Signal Monthly Active Users 2026: How Many People Use Signal?

Signal has become one of the world’s leading privacy-focused messaging apps, trusted by millions of users for its end-to-end encryption [PQXDH (Post-Quantum Extended Triple Diffie-Hellman)] and commitment to secure communication. Although it has a smaller user base than messaging giants like WhatsApp and Telegram, Signal continues to attract people who prioritize privacy over advertising-driven platforms.

If you’re wondering how many people use Signal, this guide covers the latest Signal monthly active users in 2026, app downloads, user demographics, growth trends, and other key statistics. Whether you’re researching the Signal app user base in 2026 or looking for the latest usage data, you’ll find all the essential insights in one place.

Signal User Statistics (2026) at a Glance

Statistic	Latest Data
Monthly Active Users	70-100 million (estimated)
Lifetime App Downloads	193.8+ million
Downloads in 2025	14.9 million
Launch Year	2014
Full-Time Employees	Around 50
Estimated Operating Costs	$50 million
Privacy	End-to-end encryption by default

How Many Monthly Active Users Does Signal Have in 2026?

As of early 2026, Signal is estimated to have between 70 million and 100 million monthly active users (MAUs) worldwide. Although Signal has a smaller audience than messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, it has built a loyal global user base by prioritizing privacy, security, and end-to-end encryption.

The latest estimates suggest that the Signal app’s monthly active users in 2026 have remained stable, reflecting consistent engagement from users who value secure communication over advertising-driven platforms. While Signal does not regularly publish official user figures, industry reports indicate that its user base continues to grow steadily as more individuals and organizations seek privacy-focused messaging solutions.

Compared with other messaging apps, Signal’s number of users is relatively modest. However, its reputation for strong encryption, transparent development, and minimal data collection has helped it become one of the most trusted messaging apps available today.

How Many Times Has Signal Been Downloaded?

Signal has been downloaded more than 193.8 million times worldwide across the App Store and Google Play since its launch. The app continues to attract new users each year, reflecting growing demand for secure and privacy-focused messaging platforms.

In the first half of 2025 alone (through June 10), Signal recorded approximately 14.9 million downloads globally, demonstrating continued interest despite strong competition from larger messaging apps.

Signal App Downloads by Year (2019-2026)

Year	App Downloads
2019	8.3 million
2020	13.4 million
2021	65.7 million
2022	27.4 million
2023	25.8 million
2024	27.3 million
2025*	14.9 million

Who Uses Signal? User Demographics

Signal’s iOS audience is primarily made up of younger users, with the largest share falling within the 18–24 age group.

According to Appfigures, the platform also has a predominantly male user base, providing insight into the demographics of people who actively use the Signal app.

Why Are More People Using Signal?

Signal continues to gain users because it prioritizes privacy and security without relying on advertising or extensive data collection. Several factors have contributed to its steady growth:

• End-to-end encryption is enabled by default.
• The platform collects minimal user data.
• Signal is open source, allowing its security protocols to be independently reviewed.
• It is operated by a nonprofit organization rather than an advertising-driven company.
• Growing concerns about online privacy have encouraged more people to switch to secure messaging apps like Signal.

Also read: 12 Best SEO Tools for 2026: AI-Powered Platforms for Rankings and Generative Search

Signal vs WhatsApp: User Base Comparison

Platform	Estimated Monthly Active Users
WhatsApp	3+ billion
Signal	70-100 million

While WhatsApp has a significantly larger global user base, Signal continues to attract privacy-conscious users through its end-to-end encryption, minimal data collection, and nonprofit operating model.

Its focus on secure communication has helped it build a loyal and engaged user base despite competing with much larger messaging platforms.

Signal iOS User Age Breakdown

Age Group	Percentage of Users
18–24	36.1%
25–34	19.8%
35–49	21.7%
50–64	21.7%
65+	0.7%

Signal’s Operating Costs

In 2025, Signal’s operating costs are estimated at $50 million, a significant increase from $14 million in 2023. This rise reflects both growing infrastructure demands and the organization’s continued commitment to user privacy, security, and app performance.

How Many Employees Does Signal Have?

Signal operates with a relatively small team of approximately 50 full-time employees. Despite its lean workforce, the organization supports millions of users worldwide while maintaining one of the industry’s most trusted encrypted messaging platforms.

Its nonprofit structure allows the team to focus on user privacy and product development rather than advertising revenue.

Why Is Signal Considered One of the Most Secure Messaging Apps?

Signal is widely recognized for its strong commitment to user privacy. Every message and call is protected with end-to-end encryption by default, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can access the content.

Unlike many other messaging platforms, Signal collects minimal user data and does not rely on advertising to generate revenue. Its open-source technology and transparent approach to security have earned the trust of privacy-conscious individuals, journalists, businesses, and organizations around the world.

What Businesses Can Learn From Signal’s Growth

Signal’s growth demonstrates that building user trust and delivering a great product are only part of long-term success. Reaching the right audience also requires a strong digital strategy, consistent visibility, and data-driven marketing.

Whether you’re launching a mobile app, SaaS platform, or growing an established business, Engage Coders helps you increase online visibility through SEO, content marketing, PPC, app marketing, and performance-focused digital strategies. Businesses looking for expert digital growth support can also explore our digital marketing agency in Atlanta to learn how we help brands achieve measurable results.

Ready to grow your business? Let’s connect and build a strategy tailored to your goals.

FAQs