Telegram Traffic in Russia in 2023: Operator Growth and Content Trends
Telecommunications operators observed a notable rise in Telegram usage among Russian users during 2023, a trend highlighted by the Vedomosti publication. The data from major mobile providers paints a clear picture of accelerating engagement on the platform. From January to September, Tele2 reported nearly a doubling of Telegram traffic year over year. Megafon followed with an 80 percent increase. Beeline saw traffic climb by half, while MTS recorded a 35 percent rise. The combined effect across these four operators signals a substantial shift in how people in Russia use instant messaging and content channels on Telegram.
Industry analysis suggests that the total Telegram traffic from all four operators could effectively double within 2023. In the first nine months of 2022, Russians generated about 25 terabytes of data on the messenger; by the same period in 2023, the figure approached 50 terabytes. This growth underscores not only broader penetration of Telegram but also heavier content production and consumption on the service.
Analysts attribute the trend to several factors. The expanding Telegram audience in Russia naturally pushes numbers higher, and the proliferation of channels that publish large volumes of content further amplifies traffic. The introduction of “stories” in Telegram is cited as another driver, encouraging more frequent visits and longer sessions as users browse quick updates and media.
WhatsApp activity in Russia also rose in 2023, though to a more modest degree. In Megafon networks, WhatsApp traffic grew by about 10 percent, while Tele2 observed roughly a 20 percent increase. These figures illustrate a broader shift toward instant messaging ecosystems, with Telegram taking a larger share of user attention in a competitive market.
Earlier reports from the Ministry of Digital Development indicated a doubling in the share of domestic IT product manufacturers, reflecting broader trends in local tech adoption and production. The Telegram growth pattern aligns with ongoing digital modernization efforts and the preference for homegrown solutions among a broad user base, while international platforms continue to face regulatory and usage dynamics that shape domestic consumption differently.