Telegram, the popular messaging app, has announced a milestone of 950 million active users and aims to reach 1 billion by the end of this year, according to Pavel Durov, the company’s founder.
This growth comes amid plans to launch an app store and integrate an in-app browser supporting web3 pages later this month.
In March, Telegram celebrated reaching 900 million users, with Durov outlining ambitions for the company to achieve profitability next year in an interview with the Financial Times.
Telegram increasingly embraces web3 technologies despite setbacks following its failed initial coin offering in 2018. Recent initiatives include auctioning usernames on the TON blockchain starting December 2022 and supporting developers in creating mini-apps and games using cryptocurrencies for transactions. The company has also introduced measures to share ad revenue with channel owners through Toncoin, a token on the TON blockchain.
However, Telegram has faced challenges with scams targeting Toncoin users since November 2023, as reported by Kaspersky. Durov addressed these issues, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat fraud.
“Soon, Telegram will introduce features such as displaying the registration month and principal country for public accounts, similar to Instagram,” Durov stated in a recent channel message. “Organizations will also be able to utilize mini-apps to issue labels for channels, fostering a decentralized marketplace for third-party verification.”
Despite ongoing security challenges, the developments underscore Telegram’s evolving strategy to expand its user base and integrate blockchain technologies into its platform.
