Manus AI Agents Launch on Telegram First, Defying Meta’s WhatsApp Dominance

Manus, the Singapore-based AI startup recently acquired by Meta, has launched its flagship 'Agents' mode on Telegram—surprising industry observers by bypassing WhatsApp, Meta’s own messaging platform. The move, confirmed by Manus’s official website and reported by The Decoder, marks a deliberate strategic decision to prioritize open ecosystems over corporate silos, even as the company integrates into Meta’s broader AI infrastructure.

According to Manus.im, the new Agents mode enables users to deploy autonomous AI agents capable of executing complex, multi-step tasks directly within chat interfaces. These agents can build websites, generate presentations, conduct wide-ranging research, and even automate email workflows—all without continuous human input. Unlike traditional chatbots that respond to prompts, Manus Agents act as independent digital assistants, capable of navigating websites, pulling data from APIs, and completing end-to-end tasks with minimal guidance.

While Meta owns WhatsApp and has been aggressively integrating AI features into its messaging apps, Manus chose Telegram as the debut platform. This decision is not merely technical but symbolic. Telegram, known for its privacy-first stance and open API, has become a haven for developers and early adopters of AI-powered tools. By launching first on Telegram, Manus signals its commitment to platform neutrality and user choice, even as it operates under Meta’s corporate umbrella. According to Business Insider, Manus was founded by a Chinese team under the name Monica and gained prominence for its "general" AI agent architecture, which emphasizes action over conversation.

Neowin reports that users can now create and connect their Manus Agents via the Agents tab in the Manus workspace, using QR code authentication. While Meta has announced plans to embed Manus Agents into its ecosystem—including WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram—the initial rollout prioritizes Telegram. This suggests a phased integration strategy, where Manus leverages external platforms to demonstrate real-world utility before deepening integration within Meta’s walled gardens.

Industry analysts view this as a calculated play. Launching on Telegram allows Manus to gather user feedback from a technically sophisticated audience, refine its agent performance, and build a loyal user base outside Meta’s influence. It also positions Manus as an innovator rather than a corporate appendage. The move may pressure other AI developers to consider platform independence, especially as Big Tech increasingly absorbs promising startups.

Manus’s web app, browser operator, and Slack integration remain fully functional, and the company continues to offer API access through open.manus.ai. Its pricing model includes free and team tiers, with enterprise solutions under development. The Trust Center and Docs pages emphasize data security and user control—critical for a tool that performs actions on behalf of users across the internet.

As Meta accelerates its AI ambitions, the tension between corporate ownership and open innovation becomes more visible. Manus’s Telegram debut is more than a product launch—it’s a statement. In a landscape where AI agents could soon manage everything from scheduling to stock trading, the choice of platform may determine whether users trust their digital assistants to be loyal to them—or to their corporate parent.