Telegram is celebrating its 11th anniversary with a new set of features aimed at enhancing user interaction and supporting content creators. According to Telegram, the latest update includes Star Reactions, Star Subscriptions, and a new mode for Telegram Channels.
Star reaction
The new Star Reactions feature allows users to directly support their favorite channels and content creators by sending them Telegram Stars. Channel owners will receive 100% of the stars, which can be converted into Toncoin cryptocurrency rewards or secondary advertising. Each post with Star Reactions will display a leaderboard showing the top senders, with users having the option to opt out for privacy reasons.
Star Subscription
Telegram also launched Star Subscriptions, allowing content creators to create special invite links that users can use to join their channel in exchange for a monthly payment in Telegram Stars. This feature helps create dedicated channels for additional content, early access media, or VIP livestreams. To create a paid link, creators can go to their channel settings and enable the required monthly fee.
Paid Media for Bots
Channel owners can now monetize their efforts by posting paid photos and videos to their channels. This update extends paid posts to bots, including bot managers and those who run Telegram Business accounts. This opens up new avenues for automating channels and businesses, or building sustainable services like image generation and video upscaling.
Super Channel
Another important update is the introduction of Super Channels. This feature allows channel admins to post to their own profile or to other channels, making the channel look like a group. Admins can change who posts by tapping on their profile picture in the message bar. To use this feature, admins must turn on Sign Messages and Show Authors’ Profiles in the channel settings.
Document Viewer for iOS
For iOS users, Telegram has added a new document viewer that opens files like .pdf, .xls, or .docx in separate tabs within the Telegram browser. This makes it easier to switch between files and messages in chats.
Telegram has released 17 major updates since its previous birthday, introducing features like Stories, Stars, Quotes, Profile, Recommendations, Telegram Business, Sticker Maker, Giveaway Platform, Bookmarks, and Creator Rewards. These updates have played a key role in growing Telegram to nearly a billion users without a marketing budget.
This update is now available to all iOS users and those who downloaded Telegram for Android directly from the official site. The Google Play version is currently under review and will be available soon.
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