What is Telegram? A Complete Guide to the Secure Messaging App

Telegram is often a cloud-based instant messaging app famous for its speed, security, and privacy features. Launched in 2013 by brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, Telegram has exploded into the most popular messaging platforms, with over 800 million monthly active users (at the time of 2024). Unlike traditional SMS and other messaging apps, what is telegram app end-to-end encryption, large file sharing, secret chats, and public channels, rendering it a favorite for both personal and professional communication.

Key Features of Telegram

1. Speed & Cloud-Based Messaging

Messages are delivered faster than SMS and lots of other apps.

Cloud storage allows access to chats from multiple devices (smartphone, tablet, desktop).

2. Strong Security & Privacy

Secret Chats: End-to-end encrypted (E2EE) conversations that self-destruct.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Extra account protection.

No Ads & No Data Selling: Unlike some competitors, Telegram doesn’t depend on ads or sell user data.

3. Large Group Chats & Channels

Groups: Support up to 200,000 members (much larger than WhatsApp).

Channels: Broadcast messages to unlimited subscribers (used for news, entertainment, and updates).

Bots: Automated assistants for tasks like file conversions, games, and reminders.

4. File Sharing & Media Support

Send files as much as 2GB (larger than WhatsApp’s 100MB limit).

Supports photos, videos, documents, and in many cases uncompressed media.

5. Customization & Themes

Dark mode and customizable themes.

Animated stickers and emoji support.

Who Uses Telegram?

Privacy-conscious users who wish secure messaging.

Businesses & Content Creators (for public channels and announcements).

Communities & Groups (large fan clubs, discussion forums).

File Sharers (on account of high upload limits).

Is Telegram Safe?

Default chats usually are not E2EE (only Secret Chats are).

Metadata (like contacts and timestamps) could be stored on servers.

Public channels & groups could be accessed by you are not the link.

Telegram is really a versatile, fast, and feature-rich messaging app that balances privacy, functionality, and ease of use. While it will not be as secure as Signal, it gives you more flexibility than WhatsApp, rendering it ideal for large groups, file sharing, and public broadcasting.