Introduction

Apps and platforms that offer text messaging are known as messaging applications, social
messaging applications, or chat applications. Many of these apps have grown into
comprehensive systems that include status updates, chatbots, payments, and
conversational commerce via chat. Unlike peer-to-peer protocols like XMPP, they are usually
centralised networks operated by the platform's operators’ servers. WhatsApp, Facebook
Messenger, Telegram, Line, and Snapchat are just a few examples of popular messaging
apps.

The messaging application is a small app that runs on our phone, laptop, or personal
computer as part of the system. The messaging app connects to a central server before it is
ready to use. We can only send messages to people who are connected to the same server
because of this connection, and others can see our online status and send messages to us
because of it. The user must first authenticate with his or her credentials before establishing
a connection.

The messaging application also allows for safe, real-time communication and collaboration
by combining presence awareness with text messaging features including chat, conferences,
notifications, news, polls, and file transfers to create a richly supportive environment. These
characteristics enable one-to-one and group cooperation via short-term conversations or
long-term venues such as conference rooms or news channels. An instant messaging app
can also include real-time conferencing, news and calendar alerts, and email message
forwarding for offline users. Accessibility, high availability, consistency, and decent
performance are all important characteristics of a strong instant messenger app.

In messaging applications, there is every minute, almost 41 million messages are

transmitted over the whole messaging service. This is combined with the conversational
aspect of texting, makes them incredibly promising customer service channels. Customers
need merely send their inquiries and will be notified when they receive responses. Unlike
email and phone, message support, for example, is completely consistent with their
everyday routine.
Background of WhatsApp.

WhatsApp is a cross-platform software and voice-over service owned by Facebook. It allows users to
communicate text and voice messages, make voice and video calls, share images, documents and
location information, among other things. As long as the user is connected to the internet,
WhatsApp can be launched on a mobile phone or accessed on a desktop computer. WhatsApp may
be downloaded through the App Store for IOS or the Google Play Store for Android.

Brian Acton and Jon Koum, a former Yahoo! employee, are the founders of WhatsApp. When they
both quit their jobs to go around the world, the story began. Acton and Koum applied for a job on
Facebook, but their application was unsuccessful. This failure prompted them to enter into a new life
adventure, which they call WhatsApp.

Koum came up with the name for this software because it sounded more like what's up. WhatsApp's
early versions kept failing in February 2009. However, when Apple debuted push notifications in
June 2009, Koum updated WhatsApp to include push notifications so that everyone in the group
would be notified when a user's status changed.

WhatsApp 2.0 was released with a new message component, and the number of active users
jumped to 250,000 in a short period of time. Despite previously working on another start-up idea,
Acton chose to join Koum. Acton brought five former Yahoo! friends together in October 2009 to
invest $250,000 in a start-up company in exchange for a stake and Acton to become a co-founder.

WhatsApp was released on Symbian OS in May 2010 and Android OS in August 2010. WeChat, a
messaging app, was introduced in January 2011. In China, it eventually competes with WhatsApp
and gains popularity. WhatsApp introduced Viewed Receipts in November 2014, which displays
when a message has been read by a receiver. WhatsApp releases an update within a week that
allows users to disable this function.

One year later, in January 2015, WhatsApp launches WhatsApp Web, a web client that syncs with
the mobile device's connection and can be used through a web browser. WhatsApp Business, a
freestanding business app aimed towards small business owners, was released in January 2018. 
WhatsApp's co-founder and CEO Jan Koum, announced their resignation from the company in April
2018 following a series of disagreements with Facebook and saying “I sold my users’ privacy”.

Background of telegram.

Telegram is a cross-platform instant messaging app that is free and open source. The services also
include a communication system in which only communicating users may read messages, as well as
voice over the internet, which is a method and collection of technologies for delivering voice
conversations and multimedia sessions. Telegram also offers file sharing and a variety of other
features.

