Within the varied landscape of digital communication, Telegram holds an interesting position captivating millions with its secure, feature-rich platform. From its meteoric rise to the eclectic user demographics that call it home, we delve into the numbers that define Telegram’s global footprint. Allows us to uncover the insights and surprises that lie beneath the surface, unveiling the mosaic of individuals and communities that make Telegram a true digital powerhouse.
Top Telegram Statistics – Editor’s Picks
- Telegram has achieved an impressive milestone with over 1 billion downloads to date.
- As of 2023, the app has garnered 464.16 million downloads, showcasing its widespread popularity.
- Asia houses the largest portion of Telegram’s user base at 38%, followed by Europe at 27%, Latin America at 21%, and the Middle East and North Africa at 8%.
- India leads the way in Telegram downloads, boasting a staggering 70.48 million in 2022.
- Telegram claims the 6th spot among the world’s most popular messaging apps.
- Available in 155 countries, Telegram’s global reach is truly extensive.
- Telegram’s user base is on a rapid ascent, with an estimated annual growth rate of 25%.
- Telegram is currently available on 52 nations on the Windows App store.
- Since its inception, the app’s user base has consistently expanded, with an impressive 40% yearly growth.
- India’s user base may account for a substantial 20% of Telegram’s total active users.
- On average, each Telegram user spends 2.9 hours per month on the app.
A Brief Overview of Telegram
| Launch Date | August 2013 |
| Messaging | Instant messaging platform that supports text, voice messages, multimedia files, and stickers. |
| Groups & Channels | Allows creation of groups (up to 200,000 members) and channels for broadcasting to large audiences. |
| Security | End-to-end encryption for secret chats, self-destructing messages, and two-step verification for added security. |
| Platform Support | Available on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and web, allowing cross-device communication. |
Telegram is a popular instant messaging app that offers a secure and versatile platform for communication. Launched in 2013 by Pavel Durov and his team, Telegram has gained worldwide recognition for its unique features and commitment to user privacy.
At its core, Telegram enables users to exchange text messages, voice messages, multimedia files, and make voice and video calls. What sets Telegram apart is its emphasis on security. It employs end-to-end encryption for secret chats, ensuring that only the intended recipient can access the messages.
Here is a detailed overview of some of Telegram’s key features:
- Secret chats: Secret chats are end-to-end encrypted, meaning that only the sender and receiver can read them. Secret chats are also self-destructing, meaning that they will be automatically deleted after a set period of time.
- Channels: Channels are one-way broadcast messages that can be sent to an unlimited number of subscribers. Channels are often used to share news, updates, and other information with a large audience.
- Bots: Telegram bots are automated programs that can perform a variety of tasks, such as providing customer support, playing games, and translating languages.
- File sharing: Telegram supports sharing all types of files, including photos, videos, documents, and even music. There is no limit on the size of files that can be shared.
Telegram Downloads Over The Years
| Year | No. Of Telegram Downloads |
| 2023 | 464.16 million |
| 2022 | 378.48 million |
| 2021 | 384.49 million |
| 2020 | 326.32 million |
| 2019 | 141.5 million |
Telegram’s Monthly Active Users
Telegram has a staggering 800 million users and has seen exponential growth since 2018, when the platform picked up speed. The table below highlights the current monthly active users of the platform.
| Year | Monthly Active Users |
| 2018 | 200 Million |
| 2019 | 300 Million |
| 2020 | 400 Million |
| 2021 | 500 Million |
| 2021 | 550 Million |
| 2022 | 700 Million |
| 2023 | 800 Million |
How Many Telegram Users Are Present All Over The World?
India and Russia tops the number of active telegram users with a whopping 104.04 billion and 34.04 billion respectively. However, several other countries are also active users of the platform as highlighted below:
| Country | Telegram Users |
| India | 104.04 million |
| Russia | 34.40 million |
| Indonesia | 27.21 million |
| United States | 26.85 million |
| Brazil | 21.94 million |
| Egypt | 14.85 million |
Telegram Activity Duration Statistics
Like Whatsapp and WeChat, Telegram is quite the messaging application that is used by several people online. Approximately speaking,
An average Telegram user spends 2.9 hours on the application daily.
Average Time Spent On Telegram Worldwide By A Regular User
| Country | Average Time Spent on Telegram |
| Russia | 5.1 hours |
| Singapore | 4.7 hours |
| Germany | 3 hours |
| India | 2.2 hours |
| Worldwide | 3 hours |
Telegram’s average usage time slightly surpasses the 2.7 hours per month typically spent on Meta’s Facebook Messenger.
Telegram’s User Demographics
- In 2020, Telegram held the distinction of being the most downloaded social media app in 20 countries.
- Asia hosts the largest segment of Telegram’s user base, with 38%, followed by Europe at 27%, Latin America at 21%, and the Middle East and North Africa at 8%.
- Among Telegram users, 31% fall within the 25 to 34 age bracket, while 22% are aged 18 to 24.
Telegram Gender Demographics
- As of 2023, Telegram’s user base comprises 58.6% males and 41.4% females.
