Telegram is spreading like forest fire. In a recent interview with former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson, Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, revealed ambitious projections for the messaging platform’s user base.
Durov announced that Telegram is on track to reach one billion monthly active users within the next year, likening its growth to a “spreading forest fire.”
Telegram’s Journey and Durov’s Principles:
Founded by Durov in 2013 and headquartered in Dubai, Telegram has become a prominent player in the messaging app landscape.
Durov, a 39-year-old entrepreneur originally from Russia, gained international attention when he left his home country in 2014 amidst government pressure following the launch of encrypted messaging technology developed by his brother.
He has since emphasized his commitment to personal freedom, stating, “I would rather be free than to take orders from anyone.”
“Telegram is spreading like forest fire,” said the Russian-born CEO Durov.
Competitive Landscape and Current User Base:
Despite facing stiff competition from Meta-owned WhatsApp, which boasts over two billion monthly active users, Telegram has carved out a substantial user base of 900 million active users.
The messaging platform is particularly popular in Russia and is recognized as one of the leading social media platforms globally, alongside giants like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat.
Navigating Political Pressures:
Durov has encountered challenges from various governments seeking to influence Telegram’s operations.
However, he remains steadfast in his stance that Telegram should remain politically neutral and avoid becoming a “player in geopolitics.”
This commitment underscores Durov’s vision of Telegram as a platform focused on communication and connectivity, independent of political agendas.
Future Plans and Financial Outlook:
Telegram’s potential trajectory includes a plan for a U.S. listing once the company achieves profitability, as reported by the Financial Times in March.
This move would likely enhance Telegram’s global visibility and further solidify its position in the competitive social media landscape.
