The messaging space is heating up. Telegram founder Pavel Durov just fired a bold shot on his own Telegram channel, claiming his platform is well ahead of WhatsApp in multiple areas.

To support his claim, he pointed to several features that Telegram launched first - only to be copied by WhatsApp later. However, Durov acknowledged one key weakness: Telegram hasn't done enough to promote its unique strengths.

To fix that, he's launching a $50,000 ad contest calling for creators to produce impactful videos highlighting what sets Telegram apart.

Beyond the feature race, this move proves one thing: success in messaging isn't just about innovation - it's about mastering the art of perception.

In today's messaging wars, the story you tell is as important as the features you build.