India’s homegrown messaging app Arattai has exploded onto the scene, rocketing from 3,000 to 350,000 daily sign-ups within just three days. This 100× surge made it the No. 1 social networking app in Indian app stores, highlighting a sudden shift in user sentiment.
What Is Arattai?
Arattai—meaning “casual chat” in Tamil—is an instant-messaging platform developed by Zoho. Launched in 2021, it offers:
- Text, voice notes, and media sharing
- High-quality audio and video calls (encrypted by default)
- Group chats, Stories, and broadcast Channels
- Cross-device support on up to five gadgets (including desktop and Android TV)
- Chat import from other messaging apps for easy migration
Why Users Are Switching
1. Made-in-India Appeal
Backed by “Digital India” sentiment and endorsements from government leaders, Arattai’s Indian-first branding resonates with users seeking homegrown alternatives.
2. Data Residency and Privacy
All user data is stored on Zoho’s Indian servers, reinforcing privacy assurances. While calls are end-to-end encrypted, text chats require manual activation of “Secret Chat” mode—an area Zoho says it’s actively improving.
3. Feature Set vs. WhatsApp
Arattai brings unique tools like a personal “Pocket” space for self-notes and a dedicated “Meetings” tab more akin to video-conferencing apps. Its lightweight build also runs smoothly on older 2G/3G networks and budget smartphones—areas where WhatsApp sometimes lags.
4. Rapid Growth and Top Rankings
In September alone, Sensor Tower estimates showed about 400,000 Arattai downloads versus fewer than 10,000 in August. This spike forced Zoho’s teams to add infrastructure on an emergency basis to handle potential 100× peaks in traffic.
How to Get Started on Arattai
- Download Arattai from your device’s app store.
- Sign up with your mobile number and verify via OTP.
- Choose “Import Chats” to migrate conversations from WhatsApp.
- Update your profile and settings to enable Secret Chat mode for encrypted texts.
- Invite contacts using in-app sharing links or QR codes.
SEO Optimization Tips for This Blog
To maximize reach:
- Use keywords like “made in India messaging app”, “Arattai vs WhatsApp”, “how to switch to Arattai”, “Arattai features and privacy”.
- Add structured data for SoftwareApplication and NewsArticle.
- Include FAQs in schema markup:
- “What is Arattai and who developed it?”
- “Why are people moving from WhatsApp to Arattai?”
- “Does Arattai support end-to-end encryption?”
- “How do I import chats from WhatsApp to Arattai?”
Final Takeaway
Arattai’s meteoric rise reflects a blend of national pride, privacy considerations, and fresh features that address WhatsApp’s gaps. While it still needs full chat encryption and broader UPI integration, its rapid adoption suggests many Indians are ready to embrace a truly Made-in-India chat platform.