Number of channels on MAX grows sixfold in a single month
Their combined audience has exceeded 28 million users, far surpassing expert forecasts.
Platform attracts a growing number of creators
Russia’s MAX messenger continues its rapid expansion. From the outset, developers set out to build more than just another chat and media-sharing app. Their ambition was to turn MAX into a full-scale information platform capable of competing with Telegram.
One of the key growth levers has been the launch of channels on MAX. Leading creators with large existing followings were given the opportunity to publish content on the new platform, encouraging audiences to follow them into the domestic messenger ecosystem.
According to the latest data, the number of channels on MAX has reached 87,700, a sixfold increase compared with just one month earlier. The total number of subscribers across these channels has surpassed 28 million users. These results significantly exceeded initial analyst expectations. Earlier projections suggested that by the end of the year the number of channels would range between 10,000 and 20,000.
First million-subscriber channel
In recent weeks, several high-profile channels have launched on the national messenger. Among them is “Ran’she vsekh. Nu pochti,” a channel whose audience on other platforms exceeds 1.9 million subscribers.
“Last week, the first channel to reach one million subscribers appeared on the national messenger – Kremlin.News,” VK’s press service reported. “The channel ‘The World Today with Yuri Podolyaka,’ which already has more than 632,000 subscribers, is also approaching the one-million mark.”
It is worth recalling that the first channels on MAX began appearing in July this year. During the initial testing phase, content publishing was limited to 600 authors across a wide range of subject areas.
Two months later, open testing of channels began. Participation is available to so-called “A+” bloggers, defined as those with more than 10,000 followers on at least one social network and registration in Roskomnadzor’s official registry, as well as to organisations connected to the Partner Platform.
Unique tools for growth
Beyond author verification, MAX offers promotional tools not available on other platforms. In particular, channels can integrate with bots and mini-apps, turning them into service-oriented environments rather than purely informational feeds.
The surge in channel popularity on MAX reflects a broader shift among Russian users toward domestic platforms. The messenger is actively drawing audiences away from foreign services due to a combination of factors. One of them is driven by external conditions. In several regions, mobile internet access is periodically restricted due to drone threats. Because MAX is included on the Ministry of Digital Development’s white list of approved services, it allows users to stay connected even under such constraints.
A viable alternative to foreign platforms
“People started looking for alternatives to internet-based calls after restrictions were introduced. MAX and VK Messenger became those alternatives. That’s why we expect continued growth,” said Alexander Shirokikh, editor-in-chief of New Media.
As a result, by mid-November the total user base of MAX exceeded 55 million accounts. In terms of growth dynamics, the Russian messenger is now confidently outpacing foreign platforms.
Another important factor behind MAX’s momentum is its focus on data security. Recently, so-called white-hat hackers were invited to test the app for vulnerabilities. They were given access to code equivalent to that used in the messenger and offered rewards for each potential exploit discovered. According to the company, the specialists were unable to identify any entry points that could be used for unauthorised access.
There is now little doubt that MAX’s active development will continue, contributing to the formation of technological sovereignty in Russia. At the same time, the platform’s rising popularity is likely to attract more advertisers and bloggers. If MAX’s growth model continues to prove successful, it could also develop export potential. Many countries seeking to reduce dependence on Western messaging platforms may be interested in adopting the Russian approach.
