Indian Messaging App Faces Tough Competition as User Interest Drops Sharply
Once hailed as a promising Indian alternative to WhatsApp, Zoho’s messaging app Arattai has recently seen a steep fall in its popularity rankings. After briefly capturing the top position on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in October, the app is now struggling to maintain user engagement and visibility.
According to the latest data available as of November 4, Arattai has slipped to 105th position on Google Play Store and 123rd on the Apple App Store. This sharp decline within just a few weeks highlights the intense competition in the instant messaging market and the challenges faced by new entrants in sustaining user interest beyond the initial hype.
From Number One to Out of Top 100
Reports from Moneycontrol indicate that Arattai’s downfall began shortly after reaching its peak mid-October. The app, which once ranked number one in India across both major platforms, has now fallen out of the country’s top 100 apps list.
In the overall ranking that combines both apps and games, Arattai stands at 128th position on the App Store and 150th on Google Play. The figures underscore how rapidly user demand can fluctuate in the digital app ecosystem, where novelty often fades quickly.
What Makes Arattai Unique
The word “Arattai” means “chit-chat” in Tamil, reflecting the app’s focus on everyday communication. Designed as an all-in-one Indian messaging solution, Arattai allows users to send text messages, photos, videos, and documents. It also supports voice and video calls, aiming to provide a smooth communication experience comparable to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal.
Arattai’s features also include stories and channels, meant to make both personal and business conversations easier. Despite these offerings, the app has struggled to retain its user base, indicating that functionality alone may not be enough to ensure long-term engagement in an already crowded messaging market.
About Zoho Corporation
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Chennai, Zoho Corporation is a globally recognized software company that develops a wide range of business applications. Its portfolio includes tools for email, CRM, HR, accounting, and project management, among others.
According to the company’s official website, Zoho now serves over 130 million users in 150 countries. Some of its high-profile clients include Amazon, Netflix, Deloitte, Puma, Toyota, and Sony. The company’s founder, Sridhar Vembu, is known for his vision of building world-class software from rural India and for encouraging homegrown tech innovation.
The Challenge Ahead
Arattai’s initial success was driven by the appeal of supporting an Indian-made alternative to global messaging giants. However, sustaining that momentum has proven difficult. Experts believe that for Arattai to reclaim its earlier success, it must focus on improving user retention, introducing innovative features, and building a strong community-driven ecosystem.
While the app’s sudden drop in rankings may seem discouraging, Zoho’s established reputation and long-term commitment to innovation could still help Arattai make a comeback in the Indian messaging landscape.
