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Telegram

Cloud-based platform for messaging, file sharing, voice/video calls, and large group communication

&

+Cloud StorageMessages, media, and files are stored in the cloud and can be accessed from any device.
+Secret ChatsEnd-to-end encrypted chats that can self-destruct after a set time
+Voice CallsSecure and high-quality voice calls
+Video CallsOne-on-one and group video calls
+Group ChatsCreate groups with up to 200,000 members
+ChannelsBroadcast messages to an unlimited audience
+BotsAutomated accounts that can perform various tasks
+File SharingShare files up to 2GB in size
+StickersCustomizable and animated stickers
+Polls and QuizzesCreate polls and quizzes in chats and channels
+ThemesCustomize the app’s appearance with different themes
+Username SystemUsers can be contacted via username without sharing their phone number protecting user privacy
+Two-Step VerificationAdds an extra layer of security to the account
+Scheduled MessagesSchedule messages to be sent at a specific time
+Silent MessagesSend messages without sound notifications
+Location SharingShare live location with contacts
+DraftsSave unfinished messages as drafts
+Pinned MessagesPin important messages in chats and channels
+Multiple AccountsSupport for multiple accounts on the same device
+Data ExportExport chat history and data
+Folder supportOrganize chats into custom folders
+Passcode LockLock the app with a passcode
+Self-Destructing MediaAllows users to send photos and videos that disappear after viewing, adding another layer of privacy control
-Limited End-to-End EncryptionEnd-to-end encryption is only available for secret chats and not for regular chats or group chats.
-Phone Number RequirementUsers must provide a phone number to create an account.
-Contact List AccessThe app requires access to the user’s contact list to message phone numbers.
-Data CollectionTelegram collects user data, including IP addresses.
-Potential Data SharingThere are concerns about Telegram sharing data with government agencies.
-Non-Open Source ServersTelegram’s servers are not open source, which limits transparency.
-Spammers and Fake AccountsThe platform has issues with spammers and fake accounts.
-Account Recovery IssuesRecovering an account can be difficult if the phone number is lost.

Platform

Social

 

System Requirements

Version ↓
#Minimum
1
  • Windows 7 and above (64 bit)
  • Windows 7 and above (32 bit)
  • macOS 10.13 and above
  • Linux static build for 64 bit
#Minimum
1
  • Android 6 and above
  • iOS 11 and above
#Minimum
1
  • Windows XP
  • macOS OS X 10.6
  • Linux static build for 32 bit
  • Linux with glibc < 2.28 static build

Ratings

4.20
5

Apple App Store
4.1
5
based on 197400 reviews
Capterra
4.7
5
based on professional's opinion
GetApp
4.7
5
based on 6200 reviews
Google Play
4.2
5
based on professional's opinion
PCMag
3.5
5
based on professional's opinion
TechRadar
4.0
5
based on professional's opinion

Written in

C++, Java, Swift, JavaScript

Initial Release

14 August 2013

Alternatives

Instant Messenger
Trillian   Pidgin   Skype   Zoom   Discord   Mozilla Thunderbird   WhatsApp  
Social Media
Facebook   Instagram   TikTok  
Group Chat
Trillian   Pidgin   Skype   Zoom   Discord   WhatsApp  
Videoconference
Skype   Zoom   WhatsApp