What is Telegram? Messaging apps have become indispensable tools for long-distance communication. While WhatsApp remains the most popular app to date, there is another application gaining attention recently due to its numerous advantages.
This amazing tool is Telegram, and if you’re not familiar with it yet, you’ve come to the right place. At Econsultoria, a leading online marketing agency, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Telegram and its main differences with WhatsApp.
What is Telegram?
As mentioned earlier, Telegram is a significant online messaging app that works similarly to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Like those apps, Telegram allows you to send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Telegram is cloud-based, and its loyal users often highlight its speed and security as standout features. Launched back in 2013, Telegram now boasts 200 million monthly active users and is regarded as one of the best alternatives to conventional messaging apps.
What is it used for?
Telegram offers functionalities similar to most other messaging apps. In essence, it allows users to chat, create group conversations, call contacts, send files, and share fun stickers.
However, Telegram also includes some unique features that set it apart from other chat applications. For one, it uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the participants in a two-way conversation can see the messages exchanged.
Additionally, Telegram enhances its security system by allowing users to hide their phone numbers. Instead of sharing your phone number, Telegram lets you provide just a username if you prefer. This gives you greater control over the information you want to share.
Differences between Telegram and WhatsApp
After the controversy surrounding WhatsApp and its privacy policies, many users began to wonder: Is Telegram a better messaging app? Let’s find out.
Telegram Features
Here are the features and advantages that Telegram offers compared to WhatsApp.
Chat Secret
This is an end-to-end encrypted chat feature that lets users set a timer for messages to self-destruct after a specific period.
Channels
Unlike WhatsApp groups, Telegram uses Channels. The difference lies in the fact that Telegram Channels can host an unlimited number of members.
Multi-platform support
Unlike WhatsApp, which requires the mobile app to run, Telegram has standalone applications for all available platforms.
WhatsApp Features
It’s clear that WhatsApp is considered the number one messaging app. Here are the features and advantages of WhatsApp.
Recognition
By 2018, WhatsApp had 1.5 billion active users, while Telegram had 200 million active users—a significantly smaller number. Based on these statistics, your friends are more likely to have WhatsApp than Telegram.
End-to-end encryption
As mentioned earlier, Telegram employs end-to-end encryption only for its Secret Chat feature. However, WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for all its chats.
Delivery and read notifications
WhatsApp allows users to check the status of message delivery and whether the recipient has read it. If this is a feature you frequently use, you may prefer WhatsApp over Telegram for this reason.
Each app has its defining features. WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for all chats, while Telegram provides platform compatibility and enhanced privacy.
So, which app is better? Let us know your opinion in the comments.