Initial Broadcasters Reaching a Hundred Thousand Audience Members:
In the digital landscape of modern Russia, a new contender has emerged: Max, a homegrown messaging app developed by VK (formerly Mail.ru Group). As of mid-August 2025, Max has reached an impressive milestone of 1 million registered users, primarily from major Russian cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and Krasnodar[1].
Max, previously known as Mash, is poised to cater to both corporate and private communication needs. It offers standard messaging features such as text, file exchange, group chats, and voice calls. To enhance voice communication quality, Max has integrated NoLACE technology, which restores missing speech fragments to maintain stable audio even with unstable internet connections[1].
The app is currently in a channel testing phase, starting from July 2025, indicating ongoing platform development[1]. Russian officials see Max as a potential national messenger supporting Russia's digital sovereignty goals[1]. However, some reports characterize the app in a political context as a potential tool for increased government control[3].
Max's platform is already host to over 100 channels, including popular ones like "Today's World with Yuri Podolyaka," which boasts a hundred-thousand audience, with 130 thousand users[2]. Another notable channel is "Solovyov," with 107 thousand users[2].
The app's future plans likely involve expanding user engagement through new features such as channels and potentially broader integration within Russian corporate and governmental communication ecosystems, although detailed official roadmaps beyond channel testing are not publicly disclosed[1][3].
One such feature in the pipeline is the ability for Max users to transfer money through SBP. Additionally, a pilot project to integrate the "Service 112" into Mash was launched in St. Petersburg[4].
Despite not being pre-installed on any smartphones or tablets, the app has gained significant traction, with almost two-thirds of Russians supporting the creation of a national messenger[5]. As Max continues to grow and evolve, it remains to be seen how it will shape Russia's digital communications landscape.
References: 1. Article 1 2. Article 2 3. Article 3 4. Article 4 5. Article 5
Max's integration of NoLACE technology in voice calls demonstrates its commitment to improving technology within the digital landscape. With the increase in social-media channels like "Today's World with Yuri Podolyaka" and "Solovyov," Max serves as a platform for both entertainment and information exchange, catering to a diverse range of gadget users in Russia.
