Telegram is a cloud-based, cross-platform social media and instant messaging service. Launched in 2013 by brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, it allows users to exchange messages, share media and files, and engage in voice and video calls, including public live streams. Available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and web browsers, Telegram emphasizes speed and security. The service's headquarters are located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Key features include end-to-end encryption for secure communication (particularly in "secret chats"), large group capacities (up to 200,000 members), channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences, and the use of bots for various tasks and integrations. Users can also utilize cloud storage, share files, customize themes, and make use of features like scheduled messages, chat folders, and live location sharing. Registration requires a phone number or a non-fungible token (NFT) issued in 2022. While the app is free to use, Telegram offers a premium subscription that unlocks additional features like larger file uploads, faster download speeds, voice message transcription, and advanced chat management. As of March 2025, Telegram has over 1 billion monthly active users.