Telegram Messenger is a popular messaging app with a large user base. It has been around for several years and has seen a recent surge in popularity. This is likely because it is a secure messaging app that doesn’t require an account login. This makes it perfect for use in areas where privacy is important. Additionally, Telegram offers several features that other messaging apps don’t, such as the ability to video call. This makes it an interesting alternative to more traditional messaging apps.

In this blog, we’ll explore why Telegram is gaining popularity and examine some of the reasons why it could overtake WhatsApp as the world’s most popular messaging app.

What is Telegram Messenger?

Telegram Messenger is a cloud-based instant messaging app that allows users to send text, voice, and video messages, as well as share photos, documents, and other files. It was launched in 2013 by Pavel Durov and has since grown to over 550 million active users worldwide.

But how does it fair with the competition?

Here are some statistics on the most popular instant messaging apps worldwide as of 2022:

WhatsApp: With over 2.24 billion monthly active users. WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging app in the world. It is particularly popular in countries like India, Brazil, and Mexico.

Facebook Messenger: Facebook Messenger has over 900 million active users out of 2.9 billion accounts and is the second most popular messaging app worldwide. It is closely tied to the Facebook social media platform.

WeChat: WeChat is a popular messaging app in China, with over 1.3 billion active users. It is often described as a super app, as it combines messaging with social media, mobile payments, and other features.

Telegram: Telegram has over 55 million daily active users out of 550 million users worldwide and is particularly popular in Eastern Europe, India, and the Middle East. It is known for its focus on security and privacy.

Signal: Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app that has gained popularity in recent years. It has over 40 million active users worldwide.

Others include Line, Viber, and Snapchat.

The graph below by Statista indicates the popular messenger apps as of January 2022, based on the number of monthly active users (in millions)

Let’s go through the broad benefits of using Telegram:

Security:

Telegram places a strong emphasis on security and privacy, offering end-to-end encryption for all messages, as well as the ability to create secret chats that self-destruct. It also allows users to enable two-factor authentication for added security.

No data loss with Cloud-based storage:

Unlike some other messaging apps, Telegram stores all messages and media in the cloud, which means that users can access their chats and files from any device with an internet connection.

Large file sharing:

Telegram allows users to send large files in size, much larger than most other messaging apps. This is particularly useful for sharing large documents, videos, or high-resolution photos.

Customization:

Telegram allows users to customize the app in a variety of ways, including changing the chat background, creating custom stickers and emojis, and using third-party bots and channels.

Cross-platform support:

Telegram is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, which makes it easy to use and accessible to a wide range of users.

This makes Telegram a likely contender for a messenger app. Telegram offers a range of features and benefits that make it a popular choice for those who value security, privacy, and customization in their messaging app.

How Do You Get Started With Telegram Messenger?

To get started with Telegram Messenger, you’ll need to download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have downloaded and installed it, open it up and sign in using your email address and password. You’ll then be able to create a new account or join an existing one. Once you’re logged in, you’ll see the app’s main screen. You can start chatting with people on this screen by sending those messages. You can also start groups and channels to share information with your friends.

The interface of Telegram messenger is customizable, so you can make it look the way you want.

You can have numerous Telegram accounts, making communicating with different friends and family members easier.

Telegram can also be used for business. Here are some ways companies can use Telegram:

Customer service:

Businesses can use Telegram to provide customer support and handle inquiries from customers. Telegram allows users to create chatbots that can answer frequently asked questions, provide product information, and even process orders.

Marketing:

Telegram can be used for marketing purposes, such as promoting new products or services, offering discounts or deals, and sharing relevant content. Businesses can also create channels where customers can subscribe to receive updates and announcements.

Team communication:

Telegram can be used as a communication tool for teams, allowing employees to share files, collaborate on projects, and stay connected while working remotely.

Telegram Messenger Versus WhatsApp

Let’s compare Telegram with the largest player in this space.

Telegram Messenger and WhatsApp are both popular instant messaging apps that allow users to communicate with each other through text, voice, and video messages. However, there are some key differences between the two apps:

Security:

Telegram uses end-to-end encryption for secret chats while WhatsApp only uses end-to-end encryption for messages. However, Telegram doesn’t support end-to-end encryption in group chats.

