Telegram, the popular instant messaging platform boasting over 950 million monthly active users, has released a new update packed with several exciting features aimed at enhancing the user experience and providing more support for content creators. From Star reactions and subscriptions to Super Channels - there are lots of new features to check out.
As always, to get the new additions, update the Telegram app to the latest available version via your app store.
Star Reactions
One of the standout features in this update is "Star Reactions," which enables users to show their appreciation for their favourite channels by sending Telegram Stars. These stars directly benefit channel owners, who will receive the full value of the stars.
The stars can be exchanged for Toncoin cryptocurrency or used to fund advertisements on the platform. Additionally, channels that receive Star Reactions will display a leaderboard highlighting top contributors. However, users who wish to remain anonymous can opt out of appearing on the leaderboard.
Channel administrators can activate Star Reactions by accessing the settings: Channel Settings > Reactions > Enable Paid Reactions.
Star Subscriptions
Telegram has also introduced "Star Subscriptions," a feature that allows content creators to monetise their channels by offering exclusive content to users who subscribe via Telegram Stars.
These special invite links grant access to premium content, including early access to media, VIP livestreams, and more. This subscription model provides creators with a straightforward way to generate income from their content.
Channel owners can create these subscription links by navigating to Channel Settings > Channel Type > Manage Invite Links > Create a New Link and enabling the "Require Monthly Fee" option.
Paid Media For Bots
In another effort to support content creators, Telegram now allows the posting of paid photos and videos by bots, including those managing Telegram Business accounts.
This addition offers new possibilities for automated content sharing and business operations, allowing creators to develop sustainable services like image generation and video upscaling.
Creator-Friendly Monetisation
Telegram is reinforcing its commitment to creators by minimising the commission fees for those who earn rewards in Toncoin through Telegram Stars. Additionally, creators who choose to reinvest their earnings into Telegram ads will benefit from a 30 per cent discount on advertising costs, giving them a valuable boost in expanding their audience.
Super Channels
The update also brings "Super Channels," a new feature that allows channel administrators to post under different identities, either as their profiles or other channels.
This capability transforms traditional channels into more interactive and dynamic spaces, similar to group chats. Administrators can switch their posting identity with ease by tapping their profile picture in the message bar.
To enable Super Channels, admins should go to Channel Settings > Administrators and activate "Sign Messages" and "Show Authors' Profiles."
Enhanced Document Viewer For iOS
Finally, iOS users will enjoy an improved document viewer that now supports opening documents such as .pdf, .xls, or .docx files in separate tabs within the Telegram browser. This enhancement simplifies the process of switching between files and messages, making multitasking more efficient.