Messenger vs Telegram:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Telegram had more branded searches than Messenger among messaging apps worldwide. Telegram had about 31.1 million branded searches, while Messenger had 13.6 million. Telegram made up 8.8% of all messaging app searches we track, and Messenger accounted for 3.8%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about messaging apps, Telegram appeared in all five answers and Messenger in two. Telegram was mentioned before Messenger in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Telegram, about 2 searches for every 1 for Messenger
Who does AI mention more?
Telegram, mentioned in every answer we collected
Who does AI recommend more?
Telegram, named ahead of Messenger in every answer
Follow Messenger vs Telegram and get free monthly updates on what changed
By continuing you'll get index updates and occasional product news from Brandwave. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy
Top messaging apps in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Telegram appeared in all five answers. Messenger was mentioned in two out of five: in one of the three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Telegram was listed before Messenger in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
WhatsApp5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers- Telegram5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Signal5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Discord2 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Messenger2 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Viber1 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
WeChat0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about messaging apps
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which messaging app should I use?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best messaging apps?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best messaging app for everyday chat?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“messaging apps”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“secure messaging app”
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 19, 2026.
Is Messenger or Telegram more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Messenger and Telegram by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all seven messaging apps we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.
Share of searches by month for Telegram, Messenger. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Telegram | Discord | Messenger | Signal | Viber | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 71.8% | 9.9% | 11.8% | 5.3% | 0.39% | 0.48% | 0.32% |
| Nov 2025 | 72.6% | 10% | 12% | 4.4% | 0.39% | 0.39% | 0.26% |
| Dec 2025 | 68.4% | 11.6% | 13.8% | 5% | 0.45% | 0.45% | 0.3% |
| Jan 2026 | 68.4% | 11.6% | 13.8% | 5% | 0.45% | 0.45% | 0.3% |
| Feb 2026 | 70.3% | 11.8% | 11.6% | 5.2% | 0.46% | 0.46% | 0.26% |
| Mar 2026 | 72.6% | 10% | 12% | 4.4% | 0.39% | 0.39% | 0.26% |
| Apr 2026 | 74.3% | 10.2% | 10% | 4.5% | 0.33% | 0.4% | 0.27% |
| May 2026 | 72.7% | 10% | 12% | 4.4% | 0.32% | 0.39% | 0.26% |
| Jun 2026 | 72.6% | 12.3% | 9.8% | 4.4% | 0.32% | 0.39% | 0.26% |
| Jul 2026 | 74.4% | 10.3% | 10% | 4.5% | 0.27% | 0.33% | 0.27% |
| Aug 2026 | 72.7% | 10% | 12% | 4.4% | 0.32% | 0.32% | 0.26% |
| Sep 2026 | 78.1% | 8.8% | 8.6% | 3.8% | 0.28% | 0.28% | 0.23% |
How has the Messenger and Telegram comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Telegram was ahead of Messenger in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Messenger’s share of searches among messaging apps worldwide moved from 5.3% to 3.8%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 16.6M to 13.6M.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Telegram’s share of searches among messaging apps worldwide moved from 9.9% to 8.8%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 31.2M to 31.1M.
How did search popularity change for messaging apps worldwide in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, Telegram lost share of searches among messaging apps worldwide, from 10% to 8.8%.
In September 2026, Messenger lost share of searches among messaging apps worldwide, from 4.4% to 3.8%.
How are branded searches counted?
3 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Messenger’s and Telegram’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among messaging apps
Put your own brand in this comparison
Brandwave tracks your branded demand next to the rival you actually watch, with your campaigns, spend and outcomes on the same timeline.