Features:

Telegram has more features than WhatsApp, including the ability to send messages that self-destruct, create secret chats, and send large files in size with no limits. WhatsApp has a file size limit of 16 MB.

Groups:

WhatsApp has a group chat limit of up to 1024 members whereas Telegram Messenger has 200,000.

APIs, Bots, and more:

WhatsApp has a proposition for businesses through WhatsApp Business through which a Bot can address customer requests and grievances. It is designed for business

Telegram too has provided developers with an API. Telegram bots can be developed for various purposes, The popular cases are – News and weather updates, language translation, entertainment, and gaming.

Telegram premium subscribers get the benefits of 4 GB file uploads, Voice text, faster downloads, exclusive stickers, and smarter chat management. Overall users avail double limits on features.

Telegram is owned by Pavel Durov, a Russian entrepreneur, while WhatsApp is owned by Facebook. Some users may prefer Telegram due to concerns about Facebook’s data privacy policies.

Channels and Broadcasts:

Like WhatsApp Broadcast, Telegram has private and public channels where users can share updates, insights, and news with audiences. However, with WhatsApp users can use only private channels to broadcast information.

Both Telegram and WhatsApp have their unique strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between the two will depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences.

What’s new with Telegram Messenger?

Telegram has faced some challenges over the years, including criticism for its perceived role in facilitating terrorist communication and the spread of fake news. However, the company has taken steps to address these issues, such as implementing automated moderation tools and cooperating with law enforcement agencies. Despite this, Telegram is continuing to grow in popularity, with new updates adding new features and improving user experience.

The Statista graph below highlights the number of Telegram app downloads worldwide in 2022, by country

Telegram has raised over $1.7 billion in funding through multiple rounds of investment, including a $1.7 billion ICO in 2018. This has allowed the company to continue to expand and develop new features.

The latest version has some differentiating features:

Network Intelligence:

With detailed pie charts and visualization of data for Wi-Fi and mobile data usage, you can adjust auto-download settings to suit data plans.

Translate Chats:

Translate chats, groups, and channels in real time with this Telegram Premium feature.

Autosave media:

Media is saved automatically to your gallery based on its size, type, and the source of the chat.

Some fun features include:

Animated emojis for profiles:

You can convert a sticker or animated emoji into a profile picture for your accounts, groups, or channels. Sort emojis and stickers by categories. New custom emojis by Telegram artists have also been introduced.

To conclude, Telegram has some nifty features, such as being able to quickly edit a sent message, that position it as a strong player in this space. It is an evolving and robust messenger app, and we can expect to only grow from here.

The post Is Telegram Messenger Gaining Momentum? appeared first on Fixbracket.

WhatsApp is a messaging app used in over 180 countries with over 2 billion active users and counting. It is one of the most popular cross-platform messaging applications on the planet, and it is used by companies of all sizes to communicate with their customers and employees.

This blog will show you how to set up WhatsApp for your business and start using it to communicate with your customers and employees. You can improve your company’s communication processes and keep everyone informed on your products and eventually increase sales.

What is WhatsApp Business?

WhatsApp Business is a messaging service for businesses. It provides a fast, reliable, and secure way to communicate with customers, vendors, and team members.

It has many features that make it perfect for use by small growing businesses. These features include:

• easy access to the account and message management tools
• the ability to send and receive messages with large groups of people
• powerful marketing tools that allow businesses to reach out to their customers more effectively. It comes with several features namely – a catalog, quick replies, automated messages, and broadcasts.
• WhatsApp also offers a feature called Voice Messaging, which lets you record and send voice messages directly from the app. This is helpful if you want to provide customers or clients with quick updates without having to leave the app or send an email.

WhatsApp is perfect for small businesses because it’s easy to use, has no overheads attached to it, and has an extremely high engagement quotient – Customers find it easier to message rather than call, as they can save their messages as a reference point.

