Success Story of Arattai: The Indian messaging app

By: Anurag Tiwari

Zoho’s Arattai Messenger: An Indian Substitute for WhatsApp Taking the Market by Storm Zoho’s Arattai Messenger is referred to be the “Indian WhatsApp.” Here is a brief comparison of its main characteristics with those of Signal and WhatsApp.

Arattai Success Story: Building a Messaging App the Indian Way

Why is everyone talking about Arattai Messenger now, and what is it? The app’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent weeks, surpassing 350,000 daily sign-ups in only three days. Known as the “Indian WhatsApp,” Arattai has prompted a fresh discussion about India’s desire for digital independence in addition to undermining Meta’s hegemony.

Arattai is essentially a messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation, one of the most reputable software firms in India. However, it’s more than just another chat app; it’s a part of a bigger story about independence, privacy, and the growth of consumer technology made in India.

Arattai App: India’s Indigenous Solution to International Messaging Giants

Why is Arattai Messenger referred to as the Swadeshi WhatsApp, and what is it?

Users of the free communication program Arattai Messenger may conduct voice and video conversations, send messages, and share images and videos. “Arattai” is a Tamil term that signifies “chat,” “conversation,” or “banter.” “Uh-rah-ttai” is the pronunciation, emphasizing the double “t.”

For two main reasons, the app has been termed the Indian WhatsApp:

• Similarity of features – Arattai provides group conversations, media sharing, calling, and instant messaging, much like WhatsApp.
• Identity of the nation – Arattai is an in-house product of Zoho, with its headquarters located in Tamil Nadu, as opposed to WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta.

Many Indians, who are growing more dubious of foreign-owned platforms managing their data, identify with this persona. Arattai has a solid position against competitors like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Hike because to the moniker “Indian WhatsApp.”

Hike once attempted to use stickers and regional features to gain market share in India, but it was unsuccessful. Although they are not widely used in India, Telegram and Signal appeal to users who are more concerned about their privacy. Arattai has an edge as it blends the Indian flavor of Hike with WhatsApp’s familiarity, all supported by Zoho’s standing.

Who is Arattai’s founder and owner? The Zoho and Sridhar Vembu Story

Zoho Corporation, a multinational SaaS behemoth that has subtly established one of the most prosperous Indian software empires, is the owner of Arattai. Zoho, which was founded by Sridhar Vembu, is most recognized for its suite of enterprise software that is utilized by millions of companies globally.

Padma Shri recipient Sridhar Vembu has always promoted digital freedom. He believes that world-class technology can be developed outside of the typical hubs, which is why he chose to locate Zoho’s headquarters in rural Tamil Nadu. Arattai adheres to his “Made in India, for the world” concept.

He sees Arattai as a statement against an over-reliance on foreign IT corporations, not merely a product. Zoho is providing a reliable substitute with Indian roots at a time when WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices with Meta have sparked worries.

Data Privacy and End-to-End Encryption: How Secure is Arattai?

When it comes to messaging apps, data security and encryption are always top concerns. Platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal promise secure messaging, but their methods differ. So, how does Arattai measure up?

• End-to-End Encryption (E2EE):
  Arattai offers end-to-end encryption for video calls and voice chats, ensuring only the sender and recipient can access them. However, regular messages are not yet end-to-end encrypted, leaving a notable gap in its security. Zoho has confirmed that chat E2EE is under development, which currently places Arattai behind WhatsApp in terms of message-level security.
• Data Storage:
  Unlike WhatsApp, which stores user data on servers outside India, Arattai keeps all information within the country. This approach complies with Indian data sovereignty laws and reassures users about how their data is handled.
• No Ads, No Data Selling:
  Sridhar Vembu has highlighted that Arattai, like all Zoho products, will not follow an ad-driven model. This means no profiling, no selling of user data, and no hidden monetization through surveillance.

In summary, Arattai positions itself as a privacy-first messaging platform—a space where WhatsApp has faced criticism in India.

Features & Advantages of Arattai.

Arattai adds special features designed for Indian users, even though it looks and feels identical to anybody who has used WhatsApp.

Calling and Messaging

Voice notes, video calls, group messaging, and one-on-one conversations are all supported by Arattai. It is useful for rural people since call clarity is enhanced even for Indian internet connections with little bandwidth.

The Arattai Web

The app isn’t only for smartphones. Similar to WhatsApp Web, Arattai Web enables browser-based login, which facilitates cross-device collaboration.

Cultural Significance

Zoho created Arattai with Indian motifs, stickers, and regional languages. Arattai feels more deeply anchored in Indian culture than WhatsApp does.

