Following the recent announcement of Telegram Premium earlier this month, the messaging app rolled out its paid feature for $4.99 a month. The premium version gives users access to extra features such as faster downloads and a bigger maximum file upload size of 4GB.
(Photo : Edward Smith/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: In this photo illustration, the messaging service Telegram app is seen on a mobile phone on January 11, 2021 in London, United Kingdom.
The premium subscribers will be able to join up to 1,000 channels, and they can now create 20 chat folders with 200 chats each. Moreover, premium users will be able to save up to 10 sticks, pin up to chats, and add four accounts to the app.
Premium users will be able to access a library of Premium stickers, exclusive emoji reactions, and animated profile photos. There will also be a text conversion for voice messages in case you don't have earphones in handy. The premium subscription will also eliminate the sponsored messages in public channels.
The premium version of the messaging app has been around since 2020.
Users Can Still Use the App for Free
Telegram users don't need to worry, though. The app is still available for free and will remain unchanged. Its new features for premium users will also not affect the Telegram experience for non-subscribers.
The CEO, Pavel Durov, also stated that the app will continue to develop features for free users. Its latest update now displays verified badges in chats, gives public groups the ability to join requests, and has platform-specific improvements.
On the other hand, Telegram Premium really is loaded with so many features that those who are most active on the app will find very useful and attractive. In fact, there are 700 million Telegram users today; and it's likely that a huge chunk of them will be switching to premium.
This is the first time that an instant messaging app with millions of users has rolled out a premium tier. In fact, its rivals WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Apple's Messages don't have a premium tier.
The move to premium is the app's response to user demand for additional storage.
Also Read: Telegram Founder Takes a Swipe on Apple's iOS Limitations! Here's What He Says
Telegram Gets Competitive
The messaging app is indeed, getting more competitive, with its new features. It is now taking a significant share from WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
Telegram's new premium subscription service is a means to remain competitive. It offers users more of what they want and allows them to pay for it if they want to. This in turn, maintains the interest of users in the app. And these users will continue to use the app and stay loyal to it.
We're still not sure if the premium subscription will drastically change the way users use the messaging app. However, the app's previous updates were enough to keep users interested. The paid version of the messaging app will surely be more enticing. Given the size and number of the Telegram community, it is really a brilliant move.
Related Article: Telegram Premium is Now Confirmed! Are Free Users Still Getting New Features?
This article is owned by TechTimes
Written by April Fowell
