The Global Instant Messaging App Market size was valued at USD 28.61 billion in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 31.27 billion in 2025 and further reach USD 63.69 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period 2025 to 2033.
Chat applications in the digital communication age, where the field is rapidly expanding, have become a personal and business need. Telegram, with its modern security, cloud-based communication, and customization, has positioned it at a high level in the market of messaging applications. Several startup owners and developers seek applications such as Telegram to get inspiration and ideas about creating their own chat applications. Here, we discuss 40 applications that can act as a good resource to anyone who intends to develop a messaging application.
Why Study Apps Like Telegram?
It is necessary to discuss the importance of studying other apps, such as Telegram before getting down to the list.
- Feature Benchmarking: Telegram has end-to-end encryption, multimedia sharing, bots and channel subscriptions. Researching apps like yours would enable you to determine what features are necessary and what the market lacks.
- UI/UX Inspirations: User experience is a determining factor in the success of chat app. By looking at other apps, you are able to create powerful interfaces that are intuitive and engaging.
- Monetization Models: A lot of apps in messaging include subscriptions, in-app purchases, or business solutions. Learning these may be useful in crafting revenue strategies for your own app.
- Security and Privacy Insights: Telegram is reputed to be secure. Researching on other secure messaging applications may motivate strong data protection procedures within your application.
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Top 40 Apps Like Telegram for Inspiration
Below are the top 40 apps like Telegram, showcasing secure messaging, group communication, privacy-first features, and scalable architectures. These platforms offer strong inspiration for building modern chat apps with real-time communication, encryption, and community-driven experiences.
Sno. |
App Name |
Rating |
| 1 | 5 | |
| 2 | Signal | 5 |
| 3 | Discord | 4.5 |
| 4 | Slack | 4.5 |
| 5 | Viber | 4 |
| 6 | Facebook Messenger | 4 |
| 7 | 4.5 | |
| 8 | LINE | 4 |
| 9 | Threema | 4.5 |
| 10 | Wire | 4.5 |
| 11 | Kik | 3.5 |
| 12 | Zalo | 4 |
| 13 | KakaoTalk | 4 |
| 14 | Hike Messenger | 3.5 |
| 15 | GroupMe | 3.5 |
| 16 | IMO | 3.5 |
| 17 | BBM | 3 |
| 18 | Voxer | 3.5 |
| 19 | Google Chat | 4 |
| 20 | Microsoft Teams | 4.5 |
| 21 | Tango | 3.5 |
| 22 | Wickr Me | 4.5 |
| 23 | Tox | 4 |
| 24 | Mattermost | 4 |
| 25 | Element | 4 |
| 26 | Chomp SMS | 3.5 |
| 27 | Textra | 4 |
| 28 | ChatSecure | 4 |
| 29 | Conversations (XMPP) | 4 |
| 30 | Status | 4 |
| 31 | Dust | 3.5 |
| 32 | Wire Swiss | 4.5 |
| 33 | BBM Enterprise | 4 |
| 34 | Rocket.Chat | 4 |
| 35 | Skype | 4 |
| 36 | ICQ | 3.5 |
| 37 | LINE Works | 4 |
| 38 | HeyTell | 3.5 |
| 39 | Jami | 4 |
| 40 | Session | 4 |
WhatsApp
The application is one of the most popular applications similar to Telegram: WhatsApp has end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice calls, video calls, and large group chats. To developers, WhatsApp demonstrates that a clean interface, rapid delivery of messages and high encryption can lead to mass adoption. WhatsApp, in that case, provides a robust example of scalability and reliability in case you intend to develop chat applications like Telegram.
Key Features
- Group and one-to-one encrypted chats that are end-to-end
- Voice and video calling
- Media and document sharing
- Fill out lists and massive groups
- Synchronization of web and desktops
Signal
Signal is another privacy-centric site that is frequently discussed as a place that can be considered safest among the other apps such as Telegram. It is dedicated to the bare data storage, open-source encryption protocols, and vanishing messages. Signal has an open security architecture and a simple infrastructure, which its developers can adopt and use to create privacy-focused messaging applications like Telegram.
Key Features
- End-to-end encryption in open-source
- Disappearing messages
- Secure voice and video calls
- No ads or user tracking
- Screenshot protection and screen lock
Discord
Discord is an open-source platform and one of the most effective applications similar to Telegram to be used in large-scale group communication. Its architecture of server, channels, roles, and voice rooms are great source of ideas to developers aiming to build communities, gamers or creators. Discord vividly demonstrates the effectiveness of structured chat in terms of long-term app use in chat apps such as Telegram.