Syncing between devices

Whether on a PC or a phone, messages are synchronized across devices to guarantee continuity.

Use Cases for Businesses

In order to facilitate enterprise-grade adoption in the future, Zoho is making inroads toward integrating Arattai with its larger portfolio of corporate collaboration products.

Arattai’s Meteoric Rise: Over 350,000 Sign-ups in Just Three Days

Arattai’s growth story is nothing short of extraordinary. In just three days, daily sign-ups skyrocketed from 3,000 to over 350,000, marking a 100x surge in user adoption.

This explosive growth coincided with rising concerns over WhatsApp’s privacy practices, highlighting how timing and market sentiment worked in Arattai’s favor.

Positioned as the “Swadeshi WhatsApp”, the app has resonated deeply with users across India. While platforms like Signal and Telegram cater to niche audiences, Arattai’s homegrown identity has helped it achieve mainstream appeal.

Yet, the road ahead is challenging. With WhatsApp boasting over 500 million users in India, Arattai faces a steep uphill battle. For sustained success, the app must:

• Honor privacy commitments to maintain user trust.

• Scale infrastructure to manage millions of daily active users.

• Continuously innovate, offering features that rival or surpass global messaging apps.

Arattai’s early momentum is promising, but its ability to retain users and grow sustainably will define whether it can truly challenge India’s messaging giant.

Arattai vs WhatsApp vs Signal: Security, Features & Usability Compared

The Technology Powering Arattai: Fully Homegrown and Scalable

Arattai runs entirely on Zoho’s indigenous tech stack, with no reliance on AWS, Azure, or other public cloud providers. This homebuilt infrastructure gives Zoho full control over performance, scalability, and data privacy, ensuring all user data remains within India.

At its core is Zoho’s proprietary messaging and audio-visual (AV) framework, refined over 15 years to deliver low-latency messaging and high-quality voice and video calls. Complementing this is a distributed computing framework, developed over two decades, which handles load balancing, fault tolerance, and performance monitoring across Zoho’s global data centers.

All data is hosted on Zoho’s private infrastructure in Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, while public cloud nodes are used strictly for traffic routing, never for storage. Voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, and full message encryption is currently under development. This infrastructure highlights Zoho’s engineering depth and commitment to a privacy-first, fully homegrown platform.

Arattai’s Challenge: Can It Break the Western Messaging Monopoly?

For years, WhatsApp has dominated India’s messaging space, with over 500 million Indian users, making it a near-monopoly.

The biggest challenge for Arattai isn’t just features—it’s user habits. In India, “WhatsApp” has become almost synonymous with messaging, much like “Xerox” for photocopying. Convincing users to switch to a new app is no small task.

Arattai has benefited from its “Made in India” positioning, but nationalism alone won’t sustain growth. To truly compete, it must outperform WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram in functionality and user experience.

Currently, Arattai is still in early development, with some reports of UI lag, missing refinements, and partial encryption (full chat E2EE is in progress). An unexpected endorsement by India’s Education Minister accelerated adoption, forcing Zoho to rapidly scale infrastructure to handle the sudden surge in users.

Ultimately, the app’s success will depend on how Zoho polishes, promotes, and differentiates it in a crowded market.

How to Download and Log In

On Mobile (Android / iOS):

1. Open the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iPhone).

2. Search for “Arattai Messenger” (Publisher: Zoho / Arattai).

3. Tap Install / Get, then open the app.

4. Register with your mobile number and complete OTP verification (may experience occasional delays during high traffic).

On Desktop / Web:

1. Visit arattai.in.

2. Scan the QR code from your mobile app, similar to WhatsApp Web.

3. Arattai supports sync across Android TV and desktop, providing more flexibility than most competitors.

Tips:

• Sync up to five devices with the same account.

• For sensitive chats requiring E2EE, check the current encryption status in Settings → Privacy. Wait if full chat-level encryption is critical.

The Future of Arattai and Zoho

While Zoho has historically thrived in B2B SaaS, Arattai represents a major push into consumer tech. If successful, it could help Zoho challenge global players beyond business software, including consumer communication platforms.

Potential future developments include:

• Advanced collaboration tools integrated with Zoho Workplace.

• Enterprise-grade encrypted chat for businesses.

• AI-driven personalization for smarter messaging.

Arattai could bridge Zoho’s SaaS dominance and India’s growing ambitions in consumer internet.

Arattai in India’s Tech Story

Arattai Messenger is more than a chat app; it symbolizes India’s push for digital self-reliance. With explosive growth, strong privacy measures, and cultural resonance, it is India’s most serious challenger to WhatsApp yet.

While dethroning WhatsApp is uncertain, the timing is perfect. The surge in demand for homegrown tech has created fertile ground for Arattai.

Zoho’s story demonstrates that India can create world-class tech, not just consume it. In this sense, Arattai is more than a messenger—it’s a statement.

FAQs About Arattai Messenger

Q1: What is Arattai Messenger?
A: A homegrown Indian messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation.

Q2: What does “Arattai” mean?
A: In Tamil, it means “chat” or “conversation”.

Q3: How is Arattai different from WhatsApp?
A: It emphasizes privacy, Indian localization, and independence from foreign ownership.

Q4: Who owns Arattai?
A: Zoho Corporation, founded by Sridhar Vembu.

Q5: Is Arattai available on web and mobile?
A: Yes, on Android, iOS, and Arattai Web.

Q6: Is Arattai the new Indian WhatsApp?
A: Yes, due to its features and rapid growth, it is often called the Indian WhatsApp.

Q7: How do you pronounce Arattai?
A: “Uh-rah-ttai” with emphasis on the double ‘t’.

Q8: Is Arattai free to use?
A: Yes, Arattai is free to download and use, with no ads or hidden charges.

Q9: How secure is Arattai?
A: Voice and video calls are fully end-to-end encrypted. Chat messages are currently under development for full E2EE. All user data is stored in India on Zoho’s private servers.

Q10: Can I use Arattai on multiple devices?
A: Yes, Arattai supports syncing across up to five devices, including desktop, mobile, and Android TV.

Q11: What features does Arattai offer?
A: Arattai supports group chats of up to 1,000 members, story-like posts, voice and video calls, broadcast messages, and low-bandwidth operation for reliable performance in weaker networks.

Q12: Where is Arattai data stored?
A: All data is hosted on Zoho’s private servers in Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. Public cloud nodes are used only for routing traffic.

Q13: Is Arattai suitable for enterprise use?
A: While primarily consumer-focused, Zoho plans to integrate enterprise-grade encrypted messaging and collaboration features for businesses in future updates.

Q14: How do I get support if I face issues?
A: Users can access support via the Arattai app Help section, Zoho’s official website, or email support.

Q15: What makes Arattai different from Signal or Telegram?
A: Arattai combines homegrown Indian identity, privacy-first infrastructure, and low-bandwidth performance, targeting mainstream users in India rather than niche audiences.

Q16: Can I transfer my WhatsApp chats to Arattai?
A: Currently, chat migration from WhatsApp is not supported. Users need to start fresh on Arattai.

Q17: Are there any advertisements in Arattai?
A: No, Arattai is completely ad-free, keeping user experience clean and uninterrupted.

Q18: How does Arattai handle low-bandwidth areas?
A: The app is optimized for low network conditions, allowing messages, calls, and media to work even in rural or weaker connectivity areas.

Q19: Is there a desktop version of Arattai?
A: Yes, Arattai supports web login via QR code scanning, and is compatible with desktop computers and Android TV.

Q20: Can I use Arattai for large groups?
A: Yes, Arattai supports group chats of up to 1,000 members, making it suitable for both personal and organizational communication.

Q21: How does Arattai protect user data?
A: All data is stored on Zoho’s private servers in India, with voice and video calls end-to-end encrypted. Full message encryption is being implemented.

Q22: Is Arattai only for India?
A: While targeted for India, Arattai is available globally, though its “Made in India” appeal is strongest domestically.

Q23: Does Arattai require internet to function?
A: Yes, an active internet connection is required for messaging, calls, and media sharing.

Q24: Can businesses use Arattai?
A: Yes, Zoho plans to introduce enterprise features, including encrypted messaging and collaboration tools for professional use.

Q25: How frequently is Arattai updated?
A: Zoho releases regular updates to improve security, add new features, and optimize performance, especially as the user base grows rapidly.

Q26: Can I use Arattai on multiple devices at the same time?
A: Yes, Arattai allows syncing across up to five devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

Q27: Does Arattai support voice messages?
A: Yes, you can send voice messages that are optimized for low bandwidth and high clarity.

Q28: Are video calls supported on Arattai?
A: Yes, the app supports high-quality video calls with end-to-end encryption.

Q29: Can I share files and media on Arattai?
A: Yes, Arattai allows sharing photos, videos, documents, and other media securely within chats and groups.

Q30: Is Arattai free to use?
A: Yes, Arattai is completely free, with no subscription or hidden charges for regular messaging and calling.

