Telegram suits communities that run on messages and announcements, with groups of up to 200,000 members, channels for broadcasting and big file sharing. Discord suits communities that hang out together, with voice, video and text rooms people drop in and out of. If you mostly post updates, pick Telegram; if your members like to talk live, pick Discord.
Both apps host huge communities, but they started in very different places. Telegram began as a fast, cloud-based messenger. Discord began, in its own words, to solve how to talk with friends while gaming. I read Telegram's FAQ and Discord's home and company pages for this.
Telegram and Discord compared
| Telegram | Discord | |
|---|---|---|
| Started as | A cloud-based messenger | Voice chat for gamers |
| Group size | Groups of up to 200,000 members | Not stated on the pages I read |
| Broadcasting | Channels | Not covered on the pages I read |
| Voice and video | Voice, video and group calls | Drop-in voice, video and text chats, plus streaming |
| Files | Up to 2 GB each | Not stated on the pages I read |
| Encryption | Server-client, plus end-to-end in Secret Chats | Not covered on the pages I read |
How Telegram handles big audiences
Telegram's FAQ describes a cloud-based messenger that syncs everything, so you can use it on several devices at once. You can share unlimited photos, videos and files of up to 2 GB each, and Telegram says it needs less than 100 MB on your device because your media sits in the cloud.
Its groups can hold up to 200,000 members, with edits and deletions that update for everyone, instant search, replies and mentions. Channels let you broadcast to an audience, and bots and mini apps add tools inside chats. Telegram also says its API and source code are open for anyone to check.
How Discord brings people together
Discord's home page sells it as group chat that's all fun and games, for playing games, chilling with friends or building a worldwide community. You set up your own space, and members hop in and out of voice or text chats without having to call anyone.
Discord adds personality with custom emoji, stickers and soundboard effects, plus high quality, low latency streaming for watching or playing together. Its company page says it was built around voice, video and text, and that its founders released the first version back in 2015 after struggling to talk to each other while playing games online.
Cloud Chats versus Secret Chats
Telegram's FAQ is open about how its encryption works. Ordinary Cloud Chats, including groups, use server-client encryption. Only Secret Chats add client-client encryption, which is end-to-end, and Telegram says those chats can only be read on the devices they started on. So if privacy is your reason for choosing Telegram, start a Secret Chat for anything sensitive.
Telegram is also open about two-step verification and passkeys in its FAQ, which are worth switching on if you run a large group, because an admin account is a tempting target.
Discord is a different kind of space. It's designed for community rooms rather than private messaging, so think of it as a clubhouse, not a diary.
Which communities fit each app
Telegram suits creators and businesses who broadcast updates, run big discussion groups or share large files. Discord suits gaming groups, hobby communities, course members and creators whose people enjoy chatting live in voice rooms. If Telegram is your choice, here's how to use Telegram for marketing your business, and for either app, my guide to building an online community from scratch.
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My advice on Telegram or Discord
Picture a normal week in your community. If it's you posting and members reacting, Telegram's channels and big groups make that easy. If it's members talking to each other, especially by voice, Discord gives them a place to hang out. Ask your five most active members which app they already have on their phone, then go where they are. Moving a community later is hard work, so it's worth getting this right at the start.
Do you make community or messaging apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place in comparisons like this one.
Frequently asked questions
How big can a Telegram group be?
Telegram's FAQ says groups can have up to 200,000 members each.
Is Telegram end-to-end encrypted?
Only Secret Chats. Telegram says Cloud Chats use server-client encryption, and Secret Chats add client-client encryption.
What was Discord made for?
Discord says it was built to solve how to talk with friends while gaming together, and now hosts all kinds of communities.
Can I share big files on Telegram?
Yes. Telegram says you can share photos, videos and files of up to 2 GB each.
Does Discord work in a browser?
Yes. Discord's home page offers a Windows download or the option to open Discord in your browser.