Telegram was released for iOS on August 14, 2013 and for Android in October of that year.
Telegram's servers were distributed around the world to reduce the data burden. Telegram's
operations headquarters are in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Telegram has official apps for Android,
iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as a desktop and mobile platforms. However, you'll need
an iOS or Android smartphone, as well as a valid phone number, to register.

Telegram was launched in 2013 by Nikolai Durov and Pavel Durov. The couple previously developed
the Russian social network VK, which they quit in 2014 after it was taken over by President Putin's
administration. Pavel Durov lost his remaining stock in VK and left Russia after facing government
pressure. Nikolai Durov invented the MTProto protocol, which serves as the messenger's foundation,
while Pavel Durov's Digital Fortress fund provided financial and infrastructure support.

Telegram announced in October 2013 that there were 100,000 active users. Telegram reported on
March 24, 2014, that it had 35 million monthly users and 15 million daily active users. Telegram also
announced that it had 100 million monthly active users with 350,000 new users signing up every day,
delivering 15 billion messages each day, year after year. On March 14, 2019, Pavel Durov said that 3
million new Telegram users signed up in the last 24 hours.

https://www.alltop9.com/whatsapp-vs-telegram-features-differences

Features of WhatsApp

1. End-to-end encryption

When a user uses WhatsApp Messenger to send a message to another person, end-to-
end encryption is used. End-to-end encryption means that only the user and the person
with whom they are conversing can read or listen to what is transferred, with no third
parties, including WhatsApp, in the between. This is because our messages are locked
with end-to-end encryption, and only the recipient and the user have the specific key to
unlock and view them. All of this happens on its own. There's no need to enable settings
or create unique hidden chats to keep your messages safe.

2. WhatsApp on web and desktop

WhatsApp is a mobile app that can also be used on a computer. However, unlike on a mobile
device, WhatsApp can be used on a computer in two ways: WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp
Desktop. WhatsApp Web is the instant messaging platform's web interface, which can be viewed
using a web browser on a computer. WhatsApp Desktop is a stand-alone application that can
download and install on your Windows or Mac computer. In a summary, WhatsApp Web is a
web-based version of WhatsApp, whereas WhatsApp Desktop is the WhatsApp application for
computers.

To utilise WhatsApp Web, all we have to do is go to the WhatsApp Web page in our browser and
scan the QR code using our smartphone WhatsApp app. To use WhatsApp on your computer,
you must first download and install the application setup file. The next step is to join the
WhatsApp account to the desktop software by scanning a QR code with your smartphone's
WhatsApp app.

3. Voice and video calls.

WhatsApp applications offer the call feature for user-to-user calls, conference calls, and
voice messages. The call functionality is useful for professionals who utilize the
application for work purposes and as a hands-free method. WhatsApp also allow us talk
to our friends and family for free through phone calls, even if they are in another nation.
We can also have face-to-face chats with free video calls when voice or text is
not enough. We did not have to worry about high calling rates because WhatsApp voice
and video calls use our phone's Internet connection instead of our mobile plan's voice
minutes.

4. Group chats

WhatsApp has a group chat feature that allows to stay in touch with the people who
mean most, such as family, friends or co-workers. In group WhatsApp can share
messages, photos, documents and videos with up to 256 individuals at once via group
chats. We may give the group a name, personalise or mute notifications and more.
Features of Telegram

1. Secret chats

Secret chats are for those who prefer a little more privacy than the usual chat. Client-to-client
encryption can also use to encrypt all messages in secret chats. This means you and the recipient
are the only ones who can see the messages. Furthermore, messages from secret chats cannot
be forwarded. When the user on the other side of the secret chat deletes messages, the app on
the other side of the secret chat is commanded to erase the messages.

We can instruct the messages, pictures, videos, and files to self-destruct after the recipient has
read or opened them for a specified period of time. After that, the message will vanish from
both devices. Telegram secret chats are device-specific and do not exist in the Telegram cloud.
This means that we can only read messages in a secret chat on the device from which they were
sent. For as long as the smartphone is kept in the pocket, everything is safe.

