Telegram vs WhatsApp

June 03, 2023 | Author: Adam Levine
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Telegram
Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s super-fast, simple, secure and free. Telegram seamlessly syncs across all of your devices and can be used on desktops, tablets and phones alike. You can send an unlimited amount of messages, photos, videos and files of any type (.doc, .zip, .pdf, etc.). Telegram groups have up to 200 people and you can send broadcasts to up to 100 contacts at a time. Be sure to check our website for a list of Telegram apps for all platforms.
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WhatsApp
WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia and yes, those phones can all message each other! Because WhatsApp Messenger uses the same internet data plan that you use for email and web browsing, there is no cost to message and stay in touch with your friends.
Telegram and WhatsApp are two widely used messaging apps that offer messaging, voice, and video call services, but they have distinct differences in their features and focus.

Telegram focuses on providing a secure and private messaging experience with a strong emphasis on encryption. It offers end-to-end encryption for secret chats, which means messages can only be read by the sender and recipient. Telegram also allows users to send large files, create channels for broadcasting messages to a large audience, and offers features like self-destructing messages. Additionally, Telegram has a robust API that enables developers to create bots and integrate with other services.

WhatsApp, on the other hand, focuses on user-friendly messaging and wide-scale adoption. It offers end-to-end encryption for all messages, voice calls, and video calls, ensuring privacy. WhatsApp supports multimedia sharing, group chats, and offers features like voice messages and location sharing. It also integrates seamlessly with users' phone contacts, making it easy to connect with friends and family.

See also: Top 10 Business Messaging platforms
Telegram vs WhatsApp in our news:

2023. WhatsApp launches its native macOS app



WhatsApp has introduced a new native Mac app, enabling users to engage in video calls with a maximum of eight participants and audio calls with up to 32 individuals. The redesigned app is tailored to Mac users, facilitating increased productivity on larger screens. Notably, users can seamlessly share files through drag-and-drop functionality in chats and access a more extensive chat history. After a period of testing, WhatsApp released the app in public beta earlier this year, making it available to users with Apple Silicon systems and macOS 11 Big Sur or later.


2023. WhatsApp introduces a new Windows client with better calling features



WhatsApp has unveiled an upgraded Windows client that boasts enhanced calling features and improved performance. With the latest version, users can stay connected even when their phone is inactive, thanks to multi-device synchronization. The desktop app now also enables group video calls for up to eight people and audio calls for up to 32 participants, on par with the mobile application. Furthermore, WhatsApp plans to expand the number of people allowed in a group call. In light of its multi-device linking capability that allows one account to be used across various devices, the company has been focused on enhancing its desktop experience.


2022. Telegram is now offering a Premium subscription



Telegram is introducing a Premium subscription to leverage its significant growth. Priced at $5 per month, Telegram Premium offers a range of additional features alongside the existing free functionalities. Subscribers can now enjoy the ability to upload larger files, with a size limit of up to 4GB, as well as accelerated file downloads. Furthermore, the subscription doubles various limits within the app, such as the ability to follow up to 1,000 channels, create 20 chat folders with 200 chats each, pin 10 chats, save 10 favorite stickers, and add a fourth account to the app. Premium users also gain access to exclusive stickers, including those with full-screen animations, unique reaction emojis, premium badges, and voice-to-text conversation capabilities.


2022. WhatsApp's new Communities tool sounds a lot like Slack


WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called "Communities," which enables users to create groups within the app for specific organizations or groups, such as schools or apartment buildings. These communities will have sub-groups where members can discuss specific topics, and administrators will have the ability to send announcements to all members. The concept of communities on WhatsApp bears resemblance to Slack, a popular messaging platform in the digital workplace. Along with the introduction of communities, WhatsApp is implementing some additional changes to its Groups feature that also resemble Slack's functionality. Notably, users will now be able to express themselves through emoji reactions, and audio calls will accommodate up to 32 participants. The file sharing size limit has been increased to 2 GB, and group administrators have the ability to delete messages. These updates bring enhanced functionality and versatility to the WhatsApp platform.


