Cloud-based instant messaging and voice-over IP service Telegram has surpassed 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store.
According to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, the messaging app had more than 500 million active monthly users at the start of 2021.
As a result of the recent issues with WhatsApp and the outage of Facebook, Durov said more than 70 million new users have joined Telegram.
“The daily growth rate of Telegram exceeded the norm by an order of magnitude, and we welcomed more than 70 million refugees from other platforms in one day,” Durov said in a statement.
“I am proud of how our team handled the unprecedented growth because Telegram continued to work flawlessly for the vast majority of our users,” he added.
Bijay Pokharel
Bijay Pokharel is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Abijita, an independent technology and cybersecurity news publication established in 2017. A specialist in cybersecurity journalism, Bijay covers vulnerability research, malware analysis, enterprise data breaches, digital privacy, and emerging technologies. His work translates complex technical threats into precise, accessible, and actionable intelligence for security professionals and general readers alike. His reporting and investigative coverage are routinely cited and republished across leading technology and security media.



