With these 5 best features, the Indian app Arattai became the number one app, leaving WhatsApp behind!

Indian Messaging App Gains Edge Over Global Rival With Five Standout Features

New Delhi, October 4, 2025: India’s digital communication space is witnessing rapid transformation, and a homegrown platform is making significant strides. Arattai, developed by Zoho Corporation, has emerged as one of the strongest alternatives to WhatsApp, thanks to a series of unique features that give it a competitive advantage.

Industry experts say the app’s design reflects the growing demand for privacy, productivity, and personalized experiences, areas where users often feel existing platforms fall short. Here are the five standout features that have propelled Arattai to the top of India’s app charts.

1. Messaging Without Sharing Mobile Numbers

One of the most appreciated features of Arattai is the ability to chat without revealing personal mobile numbers. Instead, users can simply create a unique username and begin conversations. This approach not only adds a layer of privacy but also gives professionals, communities, and casual users more control over their personal data. Along with this, the app enables quick sharing of photos, videos, documents, and live location, much like global competitors.

2. Built-In Meeting Rooms

For business users and group discussions, Arattai introduces a dedicated meeting feature within the app. Unlike WhatsApp, which only provides basic call links and limited scheduling options, Arattai’s meeting rooms are structured for collaboration. Whether it’s a virtual meeting with clients or a group study session, the feature adds versatility and positions the app as more than just a messaging tool.

3. Mentions for Group Chats

Finding important messages in busy group conversations can often be frustrating. Arattai addresses this with its Mentions tab, which clearly shows where a user has been tagged across multiple chats. This organized system helps people track essential updates without scrolling endlessly—a feature not currently available in WhatsApp’s interface.

4. Pockets for Secure Cloud Storage

Perhaps one of the most innovative additions is Pockets, a feature that allows users to save selected messages, media files, and notes directly into secure cloud storage. These saved items can be accessed from any device at any time, eliminating reliance on backups or losing key content when switching devices. In contrast, WhatsApp depends heavily on cloud backup solutions tied to Google Drive or iCloud, without providing a dedicated in-app storage system.

5. Story Notifications for Favorites

Arattai also brings personalization into the mix with story notifications. Users can turn on alerts for stories posted by chosen contacts, ensuring they never miss updates from close friends, colleagues, or family members. While WhatsApp lets people view status updates, it does not yet provide targeted notifications for selected accounts.

A New Digital Competitor

These five features—ranging from stronger privacy settings to advanced productivity tools—are making Arattai a favorite among Indian users seeking alternatives to WhatsApp. Market observers note that while WhatsApp remains dominant due to its massive user base, Arattai is carving its own niche by directly addressing gaps in the global giant’s platform.

With India’s digital population growing rapidly, homegrown apps like Arattai are finding momentum by aligning with local preferences while also competing at an international level. For many users, the app represents not just another messenger, but a symbol of India’s rising role in global tech innovation.