Top Messenger Apps for Marketers in India (2025): WhatsApp vs Telegram vs Signal vs Hike
In the dynamic landscape of digital marketing in India, selecting the right messaging platform is crucial for businesses aiming to connect with their audience effectively. With a plethora of options available, it’s essential to understand the strengths and nuances of each platform to make informed decisions. This article delves into the top messenger apps in India, comparing their features, user engagement, and advertising potential, with a particular focus on Telegram Ads as a viable alternative to WhatsApp Business.
1. WhatsApp: The Dominant Force
Overview
WhatsApp continues to be the most widely used messaging app in India, boasting over 2 billion active users globally. Its integration with Facebook has further solidified its position as a primary communication tool for individuals and businesses alike.
Business Features
- WhatsApp Business App: Tailored for small businesses, offering features like automated messages, quick replies, and product catalogs.
- WhatsApp Business API: Designed for medium and large businesses, enabling them to send notifications, customer support messages, and more.
Advertising Potential
While WhatsApp doesn’t offer traditional advertising options, businesses can leverage the platform for customer engagement and support. The introduction of WhatsApp Ads on Facebook provides an avenue for advertisers to promote their WhatsApp numbers to a broader audience.
Enhanced Features
Recent updates have introduced features like Click-to-WhatsApp Ads, allowing businesses to link their ads on Facebook and Instagram directly to WhatsApp chats. This integration streamlines the customer journey, enabling immediate communication and fostering higher engagement rates.
2. Telegram: The Rising Contender
Overview
Telegram has witnessed significant growth in India, with over 900 million active users worldwide as of 2024. Its emphasis on privacy and user control has attracted a diverse user base.
Business Features
- Channels: Broadcast messages to an unlimited number of subscribers.
- Groups: Facilitate community discussions with up to 200,000 members.
- Bots: Automate tasks, conduct polls, and provide customer support.
Advertising Potential
Telegram offers a unique advertising model through its Telegram Ads platform. Advertisers can create sponsored messages that appear in channels with over 1,000 subscribers. The platform operates on a Cost-Per-Mille (CPM) basis, with a minimum CPM of 0.1 Toncoin. Advertisers can select specific channels for ad placements, ensuring targeted reach.
Advantages
- Privacy-Focused: Telegram doesn’t rely on user data for advertising, aligning with the growing demand for privacy-conscious platforms.
- High Engagement: Users on Telegram are often more engaged, leading to better interaction rates with ads.
- Cost-Effective: The CPM model allows businesses to manage their advertising budgets efficiently.
Integration with India Ad Tech
Telegram’s advertising capabilities are increasingly integrated with India ad tech solutions, enabling businesses to leverage advanced targeting and analytics tools. This integration enhances the effectiveness of campaigns, providing deeper insights into audience behavior and campaign performance.
3. Signal: The Privacy Advocate
Overview
Signal has gained popularity among users prioritizing privacy. Its end-to-end encryption ensures that messages are secure and cannot be accessed by third parties.
Business Features
- Signal Business Accounts: Allows businesses to communicate with customers securely.
- Group Chats: Facilitate discussions with up to 1,000 participants.
Advertising Potential
Signal currently does not offer advertising options. Businesses can utilize the platform for secure communication with customers but cannot promote their products or services through ads.
User Engagement
While Signal’s user base is smaller compared to WhatsApp and Telegram, its emphasis on privacy attracts a dedicated audience. Businesses focusing on secure communications may find Signal a suitable platform for customer interactions.
When evaluating messenger apps India, Signal stands out for its commitment to privacy. However, it faces competition from platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, which offer a broader range of features and larger user bases. Businesses need to consider these factors when choosing a platform for communication and marketing.
4. Hike: The Indian Contender
Overview
Hike, developed by an Indian startup, aims to cater to the Indian market with features tailored to local preferences.
Business Features
- Hike Wallet: Enables users to send money and pay bills.
- Hike Sticker Chat: Offers a unique messaging experience with custom stickers.
Advertising Potential
Hike has introduced advertising options within its platform, allowing businesses to promote their products to users. However, its user base is smaller compared to WhatsApp and Telegram, which may limit the reach of advertisements.
Evolution and Challenges
Despite initial success, Hike faced challenges in competing with global messaging platforms. The company has since pivoted to focus on other ventures, highlighting the competitive nature of the Indian messaging app market.
5. Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Telegram | Signal | Hike | |
| Active Monthly Users | Over 2 billion | Around 900 million | About 40 million | Approximately 100 million |
| Built-in Business Tools | Available | Available | Basic only | Available |
| Advertising Support | Very limited | Supported | Not supported | Supported |
| User Privacy | Encrypted end-to-end | Encrypted end-to-end | Encrypted end-to-end | Encrypted end-to-end |
| Max Group Capacity | Up to 256 members | Up to 200,000 members | Up to 1,000 members | Up to 1,000 members |
6. Telegram Ads: In-Depth Overview
Platform Summary
Telegram has introduced a unique way for brands to reach users through its sponsored message system. These ads appear within public channels that have over 1,000 subscribers, enabling highly relevant placement and niche audience targeting.
How to Launch an Ad on Telegram
- Create a Business Account: Use your existing Telegram account to sign in on the Telegram Ads interface.
- Build Your Campaign: Select “Create Ad” and enter details such as your message headline, body text, and destination URL.
- Budget Setup: Choose your preferred CPM (Cost Per 1,000 views) and allocate a total spending cap.
- Targeted Channel Selection: Pick the specific public channels where your promotion should be shown.
- Process Payment: Campaigns are funded using Toncoin, the platform’s native digital currency.
Performance Tracking and Analytics
Telegram equips advertisers with a robust analytics dashboard. Key metrics like total impressions, click-through rate, and user engagement are easily accessible, enabling continuous optimisation.
Synergy with Indian Ad Tech
Telegram’s collaboration with advertising technology providers in India has significantly enhanced campaign performance. With access to data-rich insights and smart optimisation tools, marketers can fine-tune audience targeting and maximise campaign impact across diverse regional segments.
7. Choosing the Right Platform
When selecting a messaging platform for your business, consider the following factors:
- Target Audience: Determine where your audience is most active.
- Budget: Assess your advertising budget and choose a platform that aligns with it.
- Business Goals: Define your objectives and select a platform that helps achieve them.
Strategic Considerations
Each platform offers unique features and capabilities. Aligning your business objectives with the strengths of each platform can enhance your marketing efforts and drive better results.
Comparing Telegram vs WhatsApp
When evaluating Telegram vs WhatsApp, it’s essential to consider factors such as user base, features, and advertising capabilities. WhatsApp boasts a larger user base, making it ideal for businesses aiming for broad reach. In contrast, Telegram offers advanced features like unlimited group sizes and extensive bot support, catering to businesses seeking customization and scalability. Understanding these differences can help you choose the platform that best aligns with your business needs.
Integration with India Ad Tech
Both platforms are increasingly integrated with ad tech solutions, allowing businesses to leverage advanced targeting and analytics tools. This integration enhances the effectiveness of campaigns, providing deeper insights into audience behavior and campaign performance. By aligning your advertising strategies with these platforms, you can optimize your marketing efforts and achieve better results.
Conclusion
Each messenger app discussed brings its own strengths to the table when it comes to business communication and digital outreach. WhatsApp continues to lead in India thanks to its wide user base and familiar interface. Telegram stands out with its advanced ad-serving system, offering precise targeting and growing reach. Signal prioritises user privacy above all, while Hike appeals to users through localised content and culturally tuned features. For startups and brands alike, choosing the right platform depends on campaign goals, audience behaviour, and budget constraints.
FAQs
What is Hike’s user demographic?
Hike has amassed a user base exceeding 100 million people, primarily located within India, and is known for its youth-focused features and stickers.
How can companies promote their brand on Telegram?
Businesses can run promotional campaigns on Telegram via its official ad platform, which enables them to place sponsored content inside selected public channels.
What’s the lowest CPM available on Telegram’s ad system?
The minimum cost-per-thousand impressions (CPM) on Telegram Ads is currently set at 0.1 Toncoin, the platform’s native crypto token.
Is WhatsApp viable for business marketing?
Yes. Companies can leverage tools like WhatsApp Business and the WhatsApp Business API to maintain customer communication and share promotional content.
Does Signal support any kind of business advertising?
No. At present, Signal does not allow commercial advertising on its platform, maintaining its strong focus on user privacy and ad-free messaging.