Indian Messaging App Arattai Hits No. 1 on Apple App Store
Indian messaging app Arattai has climbed to the No. 1 position on Apple’s App Store. The surge in popularity came soon after Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posted about the app, leading to a massive increase in downloads. Following this, thousands of new users installed the app. Arattai is available on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Developed by Indian software company Zoho Corporation, Arattai is a messenger application designed to provide smooth performance even on older or lower-configuration smartphones. Unlike many apps that require high-end devices, Arattai works seamlessly on basic handsets and in low-network areas. The app comes with several features similar to WhatsApp.
After reaching the top spot in the Social Media category, Zoho thanked its users for their overwhelming support.
What Makes Arattai Different?
Arattai is designed to deliver strong performance across devices and network conditions. Even in areas with poor connectivity, the app ensures reliable messaging. It also offers features similar to WhatsApp, such as stories, chats, calls, and meetings. Notably, the app’s Meetings tab—originally built for Zoho employees—can now be used by all users, making it attractive for businesses as well.
Thanks to Dharmendra Pradhan’s promotion, the app saw a huge surge in signups. While it usually had around 3,000 new registrations per day, the past three days alone brought in 350,000 new accounts.
Competition with WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal
The instant messaging industry is dominated by major players like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. If Arattai continues to grow at its current pace, it could soon compete directly with WhatsApp in India, while also positioning itself against other global platforms.
OTP Issues and Fixes
With the sudden rise in new installations, some users reported delays in receiving OTPs during registration. A few even mentioned not receiving them at all. Zoho acknowledged the issue on social media and assured users that a fix would be rolled out shortly.
We’re officially #1 in Social Networking on the App Store!
— Arattai (@Arattai) September 27, 2025
Big thanks to every single Arattai user for making this possible. 💛#StayConnected #Arattai pic.twitter.com/gqxPW108Nq
Launch and Background
Arattai was launched in January 2021 by Zoho Corporation. The name Arattai is a Tamil word meaning “chitchat” or “conversation.” Initially developed as an internal communication tool for Zoho employees, it became so popular within the company that Zoho decided to release it to the public. While its early growth was modest, the app is now experiencing a sharp rise in popularity.
Features of Arattai
- Available on both iOS and Android
- Simple registration process, similar to WhatsApp
- Five main tabs on the home screen: Stories, Meetings, Chats, Calls, and Settings
- Meetings feature for scheduling and collaboration
- Optimized for low-end devices and weak networks
With its growing user base and unique features, Arattai is quickly emerging as a strong contender in India’s messaging app market.