Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging app that allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share media files. It was created by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai Durov in 2013. Telegram emphasizes privacy and security, offering end-to-end encryption for secret chats and various features to protect user data.
One of the key features of Telegram is its cloud-based nature, which means that messages and media are stored on Telegram's servers and can be accessed from multiple devices. This allows users to seamlessly switch between different devices without losing their chat history.
Telegram supports group chats with a large number of participants, allowing up to 200,000 members in a single group. It also offers channels, which are public or private broadcasts that can reach an unlimited number of subscribers. Channels are commonly used for broadcasting news, updates, or other types of content to a large audience.
In terms of security, Telegram offers a feature called "Secret Chats" that provides end-to-end encryption. Secret Chats use self-destructing messages, where users can set a timer for messages to automatically delete after a certain period of time. This feature ensures that messages are not stored on Telegram's servers and adds an extra layer of privacy.
Telegram also allows users to create and join communities called "Telegram Groups." These groups can be focused on specific topics or interests, and members can engage in discussions, share files, and interact with each other. Telegram Groups have become popular for various communities, including hobby groups, professional networks, and interest-based communities.
Additionally, Telegram provides a bot platform that allows developers to create interactive bots for various purposes. These bots can perform automated tasks, provide information, or even entertain users through chat interfaces.
Telegram is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It has gained popularity due to its features, user-friendly interface, and focus on privacy and security.