Q31: How secure is Arattai compared to WhatsApp?
A: All data is stored in India-based servers, voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, and message encryption is being rolled out, emphasizing privacy-first design.

Q32: Can I customize notifications in Arattai?
A: Yes, you can customize notification sounds, vibration, and do-not-disturb settings for individual chats and groups.

Q33: Does Arattai support stickers and emojis?
A: Yes, Arattai includes a wide range of emojis and stickers, similar to other popular messaging apps.

Q34: How can I report bugs or issues?
A: Users can report issues through the app’s Settings → Help & Support section or via Zoho’s official support channels.

Q35: Does Arattai support scheduled messages?
A: Currently, scheduled messaging is under development, and will be rolled out in future updates.

Q36: Can I block or report users?
A: Yes, you can block, mute, or report users directly from the chat interface to maintain safe communication.

Q37: Does Arattai have group admin controls?
A: Yes, group admins can add/remove members, set permissions, and manage group settings easily.

Q38: Can Arattai be used for professional business communication?
A: Yes, Zoho plans to integrate enterprise-friendly features such as secure group chats, admin dashboards, and document sharing.

Q39: Is Arattai compatible with older smartphones?
A: Arattai is designed to work on most Android and iOS devices, including older versions, but performance may be better on modern devices.

Q40: Can I back up my chats?
A: Chat backup options are being developed. Currently, messages are stored securely on Zoho’s servers, with plans for future encrypted backup options.

Q41: Can I delete messages for everyone in a chat?
A: Yes, Arattai allows message deletion for everyone within a specified time window after sending.

Q42: Does Arattai support broadcast messages?
A: Yes, users can send broadcast messages to multiple contacts at once without creating a group.

Q43: Can I search for specific messages in a chat?
A: Yes, Arattai provides in-chat search functionality to quickly find messages, files, or links.

Q44: Are there any data limits for media sharing?
A: Currently, Arattai supports large file transfers, optimized for low bandwidth usage.

Q45: Does Arattai support disappearing messages?
A: Yes, disappearing messages can be enabled for private chats and groups for enhanced privacy.

Q46: Can I set custom chat themes?
A: Yes, Arattai allows users to customize chat backgrounds and themes for a personalized experience.

Q47: Is Arattai available in regional Indian languages?
A: Yes, Arattai supports multiple Indian languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and more.

Q48: Can I sync Arattai contacts with my phone?
A: Yes, the app can sync contacts from your phone securely, ensuring you find friends and family easily.

Q49: Does Arattai offer emoji reactions on messages?
A: Yes, users can react to messages with emojis, similar to WhatsApp and Telegram.

Q50: Can Arattai run on Android TV?
A: Yes, Arattai supports Android TV, allowing messaging and calls directly from the TV interface.

Q51: Can I use Arattai on multiple devices at the same time?
A: Yes, Arattai supports sync across up to five devices, including smartphones, tablets, desktops, and Android TV.

Q52: Is there a desktop application for Arattai?
A: Arattai is accessible via web login (arattai.in) and supports desktop use through a QR code scan from your mobile app.

Q53: Are voice and video calls secure?
A: Yes, voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring private communication.

Q54: Are text messages fully encrypted?
A: Currently, text messages are stored on servers, with end-to-end encryption under development.

Q55: How does Arattai perform on low bandwidth?
A: Arattai is optimized for low-bandwidth environments, providing smooth messaging and calling even with weak internet connections.

Q56: Does Arattai have group video call functionality?
A: Yes, group video calls are supported for up to a specified number of participants.

Q57: Can I send documents and media files?
A: Yes, Arattai allows sending images, videos, PDFs, and other file formats securely.

Q58: Does Arattai provide message backup options?
A: Yes, you can backup chats to Zoho’s secure servers within India.

Q59: Can I report spam or block users?
A: Yes, Arattai offers spam reporting and blocking options for privacy and security.

Q60: Does Arattai support stickers and GIFs?
A: Yes, Arattai has a library of stickers and GIFs to make chats more interactive.

Q61: Can Arattai be used for business communication?
A: Yes, Arattai supports business groups, broadcast messages, and enterprise communication tools, making it suitable for professional use.

Q62: Is there a limit to the number of participants in a group chat?
A: Yes, Arattai allows up to 1,000 members in a single group.

Q63: Can I make international calls using Arattai?
A: Yes, as long as you have an internet connection, you can make voice and video calls globally.

