In a digital-first world, messaging apps have become a cornerstone of daily communication. Among them, Telegram has gained popularity for its speed, security, and rich feature set. With over 800 million active users as of 2025, it’s no surprise that many entrepreneurs and developers are looking to build Telegram-like apps.

If you’re exploring how to develop a Telegram clone app, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential features, technologies, development process, and cost estimates.

Why Build a Telegram-Like Messaging App?

Before diving into the development process, it’s worth understanding why Telegram stands out:

• Cloud-Based Messaging: Telegram syncs messages across devices using a cloud model.
  
  

• High-Level Encryption: Secret chats are protected using end-to-end encryption.
  
  

• Bot Integration: Telegram offers APIs for bots that enhance interactivity and automation.
  
  

• Large File Sharing: It supports media files up to 2 GB.
  
  

• Open API: Telegram’s API and protocol (MTProto) are open to developers.
  
  

These capabilities make Telegram a great blueprint for building a feature-rich, scalable, and secure messaging app in 2025.

Core Features of a Telegram Clone App

To develop a competitive app, you need to replicate or improve upon Telegram's key features. Here's a breakdown:

1. User Registration & Authentication

• Phone number/email sign-up
  
  

• OTP verification
  
  

• Multi-device login support
  
  

2. Chat Functionality

• One-on-one messaging
  
  

• Group chats and broadcast channels
  
  

• Message editing and deletion
  
  

• Scheduled messages and drafts
  
  

• Reactions and emoji support
  
  

3. Media Sharing

• Image, video, and document sharing
  
  

• Voice notes and video messages
  
  

• File uploads (2 GB+)
  
  

• Cloud storage access for shared files
  
  

4. Voice & Video Calls

• HD audio and video quality
  
  

• Group calls with screen sharing
  
  

• Call encryption for privacy
  
  

5. Security Features

• End-to-end encryption (for secret chats)
  
  

• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
  
  

• Self-destructing messages
  
  

• Passcode lock
  
  

6. Bots & APIs

• Integration of chatbot features
  
  

• Public API for third-party developers
  
  

• Custom bot commands
  
  

7. Channel & Group Management

• Admin roles and permissions
  
  

• Up to 200,000 members in a group
  
  

• Anonymous posting in channels
  
  

8. Other Notable Features

• Custom themes and sticker sets
  
  

• Message pinning and search
  
  

• Polls and quizzes
  
  

• Multi-language support
  
  

Tech Stack for Building a Telegram Clone (2025)

Choosing the right tech stack is critical to ensure performance, scalability, and security.

Frontend Development

• Mobile (iOS & Android):
  
  

• Flutter (cross-platform), React Native, or Swift (iOS) & Kotlin (Android)
  
  

• Web App:
  
  

• React.js or Vue.js
  
  

Backend Development

• Programming Language:
  
  

• Node.js, Golang, or Python (Django/Flask)
  
  

• Real-time Communication:
  
  

• WebSockets, Socket.io, or MQTT
  
  

• Database:
  
  

• PostgreSQL (structured data)
  
  

• MongoDB (chat/media storage)
  
  

• Cloud Storage:
  
  

• Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, or Azure Blob Storage
  
  

Security & Encryption

• Encryption Protocols: