What Happened to Sarahah?
If you're here, you probably remember Sarahah — the anonymous messaging app that became the #1 downloaded app worldwide in 2017. Here's the full story, directly from the founder, and what we are up to today.
💡 Short answer
In 2018, Apple and Google removed Sarahah from their app stores. The reason initially cited was a petition — one that turned out to be falsified. The service was discontinued. The website sarahah.com has now relaunched as the Sarahah Quiz, and the founder continues to share entrepreneurial lessons and build new projects.
The Rise of Sarahah
Sarahah started in 2016 as a simple idea: a digital suggestion box where people could receive honest, anonymous feedback. The founder, Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq, built the first version as a side project while working a full-time job in Saudi Arabia.
The app initially targeted the Arabic-speaking market and grew organically. Around mid-2017, it had gone viral globally — reaching #1 on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. At its peak, Sarahah had over 300 million registered users.
Why Sarahah Was Removed
In 2018, Apple and Google decided to remove Sarahah from their app stores. The reason initially shared with the founder was a petition — which turned out to be falsified. The service was later discontinued.
Is Sarahah Still Available?
The original Sarahah app and anonymous messaging service are no longer available. However, sarahah.com has been reborn to offer a new experience (read about the new Sarahah below).
Important: Any other websites claiming to be "Sarahah" (such as sarhne.com or sarahah.pro) are not affiliated with the original Sarahah or its founder. These are impersonating websites that have no connection to the real Sarahah. The only official website is sarahah.com.
Enter the New Sarahah: The Friendship Quiz
We've recently launched a completely new experience: the Sarahah Quiz. Instead of the open-ended anonymous messages from the past, the new Sarahah is a fun, structured way to see who among your friends knows you best. You answer questions about yourself, share your unique link, and let your friends take the quiz!
Ready to test your friends? Create your Sarahah Quiz now.
Who Created Sarahah?
Sarahah was created by Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq, a Saudi entrepreneur. He built the first version as a solo developer. The full story of how Sarahah was born is shared in our lessons section.
Lessons Learned
The Sarahah journey — from a side project to a global phenomenon and its eventual end — carries invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs and builders. The founder has documented these lessons in detail:
- The Golden Lesson Before Sarahah
- Saleh & The Birth of Sarahah
- The MVP Thing
- Should I Quit My Job?
- View all lessons →
What Came Next
After Sarahah, the founder continued building. You can find his latest creations on our Projects page.
His focus is Wallble — a platform for creating collaborative memory walls. Whether it's a farewell for a colleague, a graduation celebration, or a wedding wishes wall, Wallble lets everyone contribute messages, drawings, photos, and voice notes to create a meaningful keepsake.
The Founder's Next Project
Wallble — a memory wall for moments that matter. Create a wall, share a link, and let everyone leave their message.
Try Wallble Free →