Arattai Challenges WhatsApp with New Sticker Creation Tool and Chat Backup Feature

Zoho Corporation’s messaging platform Arattai is stepping up competition with WhatsApp by introducing innovative features like image-to-sticker conversion and secure chat backups.

Arattai Introduces Image-to-Sticker Feature

Arattai has rolled out a new feature that allows users to create custom stickers directly from images. This update aims to enhance user creativity and bring a more personalized messaging experience to the platform.

With this feature, users can simply capture a photo using their smartphone camera or select an existing image from their gallery. The app then provides an option to convert that image into a sticker instantly. Once created, the sticker is saved within the app and can be easily accessed and shared in chats.

This addition aligns with current messaging trends, where stickers have become a popular way to express emotions, reactions, and humor in conversations.

Second Major Update in Recent Days

The sticker feature comes shortly after another significant update introduced by Arattai. On March 21, the platform launched a chat backup feature, marking an important step in improving data security and user convenience.

This feature allows users to back up their chats securely and restore them whenever needed. It ensures that conversations are not lost when users switch devices or reinstall the app.

Secure Chat Backup with Cloud Integration

Arattai’s chat backup system supports cloud storage integration, offering flexibility across devices. Users on Android can back up their chats to Google Drive, while iOS users can use iCloud for the same purpose.

Importantly, these backups are protected with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that user data remains secure even when stored in the cloud. This approach addresses one of the key concerns among users regarding privacy and data protection.

Growing Popularity with Government Support

Arattai gained widespread attention after receiving public support from prominent Indian leaders, including Ashwini Vaishnaw and Dharmendra Pradhan. Their endorsement positioned Arattai as a strong “swadeshi” alternative to global messaging platforms.

Following this support, the app witnessed a massive surge in user activity, with traffic reportedly increasing by 100 times within just three days. This rapid growth highlighted the potential demand for homegrown digital solutions in India.

Unique Features That Set Arattai Apart

Arattai distinguishes itself from competitors by offering several unique features that were not initially available on WhatsApp. These include:

• Username-based chatting: Users can communicate without sharing their phone numbers, enhancing privacy.

• Cloud-based storage: A dedicated space to save and organize messages, media, and notes across devices.

• Meetings tab: A built-in feature for scheduling and conducting video meetings.

These features aim to create a more versatile communication platform that goes beyond traditional messaging.

Feature Gaps Compared to WhatsApp

Despite its innovations, Arattai still lacks some functionalities that users have come to expect from established platforms like WhatsApp. These include:

• Integrated payment services
• Event creation and management tools
• Disappearing messages
• Advanced chat security options

Bridging these gaps will be crucial for Arattai as it continues to compete in a highly competitive messaging app market.

End-to-End Encryption Rollout

One of the major challenges faced by Arattai during its initial growth phase was the absence of end-to-end encryption. As privacy concerns grew, this became a critical factor influencing user adoption.

In response, the platform introduced end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for individual chats in November. This ensures that messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and can only be decrypted by the recipient.

The encryption also extends to chat backups, providing an additional layer of security for stored data.

Decline in App Rankings After Initial Surge

Despite its early success, Arattai struggled to maintain its momentum. After a strong rise fueled by government backing, the app eventually dropped out of the top 100 rankings on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store by November 2025.

This decline reflects the challenges faced by new platforms in sustaining user engagement and competing with well-established global players.

Zoho’s Long-Term Vision for Arattai

Addressing concerns about the drop in rankings, Sridhar Vembu emphasized that such fluctuations are a normal part of product development. He stated that the company is focused on building a robust and sustainable platform rather than chasing short-term popularity.

This approach suggests that Zoho is investing in long-term innovation and stability, aiming to gradually strengthen Arattai’s position in the market.

Can Arattai Compete with WhatsApp?

Arattai’s latest updates indicate a clear effort to close the gap with WhatsApp. Features like custom sticker creation and secure chat backups enhance the overall user experience and address key user needs.

However, to truly compete with WhatsApp, Arattai will need to expand its feature set, improve scalability, and maintain consistent user engagement.

The platform’s success will depend on its ability to innovate while also meeting the expectations of modern messaging app users.

Conclusion

Arattai’s recent updates highlight its commitment to evolving as a competitive messaging platform. By introducing features like image-to-sticker conversion and encrypted chat backups, the app is taking meaningful steps toward improving user experience and security.

While challenges remain, especially in terms of feature parity and user retention, Arattai’s focus on innovation and long-term growth could help it carve out a niche in the messaging app ecosystem.