Messaging app Telegram has reached a milestone of 950 million active users, and Pavel Durov, the company’s founder, has announced that they are aiming to surpass the 1 billion mark by the end of the year. This growth comes after crossing the 900 million user mark back in March, showcasing the app’s increasing popularity.
In addition to its growing user base, Telegram is also planning to launch an app store and an in-app browser with support for web3 pages later this month. This move indicates the company’s commitment to embracing new technologies and trends in the digital space.
Telegram has been focusing on integrating web3 technology into its platform, with a particular emphasis on supporting cryptocurrency and blockchain initiatives. Despite facing setbacks in the past, such as a failed initial coin offering in 2018, the company has since pivoted towards helping developers create mini-apps and games that utilize cryptocurrency for transactions.
Furthermore, Telegram has introduced toncoin, a token on the TON blockchain, as a way to share ad revenue with channel owners. The company has also implemented measures to combat scams and grifts that have plagued the platform, with scammers attempting to steal toncoins from users since November 2023.
To address these issues, Durov announced that Telegram will soon display the month of registration and principal country for public accounts, similar to Instagram. Additionally, organizations will be able to use their mini-apps to issue labels for channels, creating a decentralized marketplace for third-party verification.
Overall, Telegram’s rapid growth and innovative initiatives signal a promising future for the messaging app as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing digital landscape. With a strong user base and a commitment to embracing new technologies, Telegram is well-positioned to reach new heights in the coming years.