best social media replacement for telegram groups

There are several alternatives to Telegram groups that can serve similar purposes for communication and community building. Here are some of the best options:

**Discord**: Originally popular among gamers, Discord has evolved into a versatile platform for communities of all kinds. It allows for text, voice, and video communication, and you can create various channels for different topics.

**Slack**: While primarily a workplace communication tool, Slack can be used for community groups as well. It allows for organized discussions in channels and has many integrations with other tools.

**Signal**: If privacy is a primary concern, Signal offers encrypted messaging with group chat features. Although it may not have as many features as Telegram, it is highly secure.

**WhatsApp**: A widely used messaging app that supports group chats and allows sharing of media and files. It is user-friendly and available on multiple platforms.

**Facebook Groups**: If your community is already active on Facebook, using groups can be an easy way to facilitate discussions and share content. However, it may not be as private as other options.

**Mighty Networks**: This platform is designed for building community-based groups with features for courses, membership, and more. It's great for creators looking to build a dedicated audience.

**Reddit**: For more topic-focused discussions, creating a subreddit can enable extensive engagement around specific interests.

**GroupMe**: A simple group messaging app that is easy to use, supported on multiple devices, and allows for some basic organization features.

**Microsoft Teams**: Similar to Slack, it’s designed for collaboration within organizations but can also be used for community or social groups, especially if members are already using Microsoft products.

**Circle**: A platform focused on community building that offers discussion forums, chat, and membership options for creators.

When choosing a platform, consider the specific needs of your community, such as privacy, ease of use, and available features.

Update (2025-09-01):
If you're looking for alternatives to Telegram groups for social media and communication, there are several platforms you might consider, depending on your specific needs and preferences:

**Discord**: Originally popular among gamers, Discord has grown to be a versatile community platform. It offers text and voice channels, making it great for larger groups, and has various bots and customization options.

**Slack**: Primarily designed for workplace communication, Slack offers organized channels, direct messaging, and integrations with various productivity tools. It’s ideal for professional collaborations but can also be adapted for community use.

**WhatsApp**: While primarily known for peer-to-peer messaging, WhatsApp also supports group chats with up to 256 participants. It includes features like voice and video calls.

**Facebook Groups**: If your community is comfortable with Facebook, creating a private or public group can help facilitate discussions, events, and shared content. 

**Mastodon**: This decentralized social network can serve as an alternative to Telegram for communities that prefer a federated approach. Each server can have its own focus, allowing for varied topics and discussions.

**Signal**: For those who prioritize privacy, Signal offers encrypted group messaging and calls, similar to Telegram's security features.

**Reddit**: Although structured differently, Reddit offers subreddits that can serve as discussion forums for various topics. Users can post, comment, and vote on content, fostering community engagement.

**GroupMe**: Owned by Microsoft, GroupMe is an easy-to-use group messaging app that allows users to create group chats, share images, and coordinate events.

**Matrix**: An open-source protocol for decentralized communication, Matrix allows for secure and private messaging. Clients like Element provide a user-friendly interface.

**Clubhouse**: If your community prefers audio discussions, Clubhouse allows users to join voice chat rooms and participate in discussions similar to a radio show format.

Choosing the best alternative depends on your community's specific needs regarding privacy, functionality, and user experience.