The advantage of using secret chats are the message are end-to-end encryption and no one can
access them. The disadvantage of using secret chats is

2. Bots

Bots are Telegram accounts that are controlled by software rather than people, and they
frequently include AI elements. They can teach, play, search, broadcast, remind, connect,
integrate with other services, and even issue commands to the Internet of Things. Bots can also
provide weather updates or valuable news items, set reminders, play music, make to-do lists,
and so much more.

Telegram Bots are, at their core, special accounts that do not require a second phone number to
establish up. Bots can be interacted with in two ways. The first way is to send bots messages and
commands by chatting with them or adding them to groups. The second method is to send
requests directly from the input box by typing @username and a query followed by the bot's
name. This allows us to send content to other groups, chat rooms, or channels.

The disadvantage of Telegram bots is it required some technical know-how. We may not
necessarily enjoy the experience of sending and retrieving files if not familiar with channels
“instructions”. Furthermore, to chat, we will need internet connections.

3. Cloud based messages

Compare and contrast

Features WhatsApp Telegram

Participants in group Up to 256 friends Up to 200,000 friends
Bots NO Yes
End-to-end encryption Yes (by default) Yes (via secret chat)
Video calls Yes No
API No Yes
File sharing Up to 100 MB Up to 1.5 GB

1. Participant in group

These days groups are becoming very popular. Not only family groups but also many of them
were creating groups for their website service, Education based, or Tech related. This would be
good news for the people who want to run big groups.

WhatsApp allows you to create groups including broadcast groups with a maximum of 256
people. That limit is 200 people for normal groups.

In the case of Telegram, which does allow up to 200,000 users in so-called supergroups. In
addition, Telegram groups have no limit on the number of subscribers.

2. Bots

Whatsapp users are clearly missing out on the immense cool features and convenience that Bots
bring to mobile messaging and communication. A Chatbot or Internet bot is an interactive piece
of software that runs simple and repetitive automated tasks over the Internet. Bots can allow
you to read news highlights, translate text, shop, check the weather, play Youtube videos, search
products etc.

3. Video calls

Both WhatsApp and Telegram have voice calls, but only WhatsApp has Video calls. However,
Telegram has Video messages just like WhatsApp which is an indication that Video calls might be
coming anytime soon.

4. API

Telegram has had API since its start. API is similar to a socket, a plug that a service provider
makes available to third parties in order for them to safely use its service. APIs are powerful
platforms that allow developers to extend a system's capabilities beyond what it was designed
to do. This is why Telegram has so many amazing features like bots and customisable themes.
 5. File sharing

Telegram has the capacity to allow users to save images, text messages, multimedia files and
documents to the cloud. Telegram users can send any type of file via Telegram up to 1.5GB
which remain stored in the cloud.

WhatsApp, on the other hand, restricts video, images and document type files. In WhatsApp
there are limitations for files larger than 100 MB and they are not always saved indefinitely in
the cloud.

6. End-to-end encryption

In WhatsApp app, the end-to-end encryption is by default. It ensures that only the sender and
receiver can read the conversations without remaining stored on any service company. This can
help immensely if want to keep our personal messages and data private from potential
onlookers.

On the other hand, Telegram also use end-to end encryption but via secret chats. The Telegram
goes a step further as it allows to create secret chats that are destroyed by themselves. In
addition, the app alerts if someone takes a screenshot of the conversation.

In summary, WhatsApp ws users to make group video calls, has a larger user base, provides end-
to-end encryption, but it lags behind Telegram in terms of features such as limited file sharing
and cloud storage.

Telegram, on the other hand, has various bots, file sharing, platform compatibility and privacy,
but does not have a video call function and has a smaller user base.