Key Features
- Server-based communities
- Voice, video and text channels
- Permission management and roles
- Bots and third-party integrations
- Moderation and community tools
Slack
Among other applications, such as Telegram, Slack is a professional collaboration tool and a business-oriented one. It also integrates file sharing with real-time messaging and third-party integration and workflow automation. Slack’s monetization strategy and API-driven ecosystem can educate developers of enterprise-grade chat apps that look like Telegram.
Key Features
- Team messaging (based on channels)
- Sharing files and sophisticated search
- App integrations and APIs
- Workflow automation
- Enterprise-grade security
Viber
Viber is another popular application that can be added to the list of applications similar to Telegram that provide encrypted chats, voice calls, video calls, stickers, and even communities. It outlines the fact that entertainment functionality, such as GIFs and stickers, enables users to stay with the app and keep communication safe, which is a major similarity with other applications, such as Telegram.
Key Features
- End-to-end encrypted telephone and chats
- Voice and video calling
- Communities and channels of the public
- Stickers, GIFs, and emojis
- Cross-platform availability
Facebook Messenger
The most well-known application of the type of Telegram is Facebook Messenger, which is closely connected with the Facebook platform. It enables real-time communication, sharing of media and business communication in bulk. Messenger can be used by developers to learn how social networking integration increases the use of chat apps such as Telegram.
Key Features
- Instant text messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Stickers, GIF sharing and media
- Chatbots for businesses
- Cross-platform support
WeChat
WeChat is a versatile app and one of the most sophisticated, unlike other apps like Telegram, a combination of messaging, payment, and mini-programs. It shows the potential of chat apps to become entire digital ecosystems. Its super-app architecture can be inspirational to developers.
Key Features
- Voice messaging, video messaging and text messaging
- Group messaging and broadcast messaging
- Mobile payments and wallets
- Mini-apps and services
- Discovery and social feeds
Line
Line is an Asian-based messaging app and one of the entertainment-oriented apps like Telegram. It is a combination of secure messaging, stickers, games and digital services. The developers will be able to find out how cultural localization and graphics elements can enhance the retention of users.
Key Features
- One-to-one and group chats
- Voice and video calls
- Stickers, emojis, and themes
- Timeline and social sharing
- In-app purchases and games
Threema
Threema is a secure platform that is frequently discussed as among the other safe apps such as Telegram. It enables the use without phone numbers, which is the attraction of the privacy-conscious user. Threema serves as a good example that developers can apply in the creation of anonymous and safe chat applications such as Telegram.
Key Features
- Anonymous user IDs
- End-to-end encrypted messages
- Secure group chats
- File and media sharing
- No email or phone number needed
Wire
Wire is a safe teamwork tool and among the enterprise-ready apps such as Telegram. It is aimed at companies and corporations demanding encrypted communication and file sharing. Wire developers can understand how to collaborate with cross-platforms and be compliant.
Key Features
- End-to-end encryption
- Video and voice conferencing
- Secure file sharing
- Team collaboration tools
- Cross-device synchronization
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Kik
Kik is one of the casual applications such as Telegram, similar to which is a youth-friendly messaging system, and is characterized by the feature of anonymous chat and interaction with bots. It is also attractive to those users who would rather communicate in an informal but not personal way. The creators can research Kik to learn how anonymity enhances the use of chat applications such as Telegram.
Key Features
- Username-based messaging
- Chat rooms- public and private
- Built-in bots and games
- Media and GIF sharing
- Low minimum account requirements
Zalo
The Zalo is a local messaging system and one of the other apps that are rapidly expanding, particularly in Southeast Asia, such as Telegram. It is concerned with speed, localization, and business communication. Lightweight design and geographical optimization of Zalo can be inspiring to developers.
Key Features
- Group discussions and instant messaging
- Voice and video calls
- File and image sharing
- Business pages and services
- Localized user experience
Kakao talk
KakaoTalk is a versatile communication application and one of the multifunctional applications such as Telegram. It combines games, messaging and shopping with digital content. Developers will get to understand how the ecosystem-based features assist in expanding the chat apps beyond messaging.
Key Features
- One-to-one and group chats
- Voice and video calls
- Stickers and emoticons
- In-app games and services
- Online payments integration
Hike Messenger
Hike Messenger is a regional application with a focus on India, and one of the other applications in the region such as Telegram, which is known to be personalized and offering local content. It points to the way that a culture enhances adoption. Hike can be strongly looked upon by developers creating localized chat applications such as Telegram.
Key Features
- Text and group messaging
- Stickers and emojis
- Offline messaging support
- Secret messages and privacy settings
- Regional language support
Group Me
GroupMe is a no-fuss group-chat application and one of the specialty apps such as Telegram to small groups. It eliminates the complexity and focuses on the simplicity of group communication. GroupMe can be used as a framework by developers interested in creating group-based applications that are lightweight.
