‘Made in India’ Messaging App Arattai: Can It Really Replace WhatsApp?
‘Arattai’ is a new ‘Made in India’ messaging app that is becoming popular quickly. People see it as a possible alternative to WhatsApp. It was made by Zoho Corporation in Chennai. The app launched in 2021, but in September 2025, with support from the Indian government and going viral on social media, it saw 100 times more downloads and sign-ups. However, it has not fully replaced WhatsApp yet. WhatsApp has over 500 million users in India, and it offers end-to-end encryption (E2EE) on all messages. Let us look at the details: what this app is, its features, and if it can really be an alternative.
What is Arattai?
- Name and Meaning: ‘Arattai’ is a word from the Tamil language. It means ‘casual chat’. It is a free app made by Zoho. It works on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Android TV.
- Launch and Popularity: It launched in 2021, but in 2025, Indian ministers like Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw promoted it. This made it part of the ‘Swadeshi’ (local) technology campaign. As a result, sign-ups increased by 100 times, and it ranks high on Google Play Store.
Main Features of Arattai
Arattai gives basic features like WhatsApp, but it has some extra ones that make it different:
- Messaging and Calls: You can send text, voice notes, photos, videos, and files. Voice and video calls have E2EE, which keeps privacy safe.
- Group Chats and Channels: Groups can have up to 1,000 members. ‘Channels’ work like broadcasting for big communities or organizations.
- Multi-Device Support: It works on phones, tablets, desktops, and TVs. This is better than WhatsApp.
- Extra Tools:
- ‘Pocket’: A personal cloud storage to save messages and media.
- ‘Meetings’: Video meetings like Zoom, right inside the app.
- ‘Mentions’: Easy to tag specific people in group chats.
- Privacy and Data: All data is stored on servers in India. There are no ads, and data is not shared with third parties. It runs well on slow internet and low-end phones.
Comparison with WhatsApp
| Feature | Arattai | |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | E2EE on calls; not on messages yet (coming soon) | E2EE on all messages, calls, and files |
| Group Size | 1,000 members | 1,024 members |
| Multi-Device | Phone, tablet, desktop, TV | Phone, tablet, desktop (no TV) |
| Ads/Money Making | No ads; no policy to sell data | Ads in updates tab; shares data with Meta |
| Data Storage | Servers in India | Global servers (some in India) |
| Extra Features | Channels, Pocket, Meetings, Mentions | Status, disappearing messages |
| Number of Users | In lakhs now (growing fast) | Over 500 million in India |
Arattai is ahead in privacy, local data, and extra tools compared to WhatsApp. But the lack of E2EE on messages holds it back. Zoho has promised to add full encryption to messages soon.
Has India Adopted It?
- Government Support: Yes, it is part of the ‘Made in India’ campaign. Ministers encouraged people to download it, which helps digital independence. In the past, apps like Hike failed, but Arattai’s popularity (100 times more sign-ups) makes it different.
- Challenges: WhatsApp has a strong hold, and Arattai needs to grow its user base. The privacy gap is a problem, but Zoho’s good reputation (130 million global users) helps.
- Future: If Zoho adds full E2EE and keeps marketing, it can challenge WhatsApp, especially for users who care about privacy.
If you want to try it, download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Do you want to know about any specific feature?”plz
You Might Also Like:
What is America Tariff on India ?
Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh Wins Dhaka University Polls, Sparks Concern in India
Global outrage as Israel detains 450 activists from Gaza aid flotilla; allegations of torture emerge
