<metaproperty="og:description"content="We launched Telegram on August 14, 2013 – and immediately set to work on the next update. That's how it's been ever since. This page lists all major Telegram updates in chronological order.">
<ahref="/file/464001768/2/_TmSzQuqdKo.136257/515661e092c7f26dcc"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001013/1/tozk68ORZEA.49384/5285a81eaa411c723d"srcset="/file/464001768/2/_TmSzQuqdKo.136257/515661e092c7f26dcc, 1200w"title="Telegram is descended from a hairy, tailed quadruped, probably arboreal in its habits."alt="Evolution of Messaging"/></a>
</div>
<p>On this page, we've compiled a <ahref="#a-not-so-brief-history-of-telegram"><strong>Brief History of Telegram</strong></a>. It ended up rather on the 'humongous' side of 'brief'– but that's what you get for never, ever, ever updating the app with a description like <em>'contains bug fixes and minor improvements'</em>.</p>
<h2><aclass="anchor"name="a-not-so-brief-history-of-telegram"href="#a-not-so-brief-history-of-telegram"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>A (Not So) Brief History of Telegram</h2>
<p>For some reason, we started writing this backwards – from the latest update to the primordial summer of <strong>2013</strong>. And then it was too late to change the order because the guy who compiled the post said he would go on a hunger strike if we tried.</p>
<p>So if you're a fan of chronology, please <ahref="#august-14-2013">jump to the end</a> and scroll up from there. This page gets <strong>updated</strong> each time a new post hits the <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog">Telegram blog</a>.</p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/ultimate-privacy-topics-2-0">No-SIM Signup, Auto-Delete All Chats, Topics 2.0 and More</a></strong></p>
<p>Anonymous Numbers arrived on <ahref="https://fragment.com">Fragment</a>– allowing any Telegram user to <strong>sign up without a SIM card</strong> or change the number of their current account to something anonymous.</p>
<p>A new setting in <em>Privacy and Security</em> gave users the option to set messages to <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#february-2021">self-destruct</a> in <strong>all new chats</strong>, or quickly enable auto-delete for any of their <strong>existing chats</strong>.</p>
<p>Telegram's moderators have stopped millions of scammers with the help of <strong>advanced algorithms</strong> and years of experience. This update made those same tools available in <strong>large groups</strong>– admins can enable <em>Aggressive Anti-Spam</em> to unleash the full power of Telegram's anti-spam tools in their chat.</p>
<p>Support for <strong>temporary QR codes</strong> was added to the QR Code page in <em>Settings</em>. Users <strong>without a username</strong> who also hide their phone number <strong>from everyone</strong> can generate temporary codes that can only be scanned for <strong>5 minutes</strong>– letting others add them as a contact.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/ultimate-privacy-topics-2-0"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001668/fd89/UBuBIo3AwaM.254718/99f5aa87b728abadf1"title="In December, we asked the mirror on the wall, who was the furriest of them all."alt="No-SIM Signup, Auto-Delete All Chats, Topics 2.0 and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001668/fd89/UBuBIo3AwaM.254718/99f5aa87b728abadf1 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since December 6, 2022:</strong></p>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/ultimate-privacy-topics-2-0#detailed-storage-usage-and-more-on-android">Detailed Storage Usage</a></strong> (on iOS since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#december-2015">December 2015</a>)</li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/ultimate-privacy-topics-2-0#detailed-storage-usage-and-more-on-android">Live Location in Third-Party Maps</a></strong> (on iOS since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#october-2017">October 2017</a>)</li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/ultimate-privacy-topics-2-0#emoji-search-on-ios">Emoji Search</a></strong> (on Android since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#march-2019">March 2019</a>)</li>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/topics-in-groups-collectible-usernames">Topics in Groups, Collectible Usernames, Voice-to-Text for Video Messages and More</a></strong></p>
<p>Classic internet forums were reborn in large groups, allowing communities to <strong>organize discussions into topics</strong>– each with its own <strong>chat history</strong>, <strong>shared media</strong> and <strong>notification settings</strong>.</p>
<p>Users got the option to securely exchange Telegram domains in the form of <strong>collectible usernames</strong> on a <ahref="https://www.fragment.com">new platform</a> powered by the TON blockchain. In addition to a <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#october-2014">basic username</a>, any user profile, public group or public channel can have <strong>multiple collectible usernames</strong> that link to it from search results, @mentions or their unique <code>t.me</code> links.</p>
<p>Voice-to-Text was also added for <strong>video messages</strong>, giving Premium users convenient captions when needed.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/topics-in-groups-collectible-usernames"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001245/11728/VDo2rwNfZ8Y.264840/cbc986292284a428e2"title="In October 2022, internet forums were back."alt="Topics in Groups, Collectible Usernames, Voice-to-Text for Video Messages and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001245/11728/VDo2rwNfZ8Y.264840/cbc986292284a428e2 , 2x"/></a>
<li><imgclass="icon"src="/file/464001986/11e90/OcmtMKhW_l8.1793/8c1c37d18dc5a0cabe"alt="Premium"><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/topics-in-groups-collectible-usernames#voice-to-text-for-video-messages">Voice-to-Text for Video Messages</a></strong></li>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/infinite-reactions-statuses">Infinite Reactions, Emoji Statuses and Much More</a></strong></p>
<p>Reactions were expanded in this update, adding a new menu with <strong>dozens of emoji</strong> to choose from. Premium users gained the ability add <strong>up to 3</strong> reactions on a message and use <strong>any custom emoji</strong>, giving them infinite options.</p>
<p>Premium users also unlocked <strong>emoji statuses</strong>– placing <strong>any emoji</strong> next to their name to let others know that they're working, traveling, sleeping and more.</p>
<p>A new format for username links was added, giving anyone the option to share a link to their <strong>public profile</strong>, <strong>group</strong> or <strong>channel</strong> with <ahref="username.t.me">username.t.me</a>, in addition to <ahref="t.me/username">t.me/username</a>.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/infinite-reactions-statuses"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001851/10bd6/sDwj4p_0m-0.293264/66eebb00fd46acb1ce"title="In September 2022, the emoji revolution reached new highs."alt="Infinite Reactions, Emoji Statuses and Much More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001851/10bd6/sDwj4p_0m-0.293264/66eebb00fd46acb1ce , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since September 16, 2022:</strong></p>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/infinite-reactions-statuses#prioritize-downloads-on-android">Prioritize Downloads</a></strong> (on iOS since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#march-2022">March 2022</a>)</li>
<p>The <strong>Telegram Emoji Platform</strong> was introduced, allowing <strong>animated emoji</strong> that move in messages and captions. Any users can create <strong>custom emoji packs</strong> for Telegram Premium users.</p>
<p>Premium users received a new privacy setting to restrict voice and video messages, as well as the ability to give <strong>Telegram Premium</strong> as a gift – at a discount.</p>
<p><strong>On Telegram since August 12, 2022:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/custom-emoji#custom-animated-emoji"><strong>Custom Animated Emoji</strong></a> in message texts and captions.</li>
<li><imgclass="icon"src="/file/464001986/11e90/OcmtMKhW_l8.1793/8c1c37d18dc5a0cabe"alt="Premium"><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/custom-emoji#privacy-settings-for-voice-messages"><strong>Privacy Settings for Voice and Video Messages</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/custom-emoji#new-sticker-gif-and-emoji-panel-on-ios"><strong>Improved Sticker Panel</strong></a> (on other apps since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#may-2015">2015</a>)</li>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/700-million-and-premium">700 Million Users and Telegram Premium</a></strong></p>
<p>Telegram reached a new milestone – celebrating over <strong>700 million</strong> active users. To help support the app's continued development, <ahref="https://t.me/premium/2"><strong>Telegram Premium</strong></a> was launched – a subscription service that unlocks powerful, exclusive features.</p>
<p>Premium users gained the ability to upload <strong>4 GB files</strong> and download files faster, as well as <strong>doubled limits</strong> and <strong>advanced chat management</strong> options. They also got access to <strong>Premium stickers</strong> with full-screen effects and several <strong>unique reactions</strong>. A new button was added to voice messages, which Premium subscribers could tap to <strong>transcribe the audio</strong>.</p>
<p>This update also included changes for all Telegram users – like enabling <strong>join requests</strong> for <strong>public groups</strong>, as well as several app-specific features.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/700-million-and-premium"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001006/1044e/ZDyna5YyQwE.51909/a7532c511d9bab9ea9"title="In June 2022, we put a star on it."alt="700 Million Users and Telegram Premium"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001006/1044e/ZDyna5YyQwE.51909/a7532c511d9bab9ea9 , 2x"/></a>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/700-million-and-premium#join-requests-for-public-groups">Join Requests for Public Groups</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Android-specific:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/700-million-and-premium#faster-and-stronger">App Icons</a></strong> (on iOS since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#june-2021-second-update">June 2021</a>)</li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/700-million-and-premium#automatic-saving-to-gallery-on-android">Save to Gallery by Chat Type</a></strong></li>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/notifications-bots">Notification Sounds, Bot Revolution and More</a></strong></p>
<p>Since this update, any short audio file or voice message can be used as a <strong>custom notification tone</strong> and assigned to any chats.</p>
<p>Temporary mute durations were expanded – adding the option to mute notifications for a <strong>specfic duration</strong>.</p>
<p>Reply context was added to <strong>forwarded messages</strong>– now showing which messages are in reply to others.</p>
<p>Bots were given an entirely new level of customization, <strong>Web Apps</strong>, supporting infinitely flexible <strong>JavaScript interfaces</strong> that are capable of replacing entire websites.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/notifications-bots"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001531/fb90/y871yZUW70Y.372928/9fdf3a084a04b47ec8"title="In April 2022, we spent a few hours choosing the perfect meow from Elden's cat."alt="Notification Sounds, Bot Revolution and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001531/fb90/y871yZUW70Y.372928/9fdf3a084a04b47ec8 , 2x"/></a>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/downloads-attachments-streaming">Download Manager, New Attachment Menu, Live Streaming With Other Apps and More</a></strong></p>
<p>Actively downloading media and files were given a new tab in Search – where users can <strong>pause</strong>, <strong>resume</strong> and <strong>prioritize</strong> their active downloads.</p>
<p>The attachment menu received a <strong>preview window</strong>– after selecting multiple items, you can drag to <strong>reorder them</strong> or change your selection.</p>
<p>This update also added support for <strong>phone number links</strong>, making it easy to contact a business or user <em>(depending on their privacy settings)</em>.</p>
<p>Live broadcasts with <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/live-streams-forwarding-next-channel#unlimited-live-streams">unlimited viewers</a> were introduced <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#august-2021">the year before</a>– while this update included integration for <strong>streaming software</strong> like OBS and XSplit to manage inputs, graphics and more. </p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/downloads-attachments-streaming"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001418/12513/cF-RXvZE-6U.103646/9abb402fe4e74b126f"title="In March 2022, we got promoted to a download managerial position."alt="Download Manager, New Attachment Menu, Live Streaming With Other Apps and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001418/12513/cF-RXvZE-6U.103646/9abb402fe4e74b126f , 2x"/></a>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/downloads-attachments-streaming#phone-number-links">Phone Number Links</a></strong> (Username links since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#december-2014">2014</a>)</li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/downloads-attachments-streaming#live-streaming-with-other-apps">Live Streaming with Other Apps</a></strong></li>