Key Features
- Group messaging
- Media and link sharing
- Simple group management
- Cross-platform support
- SMS-based access
IMO
IMO is a lightweight messaging application and one of the other applications optimized to use minimal resources, such as Telegram, which is used in fast communication even in slow bandwidth networks. Developers can be informed on how the optimization of performance enhances reach in the emerging markets.
Key Features
- Instant text messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Group chats
- Low data consumption
- Cross-device compatibility
BBM (BlackBerry Messenger)
BBM is one of the first applications such as Telegram and a pioneer in secure messaging. It pioneered the nature of private messaging, which has impacted the current chat applications. BBM has a security-first approach and a unique user identification system, which can be studied by developers.
Key Features
- Secure PIN-based messaging
- Group chats
- Voice calls
- File sharing
- Message status indicators
Voxer
It is a push-to-talk application and is one of the other distinct apps like Telegram, such as the combination of messaging and Voxer, which is a walkie-talkie application of voice communication. It can be utilized to investigate other forms of real-time communication among developers.
Key Features
- Push-to-talk voice messaging
- Text messaging
- Group conversations
- Live voice streaming
- Playback of voice messages
Google Chat
Google Chat is a team-based tool and one of the time-saving applications similar to Telegram. It is closely connected with Google Workspace. Its smooth integration of tools can be used by developers of professional chat apps.
Key Features
- Direct and group messaging
- Connection to Google Workspace
- File sharing and search
- Task-based conversations
- Web and mobile access
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Microsoft Teams
One of the other apps similar to Telegram and the most comprehensive is Microsoft Teams, which is an enterprise communication platform. It integrates a combination of messaging, meetings, and collaboration. Its scalable enterprise architecture is something that developers can be inspired by.
Key Features
- Channel and team-based messaging
- Video and voice conferencing
- File collaboration
- App integrations
- Business security and control
Tango
Tango is a social communication application and one of the interactive apps like Telegram, which is a blend of messaging and live video. It lays emphasis on real time interaction and social discovery. Tango can be a source of inspiration in developers to create chat applications with live interaction features.
Key Features
- Text and group messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Live video streaming
- Social discovery tools
- Virtual gifts and monetization
Wickr Me
Wickr Me is a private platform and among the privacy-oriented other applications such as Telegram which are security-driven. It focuses on temporary communication and severe data protection. The Wickr Me self-destructing message model can be used as an example to learn by developers who develop secure chat applications, such as Telegram.
Key Features
- End-to-end encrypted messages
- Self-destructing messages
- Secure file sharing
- Screenshot detection
Tox
Tox is a peer-to-peer communication messaging platform that is one of the open-source applications, such as Telegram. It eliminates central servers and enhances privacy. Tox can be studied by developers to provide the architecture of a decentralized chat application.
Key Features
- P2P secure messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Group chats
- No central servers
- Open-source protocol
Mattermost
Mattermost is self-hosted collaboration software and one of the other apps with enterprise capabilities, such as Telegram. It focuses on organizations where all information needs to be controlled. Mattermost can be studied by developers who need to create customizable and on-premise chat platforms.
Key Features
- Channel-based team messaging
- Self-hosting support
- File sharing
- Integrations and plugins
- Role-based access control
Element (formerly Riot.im)
Element is an open-source communication app and one of the protocol-based applications such as Telegram, which is based on the Matrix network. It facilitates safe and federated communication. Element can enable developers to learn about decentralized chat ecosystems.
Key Features
- Messaging, end-to-end encrypted
- Federated communication
- Voice and video calls
- Group chats and rooms
- Cross-platform support
Chomp SMS
Chomp SMS is an open-source messaging application and among the other apps that are UI-oriented such as Telegram, to communicate through SMS. It emphasizes on individualization. Its wide range of customization of the UI can inspire developers.
Key Features
- SMS and MMS messaging
- Theme and UI customization
- Scheduled messages
- Quick reply options
- Lightweight performance
Texera
Textra is a lightweight and fast SMS application and one of the performance-focused apps such as Telegram in the context of usual messaging. It dwells on expediency and ease. Developers get to know how optimization enhances user experience.
Key Features
- SMS and MMS support
- Material design UI
- Emoji and GIF support
- Scheduled messaging
- Backup and restore options
ChatSecure
It is an encrypted messaging application and one of the privacy-oriented apps like Telegram, that are created based on open communication standards. ChatSecure can be used by developers to learn about secure protocol implementation.
Key Features
- End-to-end encrypted texting.