How is Telegram better than Whatsapp

I better use Telegram because it has unlimited server storage. Telegram offers limitless
storage. This means that they will save all of the text messages, photos, media files and
documents in their cloud. We can upload a single file up to 2GB in size. The total number of
files that can be uploaded is unlimited. Besides, we may log out and back in as many times
as we want from as many devices as we want without losing any data and do not have to
worry about backups or restores. We can also see which devices are currently logged in on
by looking at the active sessions. As a result, we can download any file anytime and
anywhere.

The second reason why I choose telegram rather than WhatsApp is because Telegram
provides bots. Bots is a small piece of software that is based on AI and machine learning. It is
capable of completing a variety of jobs. An image bot, for example, can get photos based on
the name. Bots come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Image bot, sticker bot, and gif bot are
all popular bots. In WhatsApp also have bot which called chatbot. WhatsApp chatbot is
different than Telegram bot

As of today, we can upload a single file of max size up to 2GB. There is no cap on the total
number of files that can be uploaded.

2. Media compression

Users can choose whether to compress the image and video or send the uncompressed version.

For example, you can send a raw jpeg image either it as raw or compressed. If you want to
preserve the quality as such then choose the option send it without compression.

3. Group member number capacity

As of today, a telegram group can afford a maximum of 200,000 members. For WhatsApp 256 is
the maximum member capacity in a group.

4. Username feature

You can communicate with anyone on telegram even if you don't have the contact number of
others. This ensures the privacy of the user’s contact number. You can continue to send
messages in a group without revealing your phone number. I read somewhere that WhatsApp is
now(2021 Jan) planning to bring that feature soon.

5. Channels

A channel is somewhat similar to groups, which can accommodate an unlimited number of

members. The creator of the channel can decide who can post and other members can view the
posts.

6 Multi-platform support

Telegram is available for Android, ios, windows phone, windows pc, Mac os, Linux OS, and even
through any browser.

7. Secret chat

Secret chat is a kind of end to end encrypted chat in which one can set self-destruct timer. The
messages will be automatically deleted when the timer hits. It is possibly not able to hack in any
way.

8. Bots

It is a piece of program which is based on AI and machine learning at a small level. It can perform
various tasks. For example, an image bot can fetch images from the name.

There are multiple types of bots. Popular bots are Image bot, sticker bot, gif bot.

9. Voice calls & Video calls

The latest version of telegram supports both voice & video calls which was missing for a long
time compared to WhatsApp. The user experience of this feature in both platforms is almost
thesame. There is no significant difference.
10. Sends any kind of file

Users can send any kind of file through Telegram. WhatsApp limits video, images & document
type files which is very difficult for a good number of users.

11. Multiple sessions

Users on telegram can log in on multiple devices at the same time and able to receive messages
on all devices.

They can remember their sessions on even browsers too. This is a cool feature.

You can keep messages in the draft as well. Suppose you are trying to send a message to another
user. You typed a long paragraph and you decided to send it later. The draft message will be
synced to all your devices and you can send it from another device.

Privacy

WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging services in the world, but with the
broadcast of it’s latest security breach you may be thinking of abandoning this app for an
alternative. Perhaps Telegram is your answer.

With the acquisition of WhatsApp by Facebook - people are becoming increasingly suspicious of
the platform’s security capacity. WhatsApp promised end-to-end encryption, but recent reports
emerged suggesting that spy malware had been created that could hack into and monitor
people’s accounts - specifically in this reported case, politicians and activists from Israel.

Telegram, on the other hand, is a multi-platform messaging application that allows the user to
send encrypted and “self-destructing” messages - meaning a message or photo will disappear
after a specified period of time. The primary features of Telegram include a chat function, voice
call option and similar to the “broadcast” capacity on WhatsApp, Telegram has “channels”.
Channels allow an unlimited number of subscribers, making them a great option for
broadcasting messages to large audiences. You can also open and use Telegram on multiple
devices at the same time, unlike some other messaging applications.

Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram users have a public “username” - ensuring that privacy can be
protected. It is possible to have conversations on Telegram without requiring a user's phone
number.