Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov's arrest in France is causing waves in the app's performance and visibility in the market. The founder was detained for allegedly allowing illegal activities on the platform, leading to concerns about content moderation.
Despite these issues, Telegram is experiencing a surge in downloads, reaching the No. 2 spot on the U.S. App Store's Social Networking charts and boosting global iOS downloads by 4%. The app's rise in rankings was not immediate, likely due to delayed reporting and news coverage.
App intelligence firm Appfigures noted that Telegram's climb to No. 2 in the U.S. Social Networking charts occurred on Monday at 3 AM EST, indicating a delayed but significant impact. However, the app has since dropped to No. 3 in the U.S. Social category.
In France, where Durov was arrested, Telegram quickly rose to the top spot in the Social Networking category and became the No. 3 overall top app. The app also saw a significant increase in rankings in the U.S., moving from No. 18 to No. 8 in the top apps chart.
Apple's App Store rankings consider various metrics like download velocity and install numbers. Despite the controversy surrounding Durov's arrest, users are downloading Telegram out of curiosity or in support of the app's principles of free speech, leading to its rise in rankings.
Market intelligence firm Sensor Tower reported a 4% increase in Telegram's global iOS downloads day-over-day since Sunday, indicating continued interest in the app. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that Durov's arrest was part of a judicial investigation and not a political decision.
Analysis:
The arrest of Telegram's founder has sparked renewed interest in the app, leading to a surge in downloads and improved rankings. Despite the controversy, users are flocking to Telegram, possibly out of curiosity or to show support for free speech principles. This trend highlights the impact of external events on app performance and user behavior, showcasing the importance of staying informed and adapting to market changes in the digital landscape.