- XMPP and OTR support
- Secure file sharing
- Tor network compatibility
- Open-source framework
Conversations (XMPP)
Conversations is an XMPP client and one of the protocol-oriented apps such as the Telegram. It offers open standard secure messaging. Conversations can be analyzed by developers of interoperable chat applications.
Key Features
- XMPP-based messaging
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chats
- File sharing
- Cross-device support
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Status
Status is another app, a messaging platform, which is decentralized and is among the blockchain-based apps, such as Telegram. It has a chat and crypto wallets and Web3 integrated. Status provides developers with an opportunity to discover their ideas of a chat app.
Key Features
- Encrypted messaging
- Built-in crypto wallet
- Web3 and dApp browser
- Peer-to-peer communication
- Privacy-focused architecture
Dust
Dust is a secure communication platform and one of the ephemeral apps like Telegram, which is aimed at self-destructing messages. It is attractive to those users who desire temporary communication. Dust can be embraced by developers with a privacy-first approach.
Key Features
- Self-destructing messages
- Encrypted chats
- Screenshot detection
- Secure file sharing
- No message storage
Wire Swiss
Wire Swiss is a secure enterprise messenger and one of the compliance-ready apps like Telegram. It aims at companies that demand a great level of security and regulatory adherence. The security architecture of Wire can teach developers.
Key Features
- Messaging with end-to-end encryption
- Secure voice and video calls
- File sharing
- Team collaboration
- Compliance-focused security
BBM Enterprise
BBM Enterprise is a professional business communication tool and one of the professional apps like Telegram. It is concerned with controlled and safe communication. BBM Enterprise can be explored to find enterprise-grade chat solutions by developers.
Key Features
- Safe business communication
- Compliance and audit tools
- Mass and social communications.
- File sharing
- User management controls
Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is an open-source teamwork application and one of the other customizable apps like Telegram. It is self-hosting and highly customizable. Rocket.Chat can be examined by developers as an example of scalable chat architectures.
Key Features
- Team and group messaging
- Self-hosted deployment
- API and integrations
- File sharing
- Role-based permissions
Skype
Skype is an old-established communication app, and it is one of the old-fashioned apps, such as Telegram, which is an integration of messaging, voice, and video calls. The system infrastructure of global calling that Skype has to offer can be learned by developers.
Key Features
- Text messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Group conversations
- Screen sharing
- Cross-platform support
ICQ
ICQ belongs to the first group of instant messaging applications, and it is one of the legacy applications alongside Telegram. It demonstrates the way in which messaging platforms are changing with the passing of time. The modernization efforts by ICQ can be analyzed by developers.
Key Features
- Instant messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Group chats
- Media sharing
- Multi-device support
LINE Works
LINE Works is a business communication platform and one of the enterprise-oriented apps such as Telegram. It encourages teamwork among professionals. Its productivity-based features can be used as an inspiration to developers.
Key Features
- Team messaging
- File sharing
- Time organization and schedule keeping
- Admin controls
- Business-grade security
HeyTell
HeyTell can be described as a voice-first messaging application and one of the real-time other apps like Telegram, which is an instant voice communication. Alternative messaging formats can be investigated by the developers at HeyTell.
Key Features
- Push-to-talk voice messages
- Text messaging
- Group conversations
- Instant voice delivery
- Simple user interface
Jami
Jami is a communication platform that is decentralized and one of the peer-to-peer apps like Telegram. It is decentralized and does not require servers which makes it more private. Jami can be used by developers to research distributed communication models.
Key Features
- Peer-to-peer messaging
- Voice and video calls
- End-to-end encryption
- No central servers
- Cross-platform support
Session
Session is a privacy messenger and one of the other anonymous apps such as Telegram, which is based on decentralized networks. It eliminates the use of phone numbers or personal identifiers. Anonymity-first by Session is an inspiration to the developers.
Key Features
- Anonymous user accounts
- Encryption of messages
- Decentralized network
- No phone number required
- Private group chats
The instant messaging app market size was valued at 58.8 USD billion in 2024. The Instant Messaging App Market is expected to grow from 62.7 USD billion in 2025 to 120 USD billion by 2035. Messaging App Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 6.7% during the forecast period (2025 – 2035).
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Build Your Next App Like Telegram With 8ration
8ration assists companies in transforming chat application concepts into large-scale products inspired by applications such as Telegram. Our app development department develops and creates safe messaging platforms that have real-time chat functionality, group discussion, channels, sharing of media, voice and video calling, and end-to-end encrypted messaging. We emphasize performance, clean UI/UX, and future-ready architecture to ensure that your app can scale gracefully as your user base increases, like other apps like Telegram, which continue to capture the market.
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