In the past few years, Whatsapp has become the most engaged social messaging network. It is also an interesting fact that almost all smartphone users are also users of Whatsapp messenger. After the Whatsapp announcement about a change in the privacy policy, there are various news and rumors about it being shared on the internet which provoked a new discussion; is there any other good social media network that can replace Whastapp. When we searched about Whastapp alternatives, we found Telegram as a good substitute. In a recent message sent to its users, Telegram said that it surpassed 500m active users. In this post, we will highlight some of the key features of Telegram, which make it a Whatsapp alternative or even better than that.
Unlimited Storage
Telegram offers cloud-based unlimited storage for all your chats, media and documents so you don't need any third-party backup storage. While in Whatsapp's case, you need Google Drive as a backup for your data. All of your data including text messages, images, media files and documents will be stored on Telegram's cloud storage. You can log-in from any device and all of your data will be easily accessible. You need not worry about Backup and Restore. You can download any file anytime anywhere.
Large groups
You can create chat groups of up to 200,000 members while Whatsapp allows you to add only 256 members.
Privacy
On Telegram, your data will never be disclosed and only you are in control. All chats and calls are protected with strong encryption.
Username Feature
You can use a username as an alias that allows you to send and receive messages without showing your mobile number. Anyone can communicate with you by using your username. This ensures the privacy of your mobile number. It is useful when you don't want to share your contact number with others.
Multi-platform Support
Telegram is available for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux and even through any web browser. User can add multiple devices and receive notifications and messages on all of them.
You can Change Associated Mobile Number
Telegram lets you change your associated mobile number at any time.
Share Larger Files
You can share audio, video, photos and any other type files of sizes up to 2GB per file on Telegram. While the maximum file size through Whatsapp; 16 MB for media files and 100MB for all other documents.
Secret Chats
Telegram also offers a secret chat option. Messages send via secret chat can set a self-destruct timer from 1 second to 1 week. The message will be automatically deleted when the time hits. Secret chats; use end-to-end encryption, leave no trace on Telegram servers, have a self-destruct timer and do not allow forwarding. Secret chats will be initiated with an invitation from 1st party and acceptance from the 2nd party.
Channels
It is like groups. Channels are a form of one-way messages where admins can post messages but other users can't. Channels can be created by any user to broadcast messages to an unlimited number of subscribers.
Find New Friends with People Nearby Feature
You can find new friends with the "people nearby" feature. It shows people in your area even they are not on your contact list and you can also create local groups with this feature. A list of the people with their username with image of the people and distance from you is shown.
Above are some of the pros of Telegram. If you know any other pro or con about this instant messaging app, kindly share in the comments below.