Telegram Popularlity In Select Countires
Here is a table that illustrates the popularity of the Telegram app in specific countries. The data is derived from its ranking in the iOS App Store within the “social networking” category, as reported by SimilarWeb.
| Country | Rank in Social Networking Apps (iOS App Store) |
| Australia | 4 |
| Brazil | 1 |
| Germany | 1 |
| India | 2 |
| Malaysia | 1 |
| Netherlands | 2 |
| Russia | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 2 |
| United States | 2 |
Distribution Of Telegram Users By Age
| Age Group | Distribution of Users |
| 18 to 24 | 21.9% |
| 25 to 34 | 30.6% |
| 35 to 44 | 21.3% |
| 45 to 64 | 18.5% |
Telegram And E-Commerce Statistics
- In 2020, Telegram saw a significant milestone as its sales volume reached $25 million.
- Among the categories, Chinese goods dominated with sales exceeding $12 million, echoing the trends observed in social selling.
- Following closely, the digital equipment category recorded sales of $5.522 million, though this was more than half of the leading category.
- Telegram also facilitates consumer loans, with a sales volume of $3.120 million in 2020.
- Even in a smaller category, food delivery managed to achieve sales of $57 thousand.
- Notably, 31% of internet users in Spain turned to Telegram for online shopping.
- Telegram’s Payments 2.0 feature is versatile, supporting transactions in 84 different currencies.
- The platform accommodates a wide range of transaction amounts, from a minimum of $1 to a maximum of $10,000.
Telegram’s Revenue Statistics
- In 2018, Telegram secured $1.7 billion in funding to support its strategy for monetizing the platform, which included plans for premium features, an ad platform, and the potential introduction of premium stickers to support artists and small businesses.
- Unfortunately, Telegram’s cryptocurrency, Gram, faced regulatory challenges, leading to its closure in 2020 due to the company’s failure to register the early sale of $1.7 billion in tokens.
- Before becoming public, the value of Gram may have appreciated by up to 200%.
- Notably, South Korea’s Gram Asia had plans to sell the cryptocurrency at $4 per Gram, potentially bringing Telegram profits of nearly $4 billion.
- Telegram’s founder held a net worth of $17.2 billion as of 2021.
Telegram Download Statistics
India topped the list as the country with the most Telegram downloads, with 70.48 million in 2022.
Telegram Downloads By Country
| Country | Number of Downloads |
| India | 70.48 million |
| Russia | 24.15 million |
| United States | 20.03 million |
| Indonesia | 19.61 million |
| Brazil | 18.04 million |
Which Is The Most Popular Channel On Telegram?
Telegram channels are a feature within the Telegram messaging app that allows users to subscribe to and receive broadcast messages from a channel administrator or creator. They serve as a one-to-many communication platform, enabling the dissemination of information, updates, or content to a large audience.
‘Telegram Tips’ is believed to be the most popular channel on the platform.
Top 5 Most Popular Channels On Telegram
| Channel Names | Number of Followers (in Millions) |
| Telegram Tips | 7.5 |
| Telegram News | 6.1 |
| Bollywood HD Movies Latest | 4.1 |
| Proxy MTProto | 3.3 |
| Crypto Trading Bitcoin | 2.9 |
Most Popular Channel Categories On Telegram
| Channel Category | Share of respondents |
| News related | 82% |
| Entertainment related | 59% |
| Politically related | 59% |
| Education-related | 55% |
| News from own industry-related | 43% |
| Bloggers and celebrities related | 27% |
The Impact Of Political Leaders On Telegram
| Leaders | Number of Subscribers |
| Jair M. Bolsonaro (President of Brazil) | 1,000,000 |
| Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (President of Turkey) | 277,300 |
| Shavkat Mirziyoyev (President of Uzbekistan) | 181,100 |
| Andrés Manuel López Obrador (President of Mexico) | 136,000 |
What Features Does Telegram Have?
- Telegram boasts a vast collection of more than 20,000 stickers.
- The platform is accessible in over 58 languages.
- Telegram does not allocate any budget to advertising its platform, relying on organic growth.
- Telegram also launched a paid subscription that allows users several new features including advertising and paid stickers.
Telegram Web Statistics
Telegram Web is a web-based version of the popular messaging app Telegram. It allows users to access their Telegram chats and messages through a web browser on a desktop or laptop computer, without the need to install a separate application.
Some key features of Telegram Web include:
- Synchronization: Telegram Web is designed to work in sync with the mobile version of the app. Messages sent or received on either platform are mirrored on the other, ensuring a seamless messaging experience.
- Access to Chats: Users can access their individual and group chats, view message history, send and receive text messages, multimedia files, and stickers.
- Real-time Updates: Messages are delivered in real-time, just like on the mobile app, ensuring that users stay connected and updated across devices.
- QR Code Login: To maintain security, users can log in to Telegram Web by scanning a QR code from their mobile device, which helps verify their identity.