<p>A new <ahref="https://core.telegram.org/stickers#video-stickers-and-emoji">sticker format</a> was added based on <strong>.webm videos</strong>, letting anyone create <strong>high-detail animations</strong> or convert their favorite GIFs – without needing specialized software.</p>
<p>When moving between chats or jumping through unread channels, users gained the ability to <strong>return to a specific chat</strong> by holding the <em>‘Back’</em> button.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-stickers-better-reactions"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001234/e805/Z0pNrCJET-E.104373/a38ce74977bc53b064"title="In January 2022, we did something to the tomato."alt="Video Stickers, Better Reactions and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001234/e805/Z0pNrCJET-E.104373/a38ce74977bc53b064 , 2x"/></a>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="december-2021-second-update"href="#december-2021-second-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>December 2021, Second Update</h4>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/reactions-spoilers-translations">Reactions, Spoilers, Translation and QR Codes</a></strong></p>
<p>Telegram’s unique <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#september-2021">interactive emoji</a> became available as <strong>reactions</strong>– giving users the ability to directly share their feelings on messages.</p>
<p><strong>Spoiler formatting</strong> was introduced, allowing anyone to hide parts of a message under a special animation.</p>
<p>Message translation was brought to <strong>Settings > Language</strong>, adding a dedicated button to <strong>translate any message</strong> directly in the app.</p>
<p>Customizable <strong>QR codes</strong> were included for all <strong>public usernames</strong>– including users, groups, channels and bots – to quickly share a chat in any app.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/reactions-spoilers-translations"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001488/d35b/oNi_rR0In0o.124097/c74f7d759893b78bfb"title="In December 2021, our artist came up with THE CREEPIEST FACE EVER."alt="Reactions, Spoilers, Translation and QR Codes"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001488/d35b/oNi_rR0In0o.124097/c74f7d759893b78bfb , 2x"/></a>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/reactions-spoilers-translations#themed-qr-codes">Themed QR Codes</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="december-2021-first-update"href="#december-2021-first-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>December 2021, First Update</h4>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more">Protected Content, Delete by Date, Device Management and More</a></strong></p>
<p>A new setting was added to <strong>Groups and Channels</strong> that allows creators to keep their content exclusive by <strong>restricting message forwarding</strong>– while also <strong>preventing screenshots</strong> and limiting the ability to <strong>save media</strong>.</p>
<p>The option to delete all messages from a <strong>day</strong> or <strong>range of dates</strong> was added to <strong>1-on-1 chats</strong>, giving users a way to clear specific sections of chat history.</p>
<p>The <strong>Devices</strong> menu in Settings was fully redesigned, including a new <strong>auto-logout timer</strong> for inactive sessions and the ability to toggle whether a specific device can <strong>accept incoming calls</strong> or <strong>Secret Chats</strong>.</p>
<p>In Public Groups and Channel Comments, users were given the choice to <strong>send messages anonymously</strong>– appearing as one of their <strong>public channels</strong> instead of their personal account.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001572/2/u_lvhH-CjJ0.99595/a7fca60f9c9e6e193c"title="In December 2021, the eggplant went to a better place"alt="Protected Content, Delete by Date, Device Management and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001572/2/u_lvhH-CjJ0.99595/a7fca60f9c9e6e193c , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since December 7, 2021:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more">Protected Content, Delete by Date, Device Management and More</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more#protected-content-in-groups-and-channels">Protected Content in Groups and Channels</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more#delete-messages-by-date">Delete Messages by Date</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more#anonymous-posting-in-public-groups">Anonymous Posting in Public Groups</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Android-Specific:</strong><br>- <strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more#global-chat-themes-on-android">Global Chat Themes</a></strong> (on iOS since <ahref="#november-2021">November, 2021</a>)</p>
<p><strong>iOS-Specific:</strong><br>- <strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more#text-recognition-on-ios-13">Text Recognition for iOS 13+</a></strong><br>- <strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/protected-content-delete-by-date-and-more#format-text-in-media-captions-on-ios">Format Text in Media Captions</a></strong> (already on Android)</p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-media-scrolling-calendar-join-requests-and-more">Hyper-Speed Scrolling and Calendar View for Shared Media, Join Requests, Global Chat Themes on iOS and More</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Accelerated scrolling</strong> and <strong>pinch to zoom for media thumbnails</strong> were added to <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#february-2020">Shared Media</a> to find past photos, videos, files (and more) even faster. Tapping the date bar opens a <strong>calendar view</strong>, with media previews for each date.</p>
<p><strong>Join requests</strong> let group and channel admins <strong>confirm new members</strong> before they are allowed join. This creates new options for communities – like a special superfans chat or super-secret channel.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-media-scrolling-calendar-join-requests-and-more"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001930/3/yPTwxfusWZg.174275/3f847742c263cdae99"title="In November 2021, memories were on steroids."alt="Hyper-Speed Scrolling and Calendar View for Shared Media, Join Requests, Global Chat Themes on iOS and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001930/3/yPTwxfusWZg.174275/3f847742c263cdae99 , 2x"/></a>
<p><strong>On Telegram since November 3, 2021:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-media-scrolling-calendar-join-requests-and-more#hyper-speed-scrolling-for-shared-media">Fast Scrolling and Pinch-to-Zoom for Shared Media</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-media-scrolling-calendar-join-requests-and-more#calendar-view-for-shared-media">Calendar View for Shared Media</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-media-scrolling-calendar-join-requests-and-more#calendar-view-for-shared-media">Photo and Video filters for Shared Media</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-media-scrolling-calendar-join-requests-and-more#join-requests-for-groups-and-channels">Join Requests for Groups and Channels</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-media-scrolling-calendar-join-requests-and-more#unique-names-for-invite-links">Unique Names for Invite Links</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>iOS-Specific:<br>- <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-media-scrolling-calendar-join-requests-and-more#global-chat-themes-on-ios">Global Chat Themes</a></strong> (added to Android in <ahref="#december-2021">December 2021</a>)<br>- <strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-media-scrolling-calendar-join-requests-and-more#transit-times-for-shared-locations-on-ios">Transit Times for Shared Locations</a></strong><br>- <strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-media-scrolling-calendar-join-requests-and-more#instant-media-captions-for-ios">Instant Media Captions</a></strong> (added to Android in <ahref="#december-2021">December 2021</a>)</p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/chat-themes-interactive-emoji-read-receipts">Chat Themes, Interactive Emoji, Read Receipts in Groups and Live Stream Recording</a></strong></p>
<p>It became possible to set <strong>different themes</strong> for individual private chats – for both participants. The release included <strong>8 new themes</strong>, each with their own <strong>day</strong> and <strong>night versions</strong>, gradient message bubbles, animated backgrounds, and unique patterns.</p>
<p>Nonverbal communication got a boost with <strong>interactive emoji</strong>: tapping on <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#august-2019">animated</a> versions of <imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/F09F8E86.png"width="20"height="20"alt="🎆"/><imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/F09F8E89.png"width="20"height="20"alt="🎉"/><imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/F09F8E88.png"width="20"height="20"alt="🎈"/><imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/F09F918D.png"width="20"height="20"alt="👍"/><imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/F09F92A9.png"width="20"height="20"alt="💩"/> or <imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/E29DA4.png"width="20"height="20"alt="❤️"/> launches <strong>fullscreen effects</strong> that appear <strong>simultaneously for both chat partners</strong>. Vibrations are also synched, so you can almost touch someone's hand – even if you're far apart.</p>
<p>A new <em>Seen By</em> field was added to outgoing messages in smaller <strong>Group Chats</strong>, allowing you to see <strong>which members</strong> have read it. To protect privacy, these read receipts are stored only for <strong>7 days</strong>.</p>
<p>The ability to <strong>record video</strong> came to <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#august-2021">Live Streams and Video Chats</a>, so communities can save and share anything from online lectures to rock concerts. You can choose to record the video file in <strong>portrait</strong> or <strong>landscape orientation</strong>, and the file is <strong>instantly uploaded</strong> to your <strong>Saved Messages</strong> once you stop recording.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/live-streams-forwarding-next-channel"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001155/2/kLfFr4UDBdo.74223/58bec6bc2a18455c5f"title="In September 2021, gravity was not included in the 8.1 update."alt="Live Streams, Flexible Forwarding, Jump to Next Channel, Trending Stickers and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001155/2/kLfFr4UDBdo.74223/58bec6bc2a18455c5f , 2x"/></a>
<p><strong>On Telegram since September 19, 2021:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/chat-themes-interactive-emoji-read-receipts#chat-themes">Chat themes for individual chats</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/chat-themes-interactive-emoji-read-receipts#interactive-emoji">Interactive emoji with synched fullscreen effects</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/chat-themes-interactive-emoji-read-receipts#read-receipts-in-small-groups">Read receipts in small groups</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/chat-themes-interactive-emoji-read-receipts#record-live-streams-and-video-chats">Record Live Streams and Video Chats</a></strong> (Audio recording since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#march-2021">March 2021</a>)</li>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/live-streams-forwarding-next-channel">Live Streams, Flexible Forwarding, Jump to Next Channel, Trending Stickers and More</a></strong></p>
<p>Live video with <strong>unlimited viewers</strong> became available for both groups and channels. <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#december-2020">Voice chats</a> were, consequently, renamed to <strong>Video Chats</strong> (in groups) and <strong>Live Streams</strong> (in channels).</p>
<p>Forwarding became even more flexible with new options: a <strong>preview window</strong> that shows how messages will appear after they are forwarded and lets you <strong>hide sender names</strong> from messages or <strong>remove captions</strong> from media.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/tour/channels">Channels</a> became easier to navigate. <strong>Swiping up</strong> at the bottom of the channel brings you to the <strong>next unread channel</strong>. Catching up with the news is now possible without going back to the chat list.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/live-streams-forwarding-next-channel"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001784/4/IlXX31YWz5U.92729/eabf233f3635354560"title="In August 2021, Kong and 'Zilla found a bigger screen."alt="Live Streams, Flexible Forwarding, Jump to Next Channel, Trending Stickers and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001784/4/IlXX31YWz5U.92729/eabf233f3635354560 , 2x"/></a>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-1000">Video Calls with up to 1000 Viewers, Video Messages 2.0, Video Playback Speed and More</a></strong></p>
<p>Group Video Calls could now have up to <strong>1000 viewers</strong> (previously 30), in addition to <strong>unlimited</strong> audio-only listeners.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#may-2017">Video Messages</a> got a brand new look – recording in higher resolution with options to <strong>expand</strong> the message and fast-**forward** or <strong>rewind</strong> while watching. Additionally, audio from your device would <strong>continue playing</strong> while you recorded, and you could <strong>zoom in</strong> when recording with the rear camera.</p>
<p>Screen Sharing was added to <strong>1-on-1 video calls</strong> (previously existed in groups), and <strong>included sound</strong> from the users device when broadcasting in <strong>both</strong> individual and group video calls.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-1000"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001574/3/Pqda66P2qCA.71942/56366f0bdd3630cab8"title="In July 2021, dogs got 420 new reasons to use video chats."alt="Video Calls with up to 1000 Viewers, Video Messages 2.0, Video Playback Speed and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001574/3/Pqda66P2qCA.71942/56366f0bdd3630cab8 , 2x"/></a>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-1000#precision-drawing">In-App Photo Editor</a> (mobile apps: since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#september-2016">September 2016</a>, macOS: since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#april-2020-second-update">April 2020</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>iOS-specific:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-1000#new-in-app-camera-on-ios">Zoom Modes for In-App Camera</a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-1000#more-for-ios">Forward Messages to Multiple Recipients</a> (on Android since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#august-2017">August 2017</a>)</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="june-2021-second-update"href="#june-2021-second-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>June 2021, Second update</h4>
<p><strong>Animated Chat Backgrounds</strong> were added to all default themes – moving beautifully with each message. Users could pick from dozens of <strong>presets</strong> or create their own <strong>custom backgrounds</strong> with 3 or 4 colors in the <strong>theme editor</strong>.</p>
<p>New <strong>sending animations</strong> were given to <strong>stickers and emoji</strong>, making them jump from the keyboard to the chat.</p>
<p>A <strong>menu button</strong> was created for chats with bots, displaying all its <strong>commands</strong> as well as <strong>placeholders</strong> to give users an example of what to send. Bot developers also got the ability to display flexible lists of <strong>commands that change</strong> based on a user’s language, chat type, admin status and more.</p>
<p>We released an API to help developers <strong>build tools</strong> that let users <strong>import stickers</strong> from other apps, or easily <strong>make stickers</strong> from their own content.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/animated-backgrounds"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001689/5/LAdUj8JXG_c.61616/b196801953bc54ecd5"title="The rest of June 2021 passed by in a swirl."alt="Animated Backgrounds"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001689/5/LAdUj8JXG_c.61616/b196801953bc54ecd5 , 2x"/></a>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="june-2021-first-update"href="#june-2021-first-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>June 2021, First update</h4>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/group-video-calls">Group Video Calls</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Group Video Calls</strong> came to Telegram, adding video to (now awkwardly named) <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/voice-chats-on-steroids">voice chats</a> in groups. Users could turn on their <strong>camera</strong> or <strong>share their screen</strong> from any device – including tablets and desktop. </p>
<p>Tablets and Desktops got custom display options – including an expanding <strong>side panel</strong> for <strong>split-screen mode</strong>. Desktop also offered <strong>selective screensharing</strong>, letting users choose a specific program to broadcast.</p>
<p><strong>Noise supression</strong> was implemented in voice chats, eliminating background noise and <strong>boosting audio quality</strong> on all devices.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/group-video-calls"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001231/2/Q0OFpRBNruI.71986/42d2a05bd0d1bd091b"title="In June 2021, voice chats became the most awkwardly named Telegram feature ever"alt="Group Video Calls"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001231/2/Q0OFpRBNruI.71986/42d2a05bd0d1bd091b , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since June 25, 2021</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/group-video-calls#group-video-calls">Group Video Calls</a></li>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/payments-2-0-scheduled-voice-chats">Payments 2.0, Scheduled Voice Chats, New Web Versions</a></strong></p>
<p>Payments were first supported in chats with Telegram bots in <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#may-2017">2017</a>. This time, merchants received the ability to <strong>accept credit cards</strong> in <strong>any Telegram chat</strong> using one of <strong>8</strong> integrated <ahref="https://core.telegram.org/bots/payments">payment providers</a>. Telegram doesn't store credit card info and charges <strong>no commission</strong>.</p>
<p>Voice Chats were further improved with <strong>scheduling</strong>, showing a <strong>countdown timer</strong> and allowing users to get a notification when the chat starts.</p>
<p>Two new <ahref="https://telegram.org/apps#web-apps"><strong>web versions</strong></a> were launched, adding full support for features like animated stickers, chat folders and dark mode. Both work well in <strong>desktop and mobile browsers</strong>. </p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/voice-chats-on-steroids/"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001783/2/6Is-qGJkgX4.92603/d4d7fe3e0fc14ff3ba"title="In April 2021, the update picture was all about numbers"alt="Payments 2.0, Scheduled Voice Chats, New Web Versions"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001783/2/6Is-qGJkgX4.92603/d4d7fe3e0fc14ff3ba , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since April 26, 2021:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/payments-2-0-scheduled-voice-chats#payments-2-0">Payments 2.0 in all chats</a></li>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/voice-chats-on-steroids/">Voice Chats 2.0: Channels, Millions of Listeners, Recorded Chats, Admin Tools</a></strong></p>
<p>Voice Chats first appeared in Telegram groups in <ahref="#december-2020">December 2020</a>. Three months later they became available in <strong>channels</strong>, with support for <strong>millions of live listeners</strong>.</p>
<p>Admins got the option to <strong>record voice chats</strong> and create instant podcasts, as well as choose <strong>titles</strong> for their voice chats and add users via specific <strong>Speaker</strong> and <strong>Listener links</strong>. Muted listeners could raise their hand to let admins know they wanted a turn to speak.</p>
<p>Public figures, celebrities and other users who prefer to keep their personal accounts hidden got the ability to join voice chats as <strong>one of their channels</strong>.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/voice-chats-on-steroids/"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001855/3/O31CcF_-a20.86962/cafa0c3d7dd2df1134"title="In March 2021, public radio seemed like a fresh idea."alt="Voice Chats 2.0: Channels, Millions of Listeners, Recorded Chats, Admin Tools"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001855/3/O31CcF_-a20.86962/cafa0c3d7dd2df1134 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since March 19, 2021:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/voice-chats-on-steroids#limitless-voice-chats">Unlimited Listeners in Voice Chats</a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/voice-chats-on-steroids#limitless-voice-chats">Voice Chats in Channels</a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/voice-chats-on-steroids#recorded-chats">Record Audio from Voice Chats</a></li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/autodelete-inv2"><strong>Auto-Delete, Widgets and Expiring Invite Links</strong></a></p>
<p>Telegram has had self-destructing messages since 2013 in Secret Chats, but this update added an <strong>auto-delete timer for any chat</strong> to erase messages either 24 hours or 7 days after sending.</p>
<p>Two customizable <strong>home screen widget</strong> styles became available for both Android and iOS, giving users the option to show previews of recent messages on their home screen, or shortcuts to chats.</p>
<p><strong>Invite links</strong> for groups and channels were upgraded, allowing for additional links with a <strong>limited duration</strong> or <strong>number of uses</strong> that can also be converted into <strong>QR codes</strong>.</p>
<p>Broadcast Groups were introduced, allowing large communities to have <strong>unlimited members</strong>. Only admins can send messages in Broadcast Groups, but everyone can still read along and join voice chats.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/autodelete-inv2"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001701/5/WvHD2TGPSzU.74913/648f3e17886f6c96f8"title="In February 2021, not all invite links were created equal."alt="Auto-Delete, Widgets and Expiring Invite Links"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001701/5/WvHD2TGPSzU.74913/648f3e17886f6c96f8 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since February 23, 2021</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/autodelete-inv2#auto-delete-messages"><strong>Auto-Delete Messages in any chat</strong></a> (Secret: <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#october-2013">2013</a>, Media in 1-1 chats: <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#july-2017">2017</a>)</li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/move-history"><strong>Moving Chat History from Other Apps</strong></a></p>
<p>Over <strong>100 million new users</strong> joined Telegram within one month, bringing their friends and families with them. After January's update, they could also bring their old <strong>message histories</strong> from other apps. Users can now import messages and media from apps like <strong>WhatsApp</strong>, <strong>Line</strong> and <strong>KakaoTalk</strong>.</p>
<p>In addition to deleting messages for both sides without a trace (<ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#march-2019">2019</a>), <strong>call history</strong>, and <strong>groups</strong> users created could also be deleted for all participants at any time. While secret chat messages disappeared for both sides since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#october-2013">2013</a>, this update made it possible to remove <strong>entire Secret Chats</strong> from the chat lists of both participants.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#december-2020">Voice Chats</a> got two improvements: users could see <strong>active voice chats</strong> from their groups at the top of the Call History page, and got the ability to <strong>adjust the volume</strong> of individual participants inside the chat.</p>
<p>This update also improved the <strong>audio player</strong>, <strong>accessibility</strong>, and added the ability to <strong>report fake</strong> groups and channels impersonating famous people or organizations.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/move-history"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001185/1/Z6LVvcYB03g.64305/e8ff8c87c4d656cbe1"title="In January 2021, something green was in the way."alt="Moving Chat History from Other Apps"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001185/1/Z6LVvcYB03g.64305/e8ff8c87c4d656cbe1 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since January 28, 2021</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/move-history"><strong>Import Messages from Other Apps</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/move-history#control-your-digital-footprint"><strong>Delete Secret Chats, Call History and Groups without a Trace</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/move-history#improved-voice-chats"><strong>Adjust Volume for other participants of Voice Chats</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/move-history#improved-audio-player"><strong>Fast-Forward and Rewind Audio</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/move-history#improved-audio-player"><strong>Instant Search by Artist</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/move-history#reporting-fake-channels"><strong>Reporting Fake Channels and Groups</strong></a></li>
<p>We closed the year by adding a new dimension to groups with <strong>Voice Chats</strong>– persistent conference calls that run in parallel to existing text and media-based communication in the group. Voice Chats add a live layer of ephemeral talk to the group and can be used as virtual office spaces or informal lounges for any community.</p>
<p>Android users got an option to use their <strong>SD Card</strong> for storing Telegram data. iOS users received support for Siri's <strong>Announce Messages</strong> feature. iOS and Android caught up with each other to offer equal opportunities for <del>drawing moustaches on selfies</del> editing photos and other media.</p>
<p>We've unveiled a <strong>public platform for suggesting features and reporting issues</strong> at <ahref="https://bugs.telegram.org">bugs.telegram.org</a>.</p>
<p>Pavel Durov also presented a <ahref="https://t.me/durov/142"><strong>strategy for making Telegram sustainable</strong></a> for decades to come.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/voice-chats"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001202/4/Mo4VjRb1ndM.81564/729451f158ff1f6267"title="In December 2020, Santa couldn't get back from his vacation due to COVID-related travel restrictions."alt="Voice Chats Done Right"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001202/4/Mo4VjRb1ndM.81564/729451f158ff1f6267 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since December 23, 2020</strong></p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/voice-chats#editing-improvements"><strong>Edit and send back photos you received</strong></a> (on Android since <ahref="#october-2020">October 2020</a>)</li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/pinned-messages-locations-playlists"><strong>Pinned Messages 2.0, Improved Live Locations, Playlists and More</strong></a></p>
<p>Pinned Messages were upgraded, allowing for <strong>multiple pinned messages</strong> in all chats, including <strong>one-on-one chats</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Distance Alerts</strong> were added to <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/live-locations">live locations</a>, giving users the option to receive a notification when another location-sharing user gets close. The map icons were updated as well, to show which way a user is facing.</p>
<p><strong>Playlist</strong> and <strong>album support</strong> was added for files – sending multiple audio tracks will create a playlist, while sending multiple files creates an album.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/folders#channel-stats">Channel Statistics</a> were expanded to include detailed metrics about reach and engagement for <strong>individual posts</strong> in a channel.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/pinned-messages-locations-playlists"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001601/2/mt8BEZujINg.77182/a233ae72c9bc2b0483"title="In October 2020, we were looking for new ways to entertain our cat."alt="Pinned Messages 2.0, Improved Live Locations, Playlists and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001601/2/mt8BEZujINg.77182/a233ae72c9bc2b0483 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since October 30, 2020</strong></p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/pinned-messages-locations-playlists#channel-post-stats"><strong>Post Statistics for Channels</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Android-specific:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/pinned-messages-locations-playlists#sleek-new-animations-on-android"><strong>Edit and send back photos you received</strong></a></li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/filters-anonymous-admins-comments"><strong>Search Filters, Anonymous Admins, Channel Comments and More</strong></a></p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#october-2014">Global Search</a> received new <strong>filters</strong>: typing a chat name or time period adds filters by <strong>date</strong> and <strong>source</strong>, and media tabs at the top of the screen <strong>sort results by type</strong>, like Files or Links.</p>
<p>Support for <strong>Anonymous Admins</strong> was added to groups. When enabled, the admin’s name is hidden in the list of group members and their messages are signed with the group name instead, similar to channel posts.</p>
<p><strong>Comments</strong> were added to Channels with a linked <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#may-2019-second-update">discussion group</a>. Subscribers will see a <strong>comment button</strong> under each post, where they can share their thoughts on the latest updates. To try channel comments, head over to <ahref="https://t.me/durov">@durov</a>.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/filters-anonymous-admins-comments"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001393/1/LVWv3N21dXY.74168/8184cbaaa407526e35"title="In September 2020, we worked on revolutionizing surfing outfits for pets."alt="Search Filters, Anonymous Admins, Channel Comments and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001393/1/LVWv3N21dXY.74168/8184cbaaa407526e35 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since September 30, 2020:</strong></p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/filters-anonymous-admins-comments#amazing-android-additions"><strong>Chat List Preview for Multiple Accounts</strong></a></li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-calls"><strong>Video Calls and Seven Years of Telegram</strong></a></p>
<p>In celebration of Telegram’s 7th Anniversary and its status as one of the world's <strong>top 10 apps</strong>, the first version of <strong>Video Calls</strong> was launched for Telegram’s mobile and desktop platforms.</p>
<p>All video calls are secured with <strong>end-to-end encryption</strong> and support <strong>picture-in-picture mode</strong>, so users can search and send messages without closing the call.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-calls"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001762/1/BUEe0F1Jids.207454/49a4888d0ab7d62e2e"title="In August 2020, each of our human characters was featured three times on the update poster."alt="Video Calls and Seven Years of Telegram"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001762/1/BUEe0F1Jids.207454/49a4888d0ab7d62e2e , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since August 14, 2020:</strong></p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/profile-videos-people-nearby-and-more"><strong>Profile Videos, 2 GB File Sharing, Group Stats, Improved People Nearby and More</strong></a></p>
<p>Users got the option to add motion pictures to their profile page with <strong>Profile Videos</strong>. <strong>People Nearby</strong> was improved to make finding friends in your local community even easier.</p>
<p>For users who receive a notable number of messages from non-contacts, a <strong>switch</strong> was added to automatically <strong>archive and mute</strong> new chats from people not in their contacts.</p>
<p>The update also included a series of expanded features: the <strong>upload size</strong> for media and files was <strong>increased to 2 GB</strong> (previously 1.5 GB), detailed <strong>statistics</strong> became available for <strong>large groups</strong>, and the default icons used in the chat list for photos, videos and links were replaced with <strong>mini-thumbnails</strong> of the sent media.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-editor-gifs"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001391/1/S7f4bk3oS9Y.226420/98d0d31a444c948a48"title="In July 2020, hailing frequencies were open."alt="Profile Videos, 2 GB File Sharing, Group Stats, Improved People Nearby and More"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001391/1/S7f4bk3oS9Y.226420/98d0d31a444c948a48 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since July 26, 2020:</strong></p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/profile-videos-people-nearby-and-more#and-one-more-thing"><strong>2 GB file uploads</strong></a> (1.5 GB since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#january-2014">January 2014</a>)</li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/profile-videos-people-nearby-and-more#improved-people-nearby"><strong>Improved People Nearby</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/profile-videos-people-nearby-and-more#filter-new-chats-from-non-contacts"><strong>Archive and Mute non-contacts</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/profile-videos-people-nearby-and-more#mini-thumbnails"><strong>Mini-thumbnails for media</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/profile-videos-people-nearby-and-more#soften-skin"><strong>Soften Skin in the media editor</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Android-specific:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Crop and Rotate videos (on iOS since time immemorial)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Telegram Desktop:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Multi-Account Support (on Android since <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#december-2017">December 2017</a>, and iOS since <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/autoplay#multiple-account-support">February 2019</a>)</li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-editor-gifs"><strong>Video Editor, Animated Photos, Better GIFs and More</strong></a></p>
<p>The <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#february-2015-second-update">photo editor</a> was tranformed into a universal <strong>media editor</strong>– adding the ability to edit and enhance visuals for <strong>video</strong>, put <strong>animated stickers</strong> on any media, and <strong>zoom in when drawing</strong> or decorating (just to name a few). </p>
<p>The <strong>GIF panel</strong> got upgraded, adding <strong>emoji-based sections</strong> and a <strong>Trending</strong> tab for the most relevant and popular expressions. To make them even easier to search and scroll through, <strong>loading times</strong> were greatly improved.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-editor-gifs"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001876/2/61q3quSkA-o.229990/0448e8588e48b3942c"title="In June 2020, ducks hit the big screen."alt="Video Editor, Animated Photos, Better GIFs and More"srcset="/file/464001876/2/61q3quSkA-o.229990/0448e8588e48b3942c , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since June 4, 2020:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-editor-gifs"><strong>New Media Editor</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-editor-gifs#animated-stickers-on-media"><strong>Animated stickers on media</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-editor-gifs#speaking-of-gifs"><strong>Upgraded GIF Panel with Trending and Emoji-Based Categories</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Android-Specific:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-editor-gifs#android-goodies"><strong>Improved Video Player</strong></a></li>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="april-2020-second-update"href="#april-2020-second-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>April 2020, Second Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/400-million"><strong>400 Million Users, 20,000 Stickers, Quizzes 2.0 and €400K for Creators of Educational Tests</strong></a></p>
<p>To celebrate <strong>400 million active users</strong>, the <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/400-million#20-000-stickers">sticker panel</a> was revamped, allowing users to scroll and search through thousands of popular stickers from professional artists.</p>
<p>The <strong>Quiz Polls</strong> introduced in January 2020 <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/400-million#better-quizzes">received new tools</a> geared toward educational tests, including <strong>explanations</strong> and a <strong>timer</strong> animation. With the need for online learning tools at a new high, a <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/400-million#400k-for-creators-of-educational-tests">€400K contest</a> was announced to help build a <strong>platform for educational tests</strong> on Telegram. </p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/400-million"target="_blank"><imgsrc="https://telegram.org/file/464001203/2/XmPHuiOyJME.220492/57fb79cc8f9c73faa6"title="In April 2020, wild animals like this Telegram dog returned to quarantined cities."alt="400 Million Active Users"srcset="https://telegram.org/file/464001203/2/XmPHuiOyJME.220492/57fb79cc8f9c73faa6 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since April 24, 2020:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/400-million"><strong>400 Million Active Users</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/400-million#20-000-stickers"><strong>Easily accessible directory with 20,000+ stickers</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/400-million#new-attachment-menu-on-android"><strong>Folder side bar</strong></a> (on <ahref="https://desktop.telegram.org">Telegram Desktop</a> since <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/folders#desktop-sync">March, 2020</a>)</li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/400-million#new-attachment-menu-on-android"><strong>Drawing tools in photo editor</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="april-2020-first-update"href="#april-2020-first-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>April 2020, First Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/coronavirus"><strong>Coronavirus News and Verified Channels</strong></a></p>