2021. WhatsApp brings its Business API to the cloud to speed adoption



WhatsApp is introducing a new version of its WhatsApp Business API, which will now be hosted on Facebook's infrastructure in the cloud. According to the company, this shift will significantly reduce the integration setup time from weeks to just minutes. As a result, businesses can swiftly transition to WhatsApp's API platform and effectively communicate with their opted-in customers. Over the past few years, WhatsApp has been expanding its Business API to create a significant revenue stream from its otherwise free messaging service. Presently, businesses pay WhatsApp on a per-message basis, with rates varying depending on the number of messages sent and the region. Currently, numerous large enterprises, including Vodafone, Coppel, Sears Mexico, BMW, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Iberia Airlines, Itau Brazil, iFood, and Bank Mandiri, have already adopted the existing API (non-cloud based) to enhance their operations.


2021. Telegram added group video chat and screen-sharing



Telegram has introduced a new feature that allows users to engage in video chats with up to 30 people. This functionality is integrated into the Voice Chat feature of the app. When initiating a voice chat room, you will now notice a camera icon, which, when tapped, enables your video feed. Similar to other video conferencing applications like Zoom and Google Meet, Telegram allows you to expand the video to fullscreen and pin a specific participant to the center of the call. This ensures that the focus remains on the pinned individual even when others join the chat. Furthermore, Telegram now supports screen sharing. While on a video call, you have the flexibility to switch between your camera feed and the content displayed on your screen or even show both simultaneously.


2021. WhatsApp adds voice and video calling to desktop app



Support for voice and video calling is being introduced to the desktop app of WhatsApp for Mac and Windows. Initially, this feature will only be available for one-to-one calls, but the company plans to expand it to include group voice and video calls in the future. The video calls are designed to work seamlessly in both portrait and landscape orientation. Additionally, the desktop client will always remain on top of other windows, ensuring that video chats are never lost amidst a browser tab or a stack of open windows. WhatsApp conducted tests for this feature with a small group of desktop users last year.


2020. WhatsApp finally launches payments



WhatsApp has made an announcement that users in Brazil will have the privilege of being the first to send and receive money through its messaging app. This will be made possible by utilizing Facebook Pay, the payments service launched by WhatsApp's parent company, Facebook, last year. The payments service is currently free for consumers, meaning there are no commission fees involved. However, businesses will be required to pay a 3.99% processing fee to receive payments. To complete transactions, users will need to enter a six-digit PIN or use their fingerprint. To use the service, you need to connect your WhatsApp account with your Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. Initial local partners for this service include Banco do Brasil, Nubank, and Sicredi. Additionally, Cielo, a payments processor, is collaborating with WhatsApp to facilitate transactions. The company stated, "We have created an open model to allow for the inclusion of more partners in the future."


2019. WhatsApp adds business catalogs


WhatsApp is enhancing its business app by introducing a new feature called "catalogs." This feature enables businesses to present and share their products and services with potential customers. Interested customers can explore product photos, view prices, and read descriptions to make informed purchase decisions. These catalogs function as convenient mobile storefronts on WhatsApp, eliminating the need for a dedicated web page. Business owners can effortlessly create catalogs by accessing the Catalog option in the app's settings, uploading product photos, and providing relevant details, including optional product or service codes.


2019. Telegram now allows to kill chat history



Telegram has introduced a new feature that enables users to delete messages in one-to-one and/or group private chats retrospectively, extending beyond their own inbox. With this feature, users have the ability to selectively delete their own messages as well as messages sent by others in the chat. To delete a message from both ends, users simply need to tap on the message, choose the 'delete' option, and then they are presented with two choices: 'delete for [the name of the other person in the chat or 'everyone']' or 'delete for me'. Opting for the former option removes the message across all devices, while the latter option only removes it from the user's own inbox. This feature grants users greater control over their conversations and ensures privacy and discretion when needed.

Author: Adam Levine
Adam is an expert in project management, collaboration and productivity technologies, team management, and motivation. With an extensive background working at prestigious companies such as Microsoft and Accenture, Adam's in-depth knowledge and experience in the field make him a sought-after professional. Currently, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a thriving consulting and training agency where he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies to individuals and organizations, empowering them to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. You can contact Adam via email adam@liventerprise.com