Visitors Using Telegram Web In 2023
| Months | Visitors |
| June | 247.2 million |
| May | 250.2 million |
| April | 230.4 million |
List Of Countries Contributing To Telegram Web Traffic
| Country | Share of Traffic |
| Russia | 27.30% |
| Ukraine | 6.64% |
| India | 5.56% |
| Italy | 4.32% |
| Brazil | 3.96% |
Which Is The Most Expensive Telegram Username?
- In November 2022, the Telegram username “@news” claimed the title of the highest-priced username ever sold on the Fragment auction platform.
- This sought-after username fetched a staggering 994 thousand Toncoin, equivalent to approximately 2.415 million U.S. dollars.
- TON (Telegram Open Network) coin is a digital cryptocurrency originally conceived for integration within the Telegram messaging app.
- Developed by the Telegram team under the leadership of Pavel Durov, TON was designed to serve as a digital currency for transactions within the Telegram ecosystem.
- Despite its promising potential, the TON project faced insurmountable regulatory challenges, leading to its eventual abandonment.
Top 5 Most Expensive Telegram Usernames
| Username | Worth (in Toncoin) |
| @news | 2.415 million |
| @auto | 2.187 million |
| @bank | 2.066 million |
| @avia | 1.944 million |
| @chat | 1.701 million |
Telegram Security Statistics
- Telegram offers special secret chats with robust four-prong security measures: end-to-end encryption, message self-destruction, no message forwarding, and no server trace.
- The app employs a dual-layer encryption system, encompassing server-client and client-client encryption.
- Telegram hosts a Cracking Contest, awarding $300,000 to individuals capable of deciphering its messages.
- Security submissions prompting Telegram to modify codes or configurations are eligible for bounties ranging from $100 to $100,000, contingent on the severity of the issue.
- Telegram collects and links four types of user data: IP address, phone number, contacts list, and user ID, which once led to the exposure of 15 million Iranians by hackers known as Rocket Kitten.
- A deepfake bot targeted over 680,000 females, including many underage individuals, with approximately 70% of the victims located in or near Russia.
How To Use Telegram?
Using Telegram is rather straightforward. Just like any other messaging application, its interface is easy to use and self-explanatory.
- Using Telegram is rather straightforward. Just like any other messaging application, its interface is easy to use and self-explanatory.
- Installation: Begin by downloading the Telegram app from your device’s app store. It’s available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and even has a web version.
- Registration: Open the app and register with your phone number. Telegram will send you a verification code to ensure security.
- Setting Up: After verification, you can add a profile picture and personalize your settings. You can choose to sync contacts and enable notifications according to your preferences.
- Exploring Chats: The main screen displays your chat list. You can start a new chat by tapping the pencil icon. Telegram supports one-on-one chats, group chats, and channels.
- Sending Messages: To send a message, open a chat, and type your text. You can also send multimedia files, voice messages, and stickers.
- Secret Chats: For extra security, use Telegram’s secret chats. They offer end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and more privacy features.
- Groups and Channels: Join or create groups and channels to connect with like-minded individuals or follow content of interest.
- Customization: Customize your app’s appearance, notification sounds, and chat backgrounds in the settings.
- Voice and Video Calls: You can make voice and video calls to your contacts through Telegram.
- Bots and Stickers: Explore Telegram’s extensive bot ecosystem for various tasks, and enjoy a wide range of fun stickers.
What Are The Safety Concerns Using Telegram?
Safety is paramount when using any online platform, and Telegram is no exception. Here are some safety concerns to be aware of when using Telegram:
- Privacy Settings: Check your privacy settings. Telegram offers robust privacy features like secret chats, but it’s crucial to understand and use them effectively. Regularly review your settings to ensure they align with your preferences.
- Secure Chats: While Telegram boasts end-to-end encryption in secret chats, it’s important to remember that regular chats and group chats don’t have the same level of security. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information in non-secret chats.
- Beware of Scams: Like any online platform, Telegram can be a breeding ground for scams. Be wary of unsolicited messages, especially those promising easy money or asking for personal information. Verify the identities of contacts, particularly in group chats.
- Malicious Bots: Some bots on Telegram may be malicious. Only interact with bots from trusted sources, and avoid sharing personal or financial information with them.
- Cyberbullying and Harassment: As with any social platform, cyberbullying and harassment can occur. Block and report users engaging in such behavior and consider adjusting your privacy settings to limit contact from unknown individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stickers are available on Telegram?
Telegram offers a vast selection of more than 20,000 stickers. Typically, a sticker pack contains anywhere from 10 to 20 stickers, but you have the flexibility to upload as many stickers as you’d like, as there is no set limit.
Where is Telegram based?
Telegram is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was initially founded by Russian brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, but its operational center is currently located in Dubai.
Which country uses Telegram more?
India and Russia are one of the countries with a high Telegram user base, with the app being particularly popular for its messaging features and privacy-focused approach.
Wrapping Up,
The insights gleaned from Telegram user statistics unveil a platform that has not only surged in popularity but has also become a global communication powerhouse. With over 800 million monthly active users, Telegram’s rapid growth since 2018 showcases its appeal across diverse demographics and regions. From its unique security features to its robust ecosystem of channels and bots, Telegram continues to revolutionize the way we connect, share, and stay informed.