<p>While the world locked down during the COVID-19 pandemic, <strong>Health Ministries</strong> began creating Telegram channels to keep their citizens informed of the latest updates. To help facilitate the spread of accurate information, the <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/coronavirus#new-verification-tools">channel verification process</a> was streamlined with a new <ahref="https://t.me/verifybot">@VerifyBot</a> and a directory was created to help users find <ahref="https://t.me/corona">official coronavirus news sources</a> for their country.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/coronavirus"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001232/2/fhUVTgzn3go.36329/be1289e9e329e46bc7"title="In April 2020, you didn't need a mask and gloves to use megaphones, even if you were a doctor."alt="Coronavirus News and Verified Channels"srcset="/file/464001698/2/oy6GlGiZ-6Y.82434/2ae6e53573b0475df4 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since April 3, 2020:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/coronavirus#new-verification-tools"><strong>@VerifyBot for channels, groups and bots</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/coronavirus#coronavirus-info"><strong>@Corona channel directory for global Health Ministries</strong></a></li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/folders"><strong>Chat Folders, Channel Stats and More</strong></a></p>
<p>Expanding on <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/archive-and-new-design">Archived Chats</a> from 2019, Chat Folders were added that let users filter their chat list into custom categories. Folders support unlimited pins, and <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/folders#desktop-sync">sync across all devices</a> on the account to keep everything organized.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/folders#channel-stats">Channel Stats</a> were also introduced, giving channels with more than 1000 subscribers analytics and graphs to track post performance and overall growth.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/folders"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001874/2/GbZVxNVqh0k.49729/f7c22d6e22a79de0f7"title="In March 2020, transparent cucumbers were finally patented."alt="Chat Folders, Channel Stats and More"srcset="/file/464001537/1/AYelgh0Z8R0.119899/7911d33cf2443354dd , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since March 2020:</strong></p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/new-profiles-people-nearby"><strong>New Profiles, Fast Media Viewer and People Nearby 2.0</strong></a></p>
<p>This Valentine-themed update made it easier to <strong>make friends</strong> and <strong>view media</strong>. <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/new-profiles-people-nearby#redesigned-profile-pages">Profile pages</a> were redesigned with instant access to Shared Media and users got the option to <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/new-profiles-people-nearby#redesigned-profile-pages">flip through photos and videos</a> simply by tapping on them.<br><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/new-profiles-people-nearby#redesigned-profile-pages">People Nearby</a> was updated so users could <strong>make themselves visible</strong> to others in their area, displaying their profile even if they closed the app (until they selected ‘Stop Showing Me’).</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/new-profiles-people-nearby"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001488/1/l6n57QUz828.50775/e576ee1bfdb435048f"title="In February 2020, you could still date face to face, but people were using phones anyway."alt="New Profiles, Fast Media Viewer and People Nearby 2.0"srcset="/file/464001481/1/xLs7X9N25Pk.124707/6ac5de1fb38982da33 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since February 2020:</strong></p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls-2-0-vmq"><strong>Polls 2.0: Visible Votes, Multiple Answers, and Quiz Mode</strong></a></p>
<p>Focused on polls, the first update of 2020 added plenty of ways to get competitive – or organized - in groups and channels. <strong>Polls 2.0</strong> introduced options to <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls-2-0-vmq#visible-votes">show users’ votes</a> and the ability to <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls-2-0-vmq#multiple-answers">select more than one answer</a>, as well as <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls-2-0-vmq#quiz-mode">quiz-style polls</a>, complete with a <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls-2-0-vmq#bot-api-and-quiz-bot">platform for making quizzes</a>.</p>
<p>A new slider was added to adjust how <strong>round or square</strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls-2-0-vmq#message-corners">chat bubbles</a> appear, and Android users received <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls-2-0-vmq#download-progress-counters-on-android">numerical progress counters</a> to <strong>track uploads</strong> and <strong>downloads</strong> (previously iOS-only).</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls-2-0-vmq"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001186/1/keFm1Mld274.50460/20dd88f5e72c2c623d"title="In January 2020, you didn't have to be a dog to want to be a millionaire."alt="TITLE"srcset="/file/464001748/3/dQwxrEtJQDw.122446/0c6628d19c256e5270 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since January 2020:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls-2-0-vmq#visible-votes"><strong>Polls with visible votes</strong></a></li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more"><strong>Verifiable Builds, New Theme Editor, Send When Online and So Much More</strong></a></p>
<p>On the final day of <strong>2019</strong>, security researchers got the <ahref="https://core.telegram.org/reproducible-builds">tools</a> needed to confirm that the <ahref="https://telegram.org/apps#source-code">open source code</a> we post on GitHub is the same that can be downloaded from App Store and Google Play.</p>
<p>The <ahref="#september-2019">Theme Editor</a> leveled up to <strong>2.0</strong>, adding <strong>gradient colors</strong>, new background patterns and more default <strong>color schemes</strong>. <ahref="#september-2019">Scheduled Messages</a> were expanded with a setting to send when your recipient comes <strong>online</strong>. Android and iOS both got a slew of other usability and design upgrades.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001118/1/hPI7pA3m28E.45897/b1f49c5d37de96f45a"title="In December 2019, OMG IT'S BABY YODA!"alt="Verifiable Builds, New Theme Editor, Send When Online and So Much More"srcset="/file/464001895/2/KaAaAIhggH4.132374/854c273c2bcf82ffc0 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since December 2019:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more"><strong>Verifiable builds</strong></a> (see also: <ahref="https://core.telegram.org/reproducible-builds">manual</a>)</li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more#view-search-results-as-a-list"><strong>View Search Results as a list</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more#podcast-and-audiobook-support"><strong>Improved podcast and audiobook support</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Android-specific:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more#switch-to-night-mode-faster"><strong>Quick night mode switch</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more#select-parts-of-messages"><strong>Selective text copying</strong></a> (on iOS since <ahref="#september-2019">September, 2019</a>)</li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more#multi-sharing-from-other-apps"><strong>Multi-chat sharing</strong></a> (on iOS since <ahref="#april-2016">April, 2016</a>)</li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more#mark-archive-as-read"><strong>Mark archive as read</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>iOS-specific:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more#text-size-all-the-way"><strong>App-wide font scaling</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/verifiable-apps-and-more#choose-your-browser"><strong>Choose your browser</strong></a></li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/scheduled-reminders-themes"><strong>Scheduled Messages, Reminders, Custom Cloud Themes and More Privacy</strong></a></p>
<p>The end of summer brought <strong>scheduled messages</strong> and <strong>reminders</strong> to better keep track of important tasks and appointments. On the visual side, shareable <strong>Custom Cloud Themes</strong> came to all platforms, along with more animated emoji.</p>
<p>An important privacy option was added for those who need it most –<strong>Who Can Find Me By My Phone Number</strong>. This new setting can prevent random users (or government organizations) from being able to match a number from their device's contacts to your Telegram account.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/scheduled-reminders-themes"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001701/2/SrKihEegFSc.40119/5cb89ac1411a4f19da"title="In September 2019, we couldn't think of a funny way to caption the picture."alt="Scheduled Messages, Reminders, Custom Cloud Themes and More Privacy"srcset="/file/464001023/1/lMOLlnF-3Bo.116734/9dfd7bdcd74b8f7c6a , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since September 2019:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/scheduled-reminders-themes"><strong>Scheduled Messages and Reminders</strong></a></li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/silent-messages-slow-mode"><strong>Silent Messages, Slow Mode, Admin Titles and More</strong></a></p>
<p>The August update brought a way to send <strong>silent messages</strong>– which result in a notification <strong>without sound</strong>. We also added <strong>custom titles</strong> and a <strong>slow mode</strong> for group admins.</p>
<p>Following the success of <ahref="#july-2019">animated stickers</a>, this update also introduced <strong>animated emoji</strong> for <imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/E29DA4.png"width="20"height="20"alt="❤️"/>, <imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/F09F918D.png"width="20"height="20"alt="👍"/>, <imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/F09F9892.png"width="20"height="20"alt="😒"/>, <imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/F09F98B3.png"width="20"height="20"alt="😳"/> and <imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/F09FA5B3.png"width="20"height="20"alt="🥳"/>. More followed.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/silent-messages-slow-mode"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001744/1/2Ne2jbY6S_w.35735/ee3f3a3d3077201054"title="In August 2019, you didn't want to wake up the Silent One"alt="Silent Messages, Slow Mode, Admin Titles and More"srcset="/file/464001833/1/Xj6yA-qtAqU.76084/fabedc2508a8a082ae , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since August 2019:</strong></p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/silent-messages-slow-mode#timestamps-and-improved-scrubbing"><strong>Timestamp links for videos</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/silent-messages-slow-mode#timestamps-and-improved-scrubbing"><strong>Improved video scrubbing</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/silent-messages-slow-mode#android-39s-new-attachment-menu"><strong>New attachment menu on Android</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/silent-messages-slow-mode#accent-colors-for-night-mode-on-ios"><strong>Accent colors for night mode on iOS</strong></a></li>
<p>The July update introduced <strong>animated stickers</strong>. We managed to achieve a smooth <strong>60 FPS</strong> at just <strong>20-30 KB</strong> per sticker. Animated stickers consume less bandwith than static ones and less battery than GIFs, while commanding more attention than the two combined.</p>
<p>Here are some sample animated sets in case you missed them: <ahref="https://t.me/addstickers/HotCherry">Hot Cherry</a>, <ahref="https://t.me/addstickers/TidyTieTom">Tidy Tie Tom</a>, <ahref="https://t.me/addstickers/ResistanceDog">Resistance Dog</a>, <ahref="https://t.me/addstickers/FredThePug">Fred the Pug</a>, <ahref="https://t.me/addstickers/MelieTheCavy">Melie the Cavy</a>, <ahref="https://t.me/addstickers/EarlWoolf">Earl the Wolf</a>, <ahref="https://t.me/addstickers/EggYolk">Egg Yolk</a></p>
<p>These stickers are powered with uranium and dreams and are guaranteed to keep going forever.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/contacts-local-groups"><strong>Location-Based Chats, Adding Contacts Without Phone Numbers and More</strong></a></p>
