The Impact of Telegram Mini Apps on Other Messengers and Platforms

In recent years, Telegram has significantly expanded the functionality of its platform by introducing Mini Apps—integrated mini-applications that run directly within the messenger. This innovation has not only enhanced the user experience but also had a noticeable impact on the competitive landscape among messengers and digital platforms. Telegram’s competitors are also striving to keep up and implement their own solutions in this direction. In this article, we will explore how the largest messengers and social platforms are adapting to the new wave of mini-apps.

Competitors’ Reaction to the Mini-App Trend

Telegram’s introduction of Mini Apps has attracted the attention of major competitors, such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger. While there have been no official statements from these companies regarding their response to Telegram’s innovation, several trends can be observed.

WhatsApp: Cautious Experiments

Historically, WhatsApp has adhered to a minimalist approach, focusing on simplicity and security. However, as the popularity of mini-apps grows in other messengers, the company may consider integrating similar features to meet the rising demands of users.

WhatsApp does not yet offer a full-fledged mini-app ecosystem, but the company is testing new features aimed at integrating business services. In particular, product catalogs, payment services, and chatbots, which could perform some of the functions of mini-apps, are actively being developed.

WeChat: Pioneer and Leader

WeChat is considered a pioneer in the field of mini-applications. The Chinese giant has long offered built-in services such as payments, taxi orders, hotel bookings, and much more. This makes WeChat a fully-fledged platform where users can perform most of their daily tasks without leaving the messenger.

Facebook Messenger: Focus on Business and Chatbots

Facebook Messenger follows a strategy similar to WhatsApp’s, but with a more developed ecosystem of bots and integrated games. The company actively implements payment functions and interactive elements for businesses, but it has not yet provided full-fledged mini-apps in the way Telegram or WeChat has. However, the success of Telegram Mini Apps could encourage Facebook to further develop its platform by offering deeper integration and enhanced tools for developers.

Viber: Emphasis on Business Tools

Viber already offers some integrated services such as games and stickers. The emergence of Telegram Mini Apps may push Viber to expand its functionality by providing developers with more opportunities to create integrated applications. The platform is developing chatbots, payment functions, and corporate solutions that allow brands to offer users convenient services within the messenger.

Discord: Focus on Integration with Third-Party Services

Discord does not offer traditional mini-apps, but it actively develops bots and integrations with third-party platforms. This allows users to access various gaming and social features directly within chats.

Telegram’s competitors recognize the potential of mini-apps and are gradually adapting their platforms to this trend. However, each service has its own approach: some focus on chatbots, some on business functions, and others on integration with third-party services. In the coming years, further development of this technology can be expected, along with new exciting solutions in the messenger space. Overall, Telegram’s competitors will likely monitor the success of Mini Apps closely and adjust their strategies based on the reactions of users and developers.