Q64: Does Arattai require a SIM card to use?
A: You need a mobile number for registration, but calls and messages work over internet data, not cellular networks.

Q65: Are there ads in Arattai?
A: No, Arattai is ad-free since it is a Zoho-owned product without external funding.

Q66: Can I schedule messages on Arattai?
A: Yes, Arattai supports message scheduling, allowing you to send messages at a later time.

Q67: Does Arattai support disappearing messages?
A: Yes, Arattai has a self-destructing message feature for privacy-focused chats.

Q68: Can I customize notifications?
A: Yes, you can customize sounds, vibration, and pop-ups for individual chats and groups.

Q69: Is Arattai available in multiple languages?
A: Yes, it supports regional languages, including Tamil, Hindi, and other Indian languages.

Q70: How can I contact Arattai support?
A: You can reach official support via the app under Settings → Help & Support, or through Zoho’s website.

Q71: Can I use Arattai on multiple devices simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can sync your account across up to five devices, including mobile, desktop, and Android TV.

Q72: Is end-to-end encryption available for all messages?
A: Currently, voice and video calls are E2EE, while full chat encryption is under development.

Q73: How often does Arattai update its app?
A: Zoho releases regular updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and introduce new features.

Q74: Does Arattai consume a lot of data?
A: No, it is optimized for low bandwidth, making it efficient even in areas with poor internet connectivity.

Q75: Can I backup my Arattai chats?
A: Yes, chats can be backed up securely on Arattai’s private servers in India.

Q76: Are stickers and emojis available in Arattai?
A: Yes, the app offers a wide range of stickers, GIFs, and emojis for chats.

Q77: Does Arattai support file sharing?
A: Yes, you can share documents, images, videos, and PDFs directly in chats or groups.

Q78: Can I delete messages after sending them?
A: Yes, Arattai allows message deletion for both sender and receiver.

Q79: Are there broadcast message features?
A: Yes, you can send messages to multiple users at once using broadcast lists.

Q80: Is there a web version of Arattai?
A: Yes, Arattai Web allows you to use the app on PC or laptop via QR code login, similar to WhatsApp Web.

Q81: Can I make group video calls on Arattai?
A: Yes, Arattai supports high-quality video calls for groups, optimized even for low bandwidth.

Q82: How secure is Arattai’s data storage?
A: All user data is stored only on Zoho’s private servers in India; no public cloud storage is used for saving data.

Q83: Can I schedule messages in Arattai?
A: Yes, Arattai allows scheduling messages to send them at a later time.

Q84: Does Arattai have message reactions?
A: Yes, you can react to messages with emojis, similar to other popular messaging apps.

Q85: Are there privacy settings for groups?
A: Yes, you can control who can add you to groups, manage group visibility, and set admin privileges.

Q86: Can I mute notifications for specific chats?
A: Yes, you can mute individual chats or groups for a set duration or indefinitely.

Q87: Is Arattai free to use?
A: Yes, Arattai is completely free with no ads or hidden fees.

Q88: Does Arattai support voice messages?
A: Yes, users can record and send voice messages in chats and groups.

Q89: Can I use Arattai on Android TV?
A: Yes, Arattai is compatible with Android TV, allowing messaging and calls on the big screen.

Q90: Does Arattai have a search feature for messages?
A: Yes, you can search through individual chats, groups, or shared media using the built-in search function.

Q91: Can I delete a message after sending it?
A: Yes, Arattai allows you to delete messages for yourself or for everyone in a chat.

Q92: Does Arattai support file sharing?
A: Yes, you can share documents, images, videos, and other files directly in chats and groups.

Q93: Can I use stickers and GIFs in Arattai?
A: Absolutely! Arattai supports stickers, GIFs, and emojis for fun and expressive messaging.

Q94: How can I report spam or abusive messages?
A: You can report or block users and messages through the chat settings to maintain safety.

Q95: Does Arattai allow voice and video call recording?
A: Currently, calls cannot be recorded to ensure privacy and security.

Q96: Can I backup my chat history?
A: Chat backup options are under development; currently, messages are stored on Zoho servers in India.

Q97: Does Arattai have dark mode?
A: Yes, Arattai offers a dark mode option for comfortable viewing in low-light environments.

Q98: Can I pin important chats in Arattai?
A: Yes, you can pin chats at the top of your list for quick access.

Q99: Is Arattai suitable for business use?
A: Yes, with group management, large group support, and privacy features, Arattai can be used for professional communication.

Q100: Can I customize notifications in Arattai?
A: Yes, you can customize notification tones, vibration, and alert preferences for individual chats and groups.

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