What is Telegram?

Telegram is certainly not the biggest messaging app on the market, think about WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger for example. However, in this article, we will talk about what Telegram is, if it’s safe, and if it is the right platform for you or your company.

What is Telegram?

It does not matter if you are a business or someone who just wants to create a community, Telegram is the right place. But why?

Telegram is mainly known for its privacy since you can be completely anonymous on the platform, which can sometimes lead to some interesting groups or discussions. As of February 2025, Telegram has approximately 950 million monthly active users. This number is still growing as well.

Just like other messaging apps, on Telegram you have the option for voice and video chats, group chats, or even secret chats. Telegram can be used on any mobile device, desktop apps or via any browser such as Google. The platform can be used for marketing, which is the main reason most businesses use it. It gives you the opportunity to build a community around your brand, which can increase sale a lot.

Is Telegram safe?

In general, Telegram is quite safe. It uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for secret chats, two-step verification, and self-destructing media and messages. This makes the platform really safe, but this may sound too good to be true. Telegram does not offer E2EE for regular chats, which can make some conversations not really safe.

People have been worried about this even though the founder Pavel Durov’s claims that the platform is safe than WhatsApp. Because of the lax content moderation, Telegram could be more attractive for criminal groups, which is obviously not something you can call “safe”.

Some things that people may see as “unsafe” on Telegram are:

• No end-to-end encryption for regular chats

• No end-to-end encryption for group chats

• Telegram’s servers store metadata

• Closed server-side code

What is Telegram used for?

Now that you know what Telegram is, you might still ask yourself for what you can use Telegram. For regular users, Telegram is a place where you can communicate with others from all over the world. You can make groups or channels to make video or voice calls, or to send pictures or files. The groups you can create can have up to 200,000 people. If you choose to make a channel you can broadcast to unlimited contacts or audiences.

For businesses, the channel is mostly used for marketing. Promoting a brand can be easily done on Telegram when you have created a big community. You can do this by for example posting updates about your products or services, which attracts potential customer. If you have enough members, you can start selling on the platform as well so that you can actually make money on Telegram.

Overall, the platform is a messaging platform that can be used for all sorts of things. Personal and professional use are all possible on Telegram!

How is Telegram different from WhatsApp?

Telegram and WhatsApp are both popular messaging apps, but they work in very different ways. While WhatsApp focuses on simple and direct communication, Telegram offers a more flexible and feature-rich experience.

One of the biggest differences is the way Telegram handles groups and channels. On WhatsApp, group chats are limited to 1024 members, while Telegram allows up to 200,000 people in a single group. Telegram also has channels, where you can broadcast messages to an unlimited number of subscribers. This makes Telegram a better option for large communities, businesses, and content creators.

Another difference is how messages are stored. WhatsApp relies on local backups, which means that if you lose your phone, you could lose your chats unless you have a backup. Telegram, on the other hand, is completely cloud-based. You can log in from any device and instantly access all your messages, media, and files without needing to restore anything.

Privacy is also handled differently. WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryptions for all chats, while Telegram only offers this for secret chats. However, Telegram allows users to chat without sharing their phone numbers, which adds an extra layer of anonymity.

Telegram gives users more freedom and control, while WhatsApp keeps things simple. If you’re looking for an app that goes beyond just messaging, Telegram might be a better choice.

How does Telegram work?

Telegram is a cloud-based platform, which makes it easy to use on every device. It has fast, secure, and flexible communication, which is crucial for any messaging app. Here are some of the other key features about Telegram and how the platform actually works:

Multi-platform access

Telegram is designed to work seamlessly across multiple devices, ensuring users can access their chats from smartphones, tablets, desktops, and even web browsers. Since all messages are stored in the cloud, switching between devices is smooth and takes no time. Whether you're on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, or Linux, Telegram provides a consistent experience without the need for constant syncing.

Bots and automations

Telegram supports bots and automation tools that improves the user experience and help with certain tasks. These bots can handle everything from answering questions and managing communities to integrating with external services for automated notifications and content delivery. Businesses and individuals can use Telegram bots for customer support, marketing, or even simple personal assistance, making the platform much more than just a messaging app.

Customization and user experience

Telegram offers a lot of customization options, allowing users to customize the app to their liking. From changing chat themes and colors to creating custom stickers and using animated emojis. This way, you can make your Telegram reactions much more attractive, which gives you a personalized experience. Users can also adjust privacy settings, enable secret chats for added security, and use advanced features like scheduled messages and chat folders to stay organized. This flexibility makes Telegram platform that adapts to different communication needs.

Conclusion

Telegram may not be the biggest messaging app, but it definitely stands out in terms of features, flexibility, and customization. Whether you are looking for a secure way to chat, a platform to grow a community, or a tool for marketing your business, Telegram offers something for everyone.

With its cloud-based system, Telegram allows users to access their messages from any device without worrying about backups. It also provides large group chats, public channels, and automation tools that make it more than just a messaging app. While its security features are sometimes not the best of the best, Telegram is still a popular choice for people who value privacy and control over their communication.

If you need a simple messaging app for everyday use, WhatsApp might be the better option. But if you want more control, anonymity, and advanced features, Telegram is definitely worth considering.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Telegram app?

Telegram is a messaging platform designed for fast and efficient communication. Unlike other apps, it supports file sharing without compression, meaning images and videos keep their original quality. It also allows users to pin important messages in chats and customize notifications for each conversation.

Next to messaging, Telegram is widely used for broadcasting content through public and private channels. Users can join or create communities around topics of interest, making the app a great place for news, discussions, and entertainment. The platform also supports interactive elements like polls and quizzes, which are often used in large group chats.

What is Telegram secret chat?

Secret Chat is a privacy-focused messaging mode in Telegram that ensures no data is stored on the cloud. These chats exist only on the devices that are used during that time, meaning they cannot be accessed from multiple devices or restored after you delete Telegram. If a user logs out or uninstalls the app, the secret chats disappear permanently.

To add another layer of privacy, Secret Chat disables message forwarding entirely. It also alerts users if a message has been copied, making it harder for sensitive information to be shared without permission. This feature is ideal for those who want complete control over their conversations.

What is Telegram Premium?

Telegram Premium is a subscription service that enhances the app’s functionality for power users. One of the most used feature is voice-to-text conversion, allowing users to turn voice messages into text instantly. It also gives you exclusive animated profile pictures, giving users a more personalized look.

Premium subscribers benefit from doubled limits across the app, such as joining up to 1,000 channels and following more accounts. They also get priority when sending stickers and reactions, making their messages stand out more. For users who use Telegram daily, the premium version is a good choice.