<p>The June update focused on making it easier to <strong>add people to contacts</strong>. A universal <strong>Add</strong> button was introduced to all new chats, making it possible to add users to contacts even if you don't know their number yet.</p>
<p>A new <strong>Add People Nearby</strong> section was created to quickly exchange numbers with people close to you. The new section also allows creating <strong>location-based public chats</strong>.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/contacts-local-groups"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001061/1/gxdFuZsL0hQ.42232/d8d85bee9d0cd7d5da"title="In June 2019, our caption writer found his one true love in a local group and ran off with the rest of the captions from this page. Don't be surprised if some are missing below this point."alt="Location-Based Chats, Adding Contacts Without Phone Numbers and More"srcset="/file/464001615/1/NjvMd_2Q5pE.93042/fef6778880293e75c7 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since June 2019:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/contacts-local-groups"><strong>Add contacts without phone numbers</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/contacts-local-groups#add-people-nearby"><strong>Add people nearby</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/contacts-local-groups#theme-picker-and-icon-style"><strong>New theme picker on iOS</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/contacts-local-groups#theme-picker-and-icon-style"><strong>Change your app icon on iOS</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="may-2019-second-update"href="#may-2019-second-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>May 2019, Second Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-discussions-web-bots"><strong>Focused Privacy, Discussion Groups, Seamless Web Bots and More</strong></a></p>
<p>The second May update made Telegram Privacy Settings even more <strong>flexible</strong>. You can add whole <strong>groups</strong> to <em>'Never Share'</em> or <em>'Always Share'</em> exceptions. Settings will adjust automatically as people join and leave the groups.</p>
<p>On Telegram, your <strong>phone number</strong> was never visible to random people in groups, the default being <em>'My Contacts'</em>. This update offered even more control via <em>Settings > Privacy & Security > Phone Number</em>.</p>
<p>The update also introduced an easier way to integrate <strong>web services</strong> with Telegram, adding one-tap authorization via bots. Last but not least, it offered <strong>two</strong> new ways of <strong>adding comments to channels</strong>– via <ahref="https://comments.app">Comments.app</a> and connected <strong>discussion groups</strong>. (We didn't start the flame war.)</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-discussions-web-bots"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001622/1/v-WL1xtPJZQ.37811/ce5ae7c2e7566e6682"title="In May 2019, no Zuckerbergs or hot dog people were hurt in the making of this picture."alt="Focused Privacy, Discussion Groups, Seamless Web Bots and More"srcset="/file/464001812/1/nWvrPOG-Cs0.81187/1db0a0c8aa843d4ce0 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since May 31, 2019:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-discussions-web-bots"><strong>Use groups as exceptions for Privacy Settings</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-discussions-web-bots#who-can-see-my-phone-number"><strong>'Who can see my phone number' setting</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-discussions-web-bots#meet-seamless-web-bots"><strong>Seamless authorization for Web services via bots</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-discussions-web-bots#broadcasts-meet-group-chats"><strong>Discussion groups for Channels</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-discussions-web-bots#view-public-channels"><strong>View public channels without logging in</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-discussions-web-bots#ios-goodies"><strong>Add text URLs to messages on iOS</strong></a> (Android since <ahref="#june-2018">June 2018</a>)</li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-discussions-web-bots#android-delights"><strong>New theme switcher for Android</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="may-2019-first-update"href="#may-2019-first-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>May 2019, First Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/archive-and-new-design"><strong>Archived Chats, a New Design on Android and More</strong></a></p>
<p>The first May update introduced <strong>Archived Chats</strong>. Unmuted chats pop out of the archive with the next incoming message – but muted chats stay archived forever (or until they generate a notification via a <ahref="#march-2015-first-update">mention</a> or <ahref="#march-2015-first-update">reply</a>). An <strong>unlimited</strong> number of chats can be <ahref="#december-2016-first-update">pinned</a> in the archive.</p>
<p><strong>Android design</strong> got a <strong>major overhaul</strong>. Aside from the visual improvements, this update added a <strong>three-lines-per-chat</strong> view option for the Android chat list (similar to the iOS default), as well as <strong>bulk actions</strong> in the chats list to easily delete, archive or mute multiple chats at once.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/archive-and-new-design"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001658/1/JGHGJsKLPOc.37392/de18c09e0a3b965633"title="In May 2019, Edward Hopper passed by our office at night."alt="TITLE"srcset="/file/464001293/1/7F_FDdU7gaQ.80316/16e0e6fb8f22b8c536 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since May 9, 2019:</strong></p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/archive-and-new-design#android-39s-new-clothes"><strong>New design on Android</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/archive-and-new-design#bulk-actions-for-a-busy-chat-list"><strong>Bulk actions in the chat list on Android</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/archive-and-new-design#more-info-at-a-glance"><strong>Expanded view for chat list on Android</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/archive-and-new-design#you-shall-not-pass"><strong>Improved passcodes on iOS</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/archive-and-new-design#easier-forwarding-links-to-messages-online-badges"><strong>Message links in groups</strong></a></li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unsend-privacy-emoji"><strong>Taking Back Our Right to Privacy</strong></a></p>
<p>Before the March update, you could <ahref="#january-2017">delete</a> your messages within 48 hours of sending them. As of this update, you can <strong>delete any message</strong> you've ever sent or received in <strong>any</strong> private chat, there's <strong>no time limit</strong>. This also applies to clearing entire chats. The deleted messages don't leave a mark in the chat.</p>
<p>This update also introduced a setting for <strong>Anonymous Forwards</strong>, allowing you to control when messages forwarded from your account link back to it. This way people you chat with have no verifiable proof you ever sent them anything. </p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unsend-privacy-emoji"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001240/1/jH7ir6Vpui0.37130/ba76f5237cf10cd3f6"title="In March 2019, papparazzi footage first confirmed princess Jasmine as an MiB agent."alt="Taking Back Our Right to Privacy"srcset="/file/464001908/1/Y4-vZBPNyaw.78321/2a55484805ee89f001 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since March 2019:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unsend-privacy-emoji#unsend-anything"><strong>Delete any private message for both parties, anytime</strong></a></li>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/autoplay"><strong>Autoplaying Videos, Automatic Downloads and Multiple Accounts</strong></a></p>
<p>Following the February update, smaller videos <strong>start playing</strong> without sound when they reach your screen. Pressing the volume buttons on your device unmutes them.</p>
<p>This update also introduced <strong>presets</strong> for <ahref="#february-2014">autodownload settings</a> to switch between <strong>Low</strong>, <strong>Medium</strong>, <strong>High</strong> and <strong>Custom</strong> data consumption in a few taps. Default settings for data usage have become more generous but depend on the affordability of mobile data in each particular country.</p>
<p>As of this update, iOS users can also log in to Telegram with <strong>multiple accounts</strong> from one app, easily switch between them and get notifications. Support for multiple accounts was added to Android in <ahref="#december-2017">December 2017</a>.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/autoplay"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001464/1/PHMXeEXcpZI.37376/b6df72efb994d554e0"title="In February 2019, this lady was lucky not to have been walking past 'The Lion Hunt' by Peter Paul Rubens."alt="Autoplaying Videos, Automatic Downloads and Multiple Accounts"srcset="/file/464001375/1/K97k3Tl_540.80899/777b16e8b8ed2eba64 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since February 2019</strong></p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/autoplay#multiple-account-support"><strong>Multiple account support on iOS</strong></a> (on Android since <ahref="#december-2017">December '17</a>)</li>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="january-2019-second-update"href="#january-2019-second-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>January 2019, Second Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/backgrounds-2-0"><strong>Chat Backgrounds 2.0: Make Your Own</strong></a></p>
<p>The second update in January brought <strong>chat wallpapers</strong> to version <strong>2.0</strong>, adding support for <strong>motion</strong> and <strong>blur</strong> effects, <strong>plain color</strong> backgrounds and <strong>patterns</strong>, as well as an option to <strong>share</strong> backgrounds via links and find new ones in <strong>search</strong>.</p>
<p>For those who appreciate art history, the classical Telegram backgrounds which were used at launch can be found <ahref="https://t.me/classical_wallpapers">here</a>.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/backgrounds-2-0"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001563/2/WOh5Z7MoaCg.38638/59e83cfe5968cc1492"title="In January 2019, Raphael was not, we repeat, not a teenage mutant ninja turtle."alt="Chat Backgrounds 2.0: Make Your Own"srcset="/file/464001545/1/uItfZL6KtbA.87961/fd83be8c882d801317 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since January 31, 2019</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/backgrounds-2-0"><strong>New backgrounds for chats, including photos</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/backgrounds-2-0"><strong>Choose from photos, solid colors and patterns</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/backgrounds-2-0"><strong>Motion and blur effects for backgrounds</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/backgrounds-2-0#share-links"><strong>Share backgrounds via links</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/backgrounds-2-0#search-backgrounds"><strong>Search for new backgrounds</strong></a></li>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="january-2019-first-update"href="#january-2019-first-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>January 2019, First Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/permissions-groups-undo"><strong>Group Permissions, Undo Delete and More</strong></a></p>
<p>The first January update brought <strong>group permissions</strong>, allowing admins to restrict all members from posting specific kinds of content or even from messaging altogether. The maximum size for groups was doubled to <strong>200,000 members</strong>.</p>
<p>The update also added an <strong>'Undo'</strong> option after <strong>deleting chats</strong> or clearing history. It's like a time machine, but with fewer paradoxes.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/permissions-groups-undo"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001527/2/y3qoO7q-al4.36737/b5d8c7a812d2632bb1"title="In January 2019, all stickers were banned in classrooms until further notice."alt="Group Permissions, Undo Delete and More"srcset="/file/464001807/1/w4khqZLj57k.78898/48b3f050f8d9479b23 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since January 21, 2019</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/permissions-groups-undo"><strong>Default permissions for groups</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/permissions-groups-undo"><strong>Up to 200,000 members in each group</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/permissions-groups-undo#undo-clearing-history-and-deleting-chats"><strong>'Undo' deleting chats or clearing history</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/permissions-groups-undo#sort-your-contacts"><strong>Sort contacts by name or 'Last seen'</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/permissions-groups-undo#thumbnails-and-download-animations"><strong>Better thumbnails and new download animations</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/permissions-groups-undo#meanwhile-on-desktop"><strong>Choose emoji sets on Telegram Desktop</strong></a></li>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="december-2018-second-update"href="#december-2018-second-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>December 2018, Second Update</h4>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls">Polls: Bringing Choice to Communities</a></strong></p>
