personal and professional communication.
Key Features of Telegram
1. Speed & Cloud-Based Messaging
Messages are delivered faster than SMS and a lot of other apps.
Cloud storage allows usage of chats from multiple devices (smartphone, tablet, desktop).
2. Strong Security & Privacy
Secret Chats: End-to-end encrypted (E2EE) conversations that self-destruct.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Extra account protection.
No Ads & No Data Selling: Unlike some competitors, Telegram doesn’t count on ads or sell user data.
3. Large Group Chats & Channels
Groups: Support around 200,000 members (much larger than WhatsApp).
Channels: Broadcast messages to unlimited subscribers (useful for news, entertainment, and updates).
Bots: Automated assistants for tasks like file conversions, games, and reminders.
4. File Sharing & Media Support
Send files approximately 2GB (bigger than WhatsApp’s 100MB limit).
Supports photos, videos, documents, and even uncompressed media.
5. Customization & Themes
Dark mode and customizable themes.
Animated stickers and emoji support.
Who Uses Telegram?
Privacy-conscious users who wish secure messaging.
Businesses & Content Creators (for public channels and announcements).
Communities & Groups (large fan clubs, discussion forums).
File Sharers (as a result of high upload limits).
Is Telegram Safe?
Default chats usually are not E2EE (only Secret Chats are).
Metadata (like contacts and timestamps) could possibly be stored on servers.
Public channels & groups could be accessed by a person with the link.
Telegram can be a versatile, fast, and feature-rich messaging app that balances privacy, functionality, and simplicity. While it may not be as secure as Signal, it gives you more flexibility than WhatsApp, which makes it ideal for large groups, file sharing, and public broadcasting.