Russian users began looking for an alternative to WhatsApp* and Telegram amid restrictions on calls and video communication in these messengers within the Russian Federation. Preference is being given to the American messenger imo from Pagebites.
In December 2024, imo had only 417.4 thousand active users; by July 2025, that number had fallen to 333.8 thousand. But by the end of 2025, their number had increased 29-fold, to 9.82 million. The user growth trend began in August, after audio and video calls in WhatsApp* and Telegram were blocked in the Russian Federation.
The platform's popularity is understandable, as it operates without restrictions. Although this may be a temporary phenomenon. In 2017, the service was already added to the list of banned ones, but the block was lifted after the necessary data was provided to Roskomnadzor.
The operator "Sbermobayl" has already included imo in its list of unlimited services. "VTB Mobile" also took note of the public's love for the American service and will stop charging for its traffic starting February 9, 2026.
Imo can confidently be called one of the oldest platforms — in 2025 it celebrated its 18th anniversary. In the form familiar to today's users, the service has operated since 2007, but in fact an application with that name appeared two years earlier.
At launch, imo was a web aggregator for bringing together contacts from Skype, MSN, and Google Talk in one window. Later, the platform turned into a full-fledged messenger.
* WhatsApp is owned by Meta, recognized as an extremist organization in Russia.