When discussing messaging apps, WhatsApp and Telegram often dominate the conversation. While both platforms offer instant messaging, Telegram has evolved beyond being just a chat app—it’s now a powerful tool for user acquisition, community building, and engagement for mobile apps.
If you’re only using Telegram for messaging, you might be missing out on one of the most effective and underrated growth channels in mobile marketing. Let’s explore how Telegram goes beyond traditional messaging and why app marketers should take note.
Telegram vs. WhatsApp: More Than Just Messaging
At first glance, Telegram and WhatsApp seem similar—both allow text messaging, voice calls, and media sharing. However, Telegram offers advanced features, making it a superior platform for mobile app marketing and user acquisition.
1. Public & Private Channels for Scalable Growth
Unlike WhatsApp, which limits broadcast lists to 256 users, Telegram allows you to create public or private channels with unlimited members. This makes it an ideal tool for:
Announcing app updates and new features
Building hype around upcoming product launches
Sharing exclusive content to keep users engaged
For app marketers, Telegram channels can act as a direct-to-user marketing tool, ensuring your audience stays informed without the noise of email or social media algorithms.
2. Engaging Communities Through Groups
Telegram groups support up to 200,000 members, far exceeding WhatsApp’s 1,024-member limit. App developers and marketers can use these groups to:
Foster a strong user community around their app
Gather real-time feedback to improve the app experience
Boost user retention through discussions and interactive engagement
For example, gaming apps create Telegram communities where players share tips, updates, and experiences—enhancing user loyalty and engagement.
3. Telegram Bots: Automating User Acquisition
One of Telegram’s most powerful features is its bot ecosystem. Marketers can build custom bots that:
Guide users through onboarding for a new app
Send personalized offers to drive installs and re-engagement
Automate customer support for better user retention
Unlike WhatsApp Business, which limits automation, Telegram bots allow deep customization, making it easier to streamline user acquisition and engagement at scale.
4. No Algorithm Limits = Better Reach
One major challenge with social media marketing is algorithm restrictions—your content doesn’t always reach your followers. On Telegram, every subscriber sees your message. This makes it a direct and cost-effective way to communicate with your audience, driving app engagement without paid ads.
5. Monetization Potential: A New Revenue Stream
Telegram recently introduced ad placements in public channels, opening up new monetization opportunities for brands. App marketers can now leverage Telegram Ads to acquire high-intent users without competing with saturated ad networks like Facebook and Google.
6. Telegram Mini Apps: Expanding Functionality Beyond Chat
One of Telegram’s most innovative features is Mini Apps, which allow developers to create lightweight, web-based applications that run directly within Telegram. These apps can be used for seamless onboarding, e-commerce, gaming, customer support, and more without requiring users to leave the platform or download additional software. The benefits? Frictionless user experiences, higher engagement, and increased conversions. For app marketers, this means the ability to integrate interactive demos, personalized recommendations, and streamlined in-app purchases, making Telegram a powerful ecosystem for both user acquisition and monetization.
Why App Marketers Should Prioritize Telegram
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to acquire and retain users, Telegram is more than just a messaging app—it’s a full-fledged marketing tool. With its unrestricted reach, automation features, and community-building capabilities, Telegram can drive meaningful user engagement and long-term growth for mobile apps.
Is your app leveraging Telegram for user acquisition? If not, it might be time to start.