<p>As of the second update from December '18, Telegram users can create <strong>polls</strong> in groups and channels, letting group members vote anonymously.</p>
<p><ahref="https://t.me/vote">Poll bots</a> have been available since the dawn of the <ahref="#june-2015">Bot Platform</a>.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001386/1/19PGgEQqY7k.41286/2c2211317836f14319"title="In December 2018, Santa was secretly elected the 45-and-a-halfth president of the US to replace Trump. He shaved his beard and has to wear a rubber mask at all times."alt="Polls: Bringing Choice to Communities"srcset="/file/464001833/2/LVWCl1Wdj_Y.87690/9268d9af336f49d298 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since December 22, 2018</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/polls"><strong>Polls for groups and channels</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="december-2018-first-update"href="#december-2018-first-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>December 2018, First Update</h4>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/translations-iv2">Custom Languages, Instant View 2.0 and More</a></strong></p>
<p>This first December update in 2018 revolutionized app interfaces, adding <strong>custom languages</strong>– whether that's Māori, Scottish Gaelic or Transliterated Klingon. <ahref="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Qapla%27#Interjection">Qapla'</a>. Users can <strong>share</strong> translated <strong>language packs</strong> with dedicated sharing links. </p>
<p>Everyday be talk like a pirate day if ye've downloaded the pirate speak chest. Babel fish now optional.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/translations-iv2"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001843/1/X8vjIQXYtg0.36607/f00e5e6eaf84de857d"title="In December 2018, we gathered round a big table to doodle meaningless symbols."alt="Custom Languages, Instant View 2.0 and More"srcset="/file/464001699/1/vr9jNRdXP_Y.77533/c964c3474390c45bf8 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since December 10, 2018</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/translations-iv2"><strong>Create and share custom language packs</strong></a></li>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/telegram-5-ios">Introducing Telegram 5.0 for iOS</a></strong></p>
<p>Telegram for iOS was <strong>rebuilt from scratch</strong> for this update – using the <strong>Swift</strong> programming language. The new client is slicker, faster and more battery-friendly. If the old Telegram was a race car, this one is a race car with jet engines and a well-caffeinated driver.</p>
<p>New <strong>badge counter</strong> settings were added on iOS, allowing users to exclude messages from muted chats or count <strong>unread chats</strong> instead of messages.</p>
<p>The <ahref="https://macos.telegram.org">native macOS client</a> added <strong>swipe gestures</strong> to navigate interfaces. MacBook Pro owners got <strong>touch bar support</strong>. </p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/telegram-5-ios"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001509/1/HQbV7YGFHXo.38201/502e76618864f2b7c1"title="In October 2018, Ferrari was so 1947."alt="Telegram 5.0 for iOS"srcset="/file/464001422/1/mu9wXxs6Gho.84055/5fdb2d0a56859f2a0a , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since October 2018</strong></p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/export-and-more">Chat Export Tool, Better Notifications and More</a></strong></p>
<p>This update brought an easy way to <strong>download</strong> copies of <strong>your chats</strong>, including <strong>photos and other media</strong> using <ahref="https://desktop.telegram.org">Telegram Desktop</a>. August '18 also saw the birth of <strong>Notification Exceptions</strong>– a way to customize notification settings for particular users. </p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/export-and-more"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001779/1/YzGyeq4VvzA.34275/045713c2acfc54c3f5"title="In August 2018, our Telegram dude held his cigar like a paint brush."alt="Telegram dude rides a horse-drawn cart with boxes away from a great safe in the clouds."srcset="/file/464001888/1/PeI4hvedyVg.73742/6ae02bfc2d15fca3ca , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since August 2018</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/export-and-more"><strong>Export chat history and account information</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/export-and-more#exceptions-in-notifications"><strong>Customized notifications for individual users</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/export-and-more#improved-telegram-passport"><strong>Support for new document types in Telegram Passport</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/export-and-more#improved-telegram-passport"><strong>Support for names in original language in Telegram Passport</strong></a></li>
<p>Telegram Passport was launched as a <strong>unified authorization service</strong> for ICOs, financial services and other platforms based on <strong>real-life ID</strong>. You no longer have to upload scans of your ID each time a different service requires it.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/passport"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001978/2/7jLQMdwmt58.34428/bd9b771299a4f89b53"title="In July 2018, we successfully boarded the 'Fhloston Paradise'."alt="Telegram people show their IDs at a counter while dressed up as Korben and Lilu Dallas from the 'Fifth Element'."srcset="/file/464001761/1/5eS_ENMT4JY.72961/59fc4124c0df6c8e40 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since July 2018</strong></p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unread-replace-2x">Replace Media, Share vCards, Mark as Unread, 2X Voice Messages, and More</a></strong></p>
<p>The June '18 update brought the ability to <strong>replace</strong> photos and videos when <ahref="#may-2016">editing</a> messages – in case you accidentally sent a picture of your lunch instead of the company's new logo.</p>
<p>As of this update, voice and video messages can be played at <strong>2x speed</strong> and users can <strong>mark chats as read or unread</strong>.</p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unread-replace-2x"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001810/1/E2Rlk122EQU.35109/52324ee6cc93ce185b"title="In June 2018, Leonardo too was not at all a teenage mutant ninja turtle."alt="The Telegram lady approaches Leonardo da Vinci who is busy refreshing his Mona Lisa in the Louvre museum. He is wearing 2X headphones and is also offering booklets which likely symbolize vCards."srcset="/file/464001640/1/7B_2UVJc9zo.74995/899487ccd9ba48b062 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since June 2018:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unread-replace-2x#replace-media-and-add-captions"><strong>Replace sent media</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unread-replace-2x#double-time-playback-for-voice-and-video-messages"><strong>2x speed toggle for voice and video messages</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unread-replace-2x#mark-as-read-or-unread"><strong>Mark chats as read or unread</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unread-replace-2x#and-three-more-on-android"><strong>Chat previews, text URLs and cancel sending messages on Android</strong></a></li>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/discover-stickers-and-more">Sticker Search, Multiple Photos and More</a></strong></p>
<p>Since they were introduced, <ahref="#january-2015">stickers</a> have become a key method of communication for many Telegram users. As of this update, users can <strong>search</strong> for new <strong>sticker packs</strong>.</p>
<p>I'm not addicted to sending stickers. I can stop any time.</p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/200-million">200,000,000 Monthly Active Users</a></strong></p>
<p>Telegram has never been promoted with ads, so every user joined because they were <strong>invited by others</strong>. Telegram is more than a messaging app, it's the idea that everyone on the planet has a right to be <strong>free</strong>. </p>
<ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/200-million"target="_blank"><imgsrc="/file/464001564/1/XDkKOnZtcgI.35833/9f639ffb0ebb6bda87"title="In March 2018, we colonized several exoplanets. At present-day travel speeds, the first messages from these colonies should reach you in about 142,000 years."alt="Telegram lady in aviator costume leans against her spacecraft on an alien beach, watching a sky full of paper-plane-shaped spaceships traveling between planets."srcset="/file/464001244/1/0MDuudOk88Q.76505/ad24c8c66a93f07d07 , 2x"/></a>
</div>
<p><strong>On Telegram since March 2018:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/discover-stickers-and-more#sticker-search"><strong>Sticker set search</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/discover-stickers-and-more#auto-night-mode-and-connected-websites"><strong>Auto-night mode on iOS</strong></a> (Android since <ahref="#february-2018">February '18</a>)</li>
<p>Two updates were launched on February 6, 2018.</p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/android-streaming">Streaming and Auto-Night Mode on Android</a></strong></p>
<p>This was when the apps got <strong>streaming support</strong>, allowing you to <strong>view videos</strong> without waiting for them to fully download. This update also introduced <strong>auto-night mode</strong> for Android users, shielding weary eyes from bright light when browsing memes in bed. </p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/login">Telegram Login for Websites</a></strong></p>
<p>Another update introduced the <strong>Telegram Login Widget</strong> for external websites, empowering businesses to use Telegram bots to automate anything from customer support to accepting payments or tracking shipments.</p>
<p>Two updates were launched on January 31, 2018.</p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/telegram-x">Telegram X: Progress through Competition</a></strong></p>
<p>Two <strong>Telegram X</strong> clients were unveiled as alternatives to the main iOS and Android apps – built from the ground up to be faster and easier to use, while featuring <strong>smooth animations</strong> and a <strong>sleek design</strong>. Telegram X for iOS has since <ahref="#october-2018">become</a> the native client on iPhones around the world.</p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/tdlib">TDLib - Build Your Own Telegram</a></strong></p>
<p>The <strong>Telegram Database Library</strong> helps developers make their own versions of Telegram – and was used to create Telegram X for Android. TDLib handles network implementation, encryption, and local storage, giving third-party developers more time to focus on the fun parts of app design. All the API methods are fully documented and the code is available on <strong>GitHub</strong>. </p>
<p>Both <ahref="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thunderdog.challegram&hl=en">Telegram X</a> and the <ahref="https://core.telegram.org/bots">Telegram Bot API</a> are an example of what can be done with this library. </p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/themes-accounts">Themes, Multiple Accounts and More</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Themes</strong> came to <strong>iOS</strong>, with simple <em>'Day'</em> and <em>'Night'</em> options. We considered adding a <em>'Twilight'</em> option but it got sabotaged by lovesick vampires and werewolves.</p>
<p>Android added support for <strong>multiple accounts</strong>, to quickly switch between up to three profiles (or personalities) without logging out.</p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/themes-accounts#in-case-you-missed-it"><strong>Web embeds for public messages</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/themes-accounts"><strong>Night theme on iOS</strong></a> (on Android since <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/android-themes">February '17</a>)</li>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/albums-saved-messages">Albums, Saved Messages and Better Search</a></strong></p>
<p>Albums and Saved Messages came to Telegram in November as a way to cut down on clutter and keep things organized. Multiple media items could be <strong>sent as one message</strong>, neatly arranged instead of filling up the chat with individual messages and multiple notifications.</p>
<p><strong>Saved Messages</strong> brought bookmarks and personal storage, giving users the ability to forward messages there for later reference.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/live-locations"><strong>Live Locations, Media Player and Languages</strong></a></p>
<p>October '17 expanded <strong>location sharing</strong> to include a <strong>live feed</strong>, useful for finding your friends or seeing how far they are from a destination. The interactive maps support multiple users, so your entire group can share their locations and see each other in one place.</p>
