Arattai App Surges in Popularity as India’s Homegrown Alternative to Big Tech
In recent weeks, Arattai, a messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation, has emerged as a formidable alternative to global platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram in India. Launched in early 2021, Arattai initially garnered modest attention. However, a significant surge in popularity occurred in September 2025, with daily sign-ups skyrocketing from 3,000 to 350,000 within just three days. This rapid growth propelled Arattai to the top of India's App Store rankings in the "Social Networking" category.
The app's rise coincides with a broader national movement advocating for "Made-in-India" digital solutions. Government endorsements have played a pivotal role in Arattai's popularity. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have publicly supported the platform, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Additionally, prominent figures like Anand Mahindra have endorsed the app, further amplifying its reach.
Arattai offers a range of features that cater to the needs of modern users. Users can send messages, voice notes, participate in video calls, share photos and documents, and post status updates. The app is designed to be lightweight and ad-free, providing a seamless user experience without the distractions commonly found in other messaging platforms.
The app's rise coincides with a broader national movement advocating for "Made-in-India" digital solutions. Government endorsements have played a pivotal role in Arattai's popularity. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Electronics & IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw have publicly supported the platform, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Additionally, prominent figures like Anand Mahindra have endorsed the app, further amplifying its reach.
Arattai offers a range of features that cater to the needs of modern users. Users can send messages, voice notes, participate in video calls, share photos and documents, and post status updates. The app is designed to be lightweight and ad-free, providing a seamless user experience without the distractions commonly found in other messaging platforms.
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