India-Made WhatsApp Alternative Arattai App Gains Popularity: Will It Replace The Popular Platform?
Users in India are currently in a state where they cannot think of a day without the popular messaging platform WhatsApp. As the go-to platform for every kind of conversation, including personal, professional and group chat, the app has penetrated deep into the daily life of all, irrespective of age, gender or region.
However, a made-in-India app called Arattai, is attempting to replace WhatsApp as an Indian alternative. Developed by Zoho, headquartered in Chennai, Arattai — meaning casual chats in Tamil — is a messaging app that has almost all uses of the popular WhatsApp. It supports text messaging, voice and video calls, media sharing, stories, and channels, features familiar to any modern messenger while ensuring end-to-end encryption for calls.
As per reports, Arattai is capturing WhatsApp market, with the platform recording daily signups from 3,000 to 350,000 in just 3 days.
The Indian alternative, as a secure, domestic option, has ranked first in the app store, signifying increasing popularity, which could potentially take over WhatsApp’s domination in the field.
Zoho has declared its full commitment to privacy, attracting users unlike the global rivals which are accused of exploiting user data for advertising. The Indian app does not monetize personal information, appealing strongly to those concerned about digital sovereignty and surveillance.
Read Also: Govt Can Soon Access Your WhatsApp, Emails, & Social Media Under New Income Tax Bill 2025
Notably, Arattai is not the first app to challenge WhatsApp as other apps such as Telegram, WeChat and more also tried their luck in the industry, but WhatsApp beat them all. However, the new platform is getting more attention as a homegrown product with made in India identity. The platform’s daily sign-ups and demand has shown a different pattern from the past, giving it a patriotic edge this time.
The public endorsement from government ministers have also boosted both visibility and credibility of the platform, with all end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls privacy.
