Telegram what is it? and why it is the best messaging application of the moment

Since it was launched in 2013 , Telegram has already more than 100 million active users thanks to its ease of use, its intuitive interface and the extensive set of functions aimed at security and privacy. It is for this reason that Telegram is one of the most popular options among small businesses that want to keep in touch with their customers or even with employees.

Below we will try to reveal in great detail what Telegram is, how the application works and what are its main advantages and disadvantages compared to its biggest rivals, especially WhatsApp.

Index of contents

Telegram: What is it, how does it work and how does it differ from other messaging apps?

What is Telegram?

Telegram is a multiplatform messaging application launched in 2013 as an alternative to WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and other chat applications existing at that time.

Platforms

In addition, being cross-platform, Telegram has native applications for both mobile phones (Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Ubuntu Touch) and PC (Windows, Mac, Linux). Regardless of the type of device, users will have the possibility to send text messages, photos, videos and any other type of file (Word documents, ZIP files, MP3 and much more) with sizes up to 1.5GB each.

Power

In addition to being able to send any type of file, Telegram also places special emphasis on speed. In this way, messages are synchronized automatically and simultaneously on all channels for each user in part. This is even more impressive when you consider the ability to share files or messages with groups of up to 5, 000 members, or the feature to broadcast to an unlimited number of people on a single channel.

Groups

Small businesses may find the Telegram Groups feature especially useful . The two categories - Groups and Supergroups - will allow you to share files and have conversations with up to 5000 members.

Groups can share files and collaborate with infinite access possibilities, as each member can mark important messages, can transmit special announcements or add other members to the group.

Secret chats

Creating a secret chat is a process that can be done with two clicks. This feature enables end-to-end encryption so you can conduct conversations with complete peace of mind.

The developers of the platform ensure that no one can decrypt messages other than the sender and recipient. Once the message is deleted in one place, it is also automatically deleted on the other party's phone.

Self-destructing messages

Groups and individual users can use the self-destruction function of messages thanks to a timer. This feature is especially interesting for small businesses or users who exchange very important messages and want them to self-destruct after being read by recipients.

Security

Telegram has support for double layer encryption thanks to the use of the MTProto protocol. Specifically, the company uses server encryption for chats that are kept in the cloud, while secret chats make use of a second layer of security.

Telegram is so sure of security features that they promise a reward of more than 200, 000 euros to anyone capable of hacking their systems. Until now, no one has succeeded.

Unlimited cloud storage

Accessibility is a key feature of Telegram, and that's why the company uses a cloud-based system that allows you to access your messages from any device and from anywhere, regardless of where it originated.

If you start writing a message on the phone, you can easily continue it from the PC. This feature is very useful if you have multiple devices.

Also, and unlike WhatsApp and other messaging applications, you can take advantage of Telegram's unlimited storage to save all your files. The company does not say it publicly, but you have the possibility to create private groups for different types of files you have, and you can store them in these groups, to which only you will have access, all your photos, documents, movies, etc., with a limit of up to 1.5GB for each file you upload.

Bots

Bots are another especially interesting feature of Telegram, as they will allow you to automate various tasks.

With the use of bots, you will be able to systematize your processes and allow system robots to handle multiple IFTTT (If This Then That) tasks for you.

For example, some bots like @gif, @ pic / bing, @ vid / YouTube, etc., you can search for things without having to leave the application or the chat you are in. Just type in the name and some keywords and wait for the results to reach you.

Telegram vs WhatsApp

WhatsApp is arguably Telegram's biggest rival today, with over 1 billion users worldwide. Although both applications are excellent for managing chats between users, each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we will present below:

WhatsApp advantages

Ability to make video calls Huge number of users End-to-end encryption

Disadvantages of WhatsApp

The file sharing function is more limited than in the case of Telegram (for example, certain types of files cannot be shared) It does not bring as many features as Telegram, especially with regard to group and chat-oriented functions. Backup copies of chats in Google Drive but in plain text and without encryption. (This would give Google the possibility to read our conversations and have more information about us.) It does not have encrypted video calls or calls.

Advantages of Telegram

More functions than WhatsApp. Use of bots and possibility to share files of multiple extensions up to 1.5GB. Native version for all platforms. Everything is saved in the cloud automatically. Telegram has encrypted calls from point to point. It is good to remember that It incorporates selfie clips and video messages that are like mini-calls.

Disadvantages of Telegram

No support for video calls.

Conclusion about Telegram

Although WhatsApp is catching up, Telegram is still the winner when it comes to the number of features and flexibility it provides to users, including its excellent service and support for groups and supergroups.

We recommend reading: how to watch series and movies on telegram

Although it has fewer users than other apps such as Messenger or WhatsApp, it will not be too difficult to convince your friends to use Telegram because they will immediately be convinced with its functions.

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