Telegram’s Meteoric Rise in User Base
In the dynamic world of social media platforms, the Telegram messaging app is making headlines with its rapid growth. The app’s founder, Pavel Durov, in a conversation with U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson, revealed that Telegram is on the brink of surpassing a significant milestone. With its current trajectory, the platform is expected to reach 1 billion active monthly users within the next year. As of now, the user count stands at an impressive 900 million.
Durov, who has full ownership of Telegram, emphasized the app’s commitment to being a “neutral platform,” steering clear of becoming entangled in geopolitical strife. This stance comes from a personal place for Durov, who left Russia in 2014 due to governmental pressures on his business ventures.
Telegram’s growth has been particularly noteworthy in Ukraine and Russia, where it has played a pivotal role since the onset of the conflict between the two nations. The app has been a crucial channel for communication, with leaders like Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy using it to address the nation and military forces disseminating vital information. Similarly, the Kremlin uses Telegram to broadcast President Vladimir Putin’s activities.
Despite its utility, Telegram faces criticism for being a potential conduit for misinformation and manipulation. In response to these concerns, a bill proposing tighter regulation of Telegram and other social networks has been introduced in the Ukrainian parliament. The Kremlin has also urged Durov to exercise greater vigilance after allegations surfaced that Telegram was used in the recruitment process for an attack in Moscow.
With Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp as one of its main competitors, boasting over 2 billion monthly users, Telegram’s journey is closely watched by industry experts. Reports from The Financial Times suggest that Telegram might consider a U.S. listing once it achieves profitability—a milestone that could coincide with its expanding user base.
The story of Telegram is one of resilience and rapid expansion, as it continues to burn brightly like a “forest fire” across the digital landscape, connecting millions while navigating the complex terrain of global communications.