Here are just some of the benefits of using WhatsApp for your business:

Increased Engagement:

One of the biggest benefits of using WhatsApp for your business is increased engagement. Because it’s a messaging app, you can engage your customers and vendors instantly. This makes them more likely to return and recommend your business to their friends.

Customers are loyal to businesses that value their time, so providing them with quick and easy communication is key. Using WhatsApp, you can keep your customers informed about important updates, offers, and product releases without waiting a long time between messages.

Reduced Costs:

Not only does using WhatsApp save you time, but it also reduces costs associated with other forms of communication such as email marketing and telephone calls. You can easily send messages to a large audience using WhatsApp Business without the costs associated with marketing campaigns or telephone calls.

Is there a monthly cost to it?

WhatsApp Business is free to use for SMEs and if you’re deploying WhatsApp Business Platform (also known as the API) then up to 1000 message conversations per month are free. After that WhatsApp charges a fee per conversation.

A conversation is a single 24-hour session that starts as soon as a business contacts a customer or responds to a customer’s initial message.

All messages that are sent or received within the 24-hour session fall within the conversation fee.

However, when your audience messages you directly from a Facebook Page call-to-action button, the conversation is free.

WhatsApp Business Platform applies to companies that rely on multichannel customer service tools.

Here’s an infographic to explain the difference between all the WhatsApp propositions –

For the user, there is no cost to initiate a discussion, raise and respond to a query to your WhatsApp Business number.

You can find more about the rates on the WhatsApp Business website.

Ways to use WhatsApp for Business

WhatsApp Business helps you stay connected in a personalized manner with your customers. The best way to stay connected with your customers and build the business further is by using these features –

Complete your Business profile

The profile is a concise summary of the essential information that your customer needs to understand about you.

Create a Catalog of your products

Create catalogs using images and videos of products. Customers can add these to their shopping carts.

Greetings, quick replies, and automated conversations

Prepare a list of canned messages (prescribed replies/template responses) of frequently asked questions. Add up to 50 quick replies with assigned keywords as shortcuts to use in conversations.

Set up custom greetings, salutations, and welcome messages for active and inactive customers.

Trigger automated messages such as ‘away messages’ when you’re not in the office.

WhatsApp is a messaging app that has exploded in popularity in recent years. It’s free to download from Google Play and Apple stores and use and can be set up quickly and easily by most businesses.

Here are the essentials for setting up WhatsApp for your business:

Choose a WhatsApp account that’s relevant to your business.

You don’t need a personal account to start using WhatsApp for business, but you need a separate account for each business. This way, you can track which messages are from which account and avoid confusion or conflict over who sent what.

Every WhatsApp account is to be connected to a single number only. You can convert your private account to a Business account.

Create a profile for your business.

When you create your business profile, include information like your business’s name, website address, and contact details. You can also add images and descriptions of your services or products.

Set up alerts for important messages.

You can set up alerts so that you’re notified immediately when important messages arrive from clients or customers via WhatsApp. This way, you’ll never miss an important message from anyone important!

Manage Your WhatsApp Business Account

WhatsApp is a popular messaging application that is used by billions of people all over the world. While it is primarily used for communication, businesses can use WhatsApp to communicate with their customers.

First, create a WhatsApp business account if you don’t have one already. You can find instructions on how to do this here. Once you have created your business account, log in and click on the ‘Admin’ tab. This tab contains your account information, including your phone number, profile picture, and contacts list.

Next, you will need to set up your business profile. This is where you will describe your business and what services it offers. You can also add images and videos to your profile if you want. You should also add a short biography about yourself or your company. You can find more information about creating a business profile here.

Once you have set up your profile, you will need to start messaging customers and partners. First, select the ‘Message’ tab from the Admin tab.

Conclusion

WhatsApp is now one of the most popular messaging applications in the world and with good reason. It’s simple to use, fast to send and receive messages, and can be used for various purposes – from responding to customer queries to marketing your products. If you run a small business, then WhatsApp could be a powerful tool that helps you communicate more effectively with your customers and vendors.

The post WhatsApp Business for SMEs. appeared first on Fixbracket.