Telegram Rockets to Top of App Download Charts

Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal may be dominating the conversation lately, but don't count Telegram out.

Notebook Check, citing data from mobile analyst firm Sensor Tower, reports Telegram is now #1 on a list of most downloaded non-gaming apps, globally. It's also #1 on Google Play and #4 on the App Store.

In December 2020, Sensor Tower placed Telegram at #9 on the same list, with WhatsApp and Instagram holding steady at #3 and #4. They've since fallen to #5 and #6, with Signal rising to #3. For the time being, it looks like Telegram is king.

Sensor Tower estimates Telegram downloads are up 3.8 times from January 2020, with a whopping 63 million last month. Most downloads came from India at 20%, followed by Indonesia at 10%.

It isn't surprising to see Telegram usurp WhatsApp. The popular messaging app has been losing users amid concern about an updated privacy policy and biometric ID requirements.

:story: PC Magazine