Artemy Lebedev, a prominent Russian blogger and designer, has voiced sharp criticism of WhatsApp for its slow pace in adopting new features. In a recent news review on YouTube, he contrasted WhatsApp with Telegram, the messaging app created by Pavel Durov, noting that many features long available in Telegram have only recently appeared in WhatsApp.
Lebedev pointed out that WhatsApp rolled out the Saved Messages function belatedly, a feature Telegram users have enjoyed for years. He argued that WhatsApp has spent years trying to close the gap with Telegram, a move he views as insufficient and somewhat comical given the time lag involved.
According to Lebedev, using WhatsApp in many situations is inconvenient, and he urged users to consider Telegram as a better alternative. He described WhatsApp as a basic, overextended broadcasting tool that appeals mainly to certain groups such as parents in chat circles and drivers, while suggesting that Telegram offers a more versatile and streamlined experience for the broader user base.
The remarks come amid discussions about messaging app preference in Russia. A survey conducted by VTiOM highlighted that Telegram enjoys a substantial share of the adult market, with about half of respondents reporting usage in December 2022. The figures reflect ongoing shifts in user behavior as people seek features that balance privacy, speed, and usability across devices and platforms. According to observers, Telegram’s design and ongoing feature updates have helped it maintain momentum in a competitive field where user expectations continue to evolve.