A new name is buzzing in the Indian tech world — Arattai. Developed by Zoho Corporation, Arattai is positioning itself as a homegrown alternative to WhatsApp and other global messaging platforms. In recent days, it has seen phenomenal growth — as daily sign-ups spiked from around 3,000 to 350,000 in just three days.
Let’s explore what makes Arattai unique, how it works, what challenges lie ahead, and whether it has the potential to truly challenge WhatsApp in India’s messaging market.
What Does “Arattai” Mean & Why the Name?
The word “Arattai” is a Tamil term meaning “casual chat” or “gossip.” Zoho chose it to represent the idea of simple, everyday communication — something that feels natural and effortless.
The name perfectly aligns with the app’s philosophy: to make chatting fun, fast, and familiar for everyone — whether you’re a student, a professional, or a family user.
Key Features of Arattai
Arattai comes packed with all the essential features users expect from a modern messaging app — and some extra touches focused on privacy and reliability.
1. Text, Voice, and Media Sharing
Send messages, voice notes, images, videos, and documents easily with a simple and clean interface.
2. Audio & Video Calls
Enjoy clear, high-quality audio and video calls. Calls are encrypted for added privacy and security.
3. Channels & Broadcasts
Create public or private channels to connect with your audience or share updates with friends and communities.
4. Multi-Device Support
Use Arattai across your smartphone, tablet, and desktop simultaneously — making communication seamless and flexible.
5. Status and Stories
Share short-lived media updates (similar to status or stories) that disappear automatically after 24 hours.
6. Meetings and Group Calls
Host video meetings directly within the app, similar to conference features available in top-tier platforms.
7. Works on Low-End Phones
The app is optimized to run smoothly even on basic smartphones and weaker internet connections, ensuring accessibility across India.
8. Data Privacy and Local Infrastructure
All Arattai data is stored on servers located in India. It doesn’t rely on third-party cloud platforms, giving users complete peace of mind about privacy and data security.
Why Is Arattai Suddenly Going Viral?
1. Privacy and the “Made in India” Movement
Indians are increasingly valuing privacy and digital independence. Arattai being a 100% Indian-made messaging app has fueled national pride and trust. Its privacy-first approach resonates strongly with users tired of global tech giants controlling their data.
2. Massive Surge in User Growth
Arattai’s daily signups recently skyrocketed from just a few thousand to hundreds of thousands in a matter of days. This rapid adoption shows that users are actively looking for a reliable Indian alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram.
3. Familiar Interface with Added Benefits
Arattai feels instantly familiar to WhatsApp users but adds extra features like better call encryption, local servers, and lightweight performance. It’s designed to give the same comfort — with more control.
Challenges for Arattai
While the app is growing rapidly, there are still a few hurdles on the road ahead.
- Incomplete message encryption: While voice and video calls are fully encrypted, message encryption is still being enhanced.
- Scalability under heavy load: Sudden surges in users may test the platform’s infrastructure stability.
- User switching barrier: Convincing users to shift from WhatsApp or Telegram can be challenging due to the “network effect.”
- Feature parity: To match global apps, Arattai must add more advanced features, such as bots, payment integration, or third-party extensions.
Can Arattai Replace WhatsApp in India?
In short — not yet, but it’s on the right track.
Arattai’s focus on privacy, simplicity, and self-reliance makes it an exciting contender in India’s messaging ecosystem. It’s already offering everything an average user needs: messaging, calls, file sharing, and multi-device syncing.
To truly compete with WhatsApp, Arattai must continue improving on a few key points:
- Achieve full end-to-end encryption for all text messages
- Maintain reliability during massive traffic spikes
- Add more business-friendly and creative features
If Zoho continues to build on this foundation, Arattai could become India’s go-to communication app within the next few years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Arattai free to use?
Yes. Arattai is completely free to download and use on all platforms.
Q2: Can I use Arattai on multiple devices?
Yes. You can sync your account across multiple devices, including desktop and mobile.
Q3: Does Arattai work on slow internet connections?
Yes. Arattai is designed to function well on low-end smartphones and slower networks.
Q4: Is my data safe on Arattai?
Yes. All user data is stored securely within India on Zoho’s private servers, ensuring complete data sovereignty.
Q5: What platforms is Arattai available on?
Arattai is available for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux users.
Arattai isn’t just another messaging app — it’s a symbol of India’s growing tech independence. With its clean design, privacy-first mindset, and powerful infrastructure, it’s gaining the trust of millions of Indians.
While it may take time to match WhatsApp’s global reach, Arattai’s growth story shows that users are ready to support an Indian-made alternative. The journey has just begun, but the momentum is real.
If you’re looking for a secure, simple, and proudly Indian chat app, Arattai is definitely worth trying.
Rakesh Kumar is the author of mhexport-maharashtra.in, where he writes well-researched articles on technology (mobile reviews) and automobiles (car and bike updates). He holds a B.A. (2020) and an M.A. from Lucknow University. With over 3 years of experience in content writing, Rakesh has been consistently delivering insightful and engaging content in the tech and automobile space.