<p>Telegram also expanded its localization, launching the <strong>Translations Platform</strong> for users to refine the currently-available translations.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/replies-mentions-stickers"><strong>Better Replies, Stickers & Invitations</strong></a></p>
<p>Keeping track of replies and mentions was streamlined in August’s update, adding the new <strong>'@' badge</strong> to the chat list, and <strong>'@' button</strong> inside chats to jump from mention to mention.</p>
<p>The option to set <strong>favorite stickers</strong> was added, while groups got the ability to choose <strong>official sticker sets</strong>.</p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/now-you-see-me">Disappearing Media, Your Bio & More Speed</a></strong></p>
<p>July’s update added a self-destruct timer for photos and videos to give users the option to send <strong>disappearing media</strong> in Private Chats.</p>
<p>To help say a little more about themselves, user profiles were given a <strong>bio section</strong>.</p>
<p><strong><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/admin-revolution">Supergroups 10,000: Admin Tools & More</a></strong></p>
<p>Groups leveled up in June '17, increasing the maximum members to 10,000 and introducing a suite of <strong>new tools</strong> to manage the masses. </p>
<p>Admin permissions became individual, allowing for <strong>specific privileges</strong>. So did members’, meaning people could be put under <strong>custom restrictions</strong> for acting up. </p>
<p>The <strong>Recent Actions</strong> page was added for admins, showing a summary of all notable group activity within the past 48 hours.</p>
<p>Three updates were released on May 18, 2017.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/video-messages-and-telescope"><strong>Video Messages and Telescope</strong></a><br>Just in time for Summer, <strong>video messages</strong> were introduced to add another dimension to chats and channels. </p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/instant-view-contest-200K"><strong>Instant Views for Everyone & a $200K Contest</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Instant View</strong> grew into a <strong>platform</strong> for reformatting articles from the Web into lightweight, uniform pages which instantly open in Telegram, rather than a browser. A contest to create new templates was launched.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/payments"><strong>Payments for Bots</strong></a><br><strong>Bot payments</strong> joined the pool party as well, so users could pay for goods and services right in the app.</p>
<p>March '17 brought <strong>voice calls</strong> to Telegram, featuring end-to-end encryption, crisp sound and incredible speed.</p>
<p>The <ahref="#march-2015-second-update">video editor</a> received a <strong>compression slider</strong> to change the quality at which a video is sent.</p>
<p><strong>Custom themes</strong> first came to the Android phone app, along with a <strong>theme editor</strong>, giving users the ability to recolor individual elements and share their creations with others.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/desktop-1-0"><strong>Telegram Desktop reaches version 1.0 – and it's BEAUTIFUL</strong></a></p>
<p>Telegram Desktop, first launched in <ahref="#january-2014">January '14</a>, reached version <strong>1.0</strong>, with a <strong>new design</strong>, <strong>refined animations</strong> and <strong>custom theme support</strong>, in addition to all its earlier features. </p>
<p>The <strong>GMail bot</strong> made its debut as well, allowing users to condense all their communications into one platform.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/android-wear-2-0"><strong>Telegram for Android Wear 2.0</strong></a></p>
<p>Telegram came to wrists with its <strong>Android Wear 2.0</strong> version, featuring <strong>fully-functional messaging</strong> capability, plus added <strong>themes</strong> to keep things chic.</p>
<p>Telegram rang in the New Year with the ability to <strong>unsend messages</strong> sent within the past 48 hours without leaving any traces in the chat. (In <ahref="https://telegram.org/evolution#march-2019">2019</a>, this was expanded in to deleting <em>any messages</em>, sent or received, for both sides – and the time limit was removed.) </p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unsend-and-usage#t-me-links"><strong>Short t.me links instead of telegram.me</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/unsend-and-usage#android-developers-never-sleep"><strong>Saved scroll position when re-entering chats</strong></a></li>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="december-2016-second-update"href="#december-2016-second-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>December 2016, Second Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/telegraph"><strong>Meet the Telegraph API for Logins and Stats</strong></a></p>
<p>The <strong>Telegraph API</strong> opened to the public in the final update of 2016. Publishing and organizing articles gained automated support with the new <strong><ahref="https://telegram.me/telegraph">@Telegraph</a> bot</strong>.</p>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="december-2016-first-update"href="#december-2016-first-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>December 2016, First Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/pin-and-ifttt"><strong>Pinned Chats and IFTTT Integrations</strong></a></p>
<p>Conversation management became easier with the option to <strong>pin chats</strong> to the top of the chat list.</p>
<p><strong>IFTTT integration</strong> was introduced to help link Telegram to over 360 services at launch. This gives users control over their accounts on other services straight from the Telegram app – including social media, mail clients and even things like smart appliances or other devices.</p>
<p><strong>Instant View</strong> came in November 2016, instantly loading articles and web pages all inside the Telegram app. Added in the same update, the <strong><ahref="https://telegra.ph/">Telegraph</a></strong> platform is a minimalist word processor compatible with Instant View, designed for quickly publishing documents and articles.</p>
<p><strong>On Telegram since November 2016</strong></p>
<p><em>This is where wide <strong>full-color illustrations</strong> for our blog posts end – or begin, depending on which direction you just came from.</em></p>
<p>With winter not far off, Telegram introduced a <strong>Games</strong> platform that allows users to play games through bots. Players get the chance to challenge friends, while creators have an easy and accessible way to bring their game ideas to life. </p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/masks"><strong>Photo Editor 2.0, Masks and Homemade GIFs</strong></a></p>
<p>In September '16, the time came to improve Telegram's <ahref="#february-2015-second-update"><strong>Photo Editor</strong></a> with fun new decorations like masks, text, stickers and drawings. Additionally, the video editor added the ability to <strong>make GIFs</strong> out of videos by tapping its new <em>'Mute'</em> button.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/trending-stickers"><strong>Trending Stickers, Storage and More</strong></a></p>
<p>A <strong>Trending Stickers</strong> option was added so popular sticker packs can be easily found and added to one's collection. Groups received <strong>previews</strong> so prospective members can see what they're about and who's in them before joining the party.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/drafts"><strong>Drafts, Picture-in-Picture, and More</strong></a></p>
<p>June '16 brought cross-platform <strong>cloud drafts</strong>, syncing your unfinished messages across devices. Since then, users have been able to start typing on one device and finish on another. For more multitasking, <strong>Picture-in-Picture</strong> support was added to let users work and watch simultaneously.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/edit"><strong>Edit Messages, New Mentions and More</strong></a></p>
<p>Fast typers rejoiced as the ability to <strong>edit</strong> sent messages was introduced in all chats. Mentions were expanded to include users <strong>without usernames</strong>, and <strong>Bots</strong> were given their own space in the attachment menu for easy access.</p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/edit#new-mentions"><strong>Mention users without usernames</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/edit#bot-attachments"><strong>Bots in attachment menu</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="april-2016-second-update"href="#april-2016-second-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>April 2016, Second Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/instant-camera"><strong>Instant Camera and More 3D Touch</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Instant camera</strong> was added so users could snap and send photos faster, saving the extra thumb-work to make sure the moment is captured.</p>
<p>Starting in April 2016, inline bots no longer require you to use a keyboard. These software-controlled friends now immediately present <strong>clickable options</strong> to get results with no typing required. They were also <strong>integrated with services</strong> like YouTube and Foursquare for easy video and location sharing.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/share-preview"><strong>Sharing and Previews</strong></a></p>
<p>This update gave users a new way of <strong>sharing</strong> media between chats, introducing <strong>GIF and sticker previews</strong> to make the selection process more straightforward.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/supergroups5k"><strong>Supergroups 5000: Public Groups, Pinned Posts</strong></a></p>
<p>To keep order as <ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/6-years#november-2015">supergroups</a> grew from 1,000 members to <strong>5,000</strong>, important announcements could be placed at the top of the screen as <strong>pinned messages</strong>. Additional <strong>moderation tools</strong> were introduced that helped prevent spam in <strong>public</strong> supergroups. This included the ability to report spam, ban a user outright, or simply erase all of their posts from the group.</p>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="february-2016-second-update"href="#february-2016-second-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>February 2016, Second Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/channels-2-0"><strong>Channels 2.0 and More</strong></a></p>
<p>Channels got plenty of new features including admin <strong>signatures</strong> and <strong>silent broadcasts</strong>. It became possible to <strong>edit</strong> your messages in channels and supergroups.</p>
<p>Chatting got easier with <strong>raise-to-speak</strong> and <strong>raise-to-listen</strong> functionality, streamlining voice messages by giving a no-tap way to play and record. On the privacy end, users got the ability to <strong>restrict</strong> who can invite them to groups and channels. </p>
<p><strong>Inline bots</strong> make it possible to use bot services in any chat without adding those bots as members – you just start any message with their username and everything that comes after becomes a query for the bot. These utilities can link <ahref="https://t.me/wiki">Wikipedia articles</a>, post <ahref="https://t.me/vid">YouTube videos</a> or search for <ahref="https://t.me/gif">GIFs</a> to entertain friends. Unfortunately, while being very good at fetch, they still can't pull a sled – even after all these years.</p>
<p>GIF file size was reduced by <strong>95%</strong>, making them load <strong>20x</strong> faster. Autoplay for all GIFs was enabled to show off their new-found speed.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/cache-and-stickers"><strong>Clearing Cache and Reordering Stickers</strong></a></p>
<p>The space-saving option of <strong>clearing cache</strong> was introduced, including chat-by-chat specificity. This was coupled with a setting to choose how long to <strong>keep media</strong> before it gets deleted from the cache (to be re-downloaded from the cloud should you need it again).</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/supergroups"><strong>Admins, Supergroups and More</strong></a></p>
<p>This update added the <strong>admin</strong> role. Admins have the power to manage group chats and enforce rules. Just in time, as the maximum number of users for group chats grew to <strong>1,000 people</strong> with the addition of <strong>supergroups</strong>.</p>
<p>September '15 brought <strong>channels</strong>, the perfect tool for <strong>broadcasting messages</strong> to the masses. Channels can have unlimited followers, offer view counters for each post and only let the admins post. These one-way chats give updates the spotlight by moving the discussion elsewhere. Channels were quickly adopted in regions where freedom of speech falls short.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-links"><strong>Shared Links and Recent Searches</strong></a></p>
<p>Telegram delivered quality of life updates in August '15, showing <strong>shared links</strong> on chat info pages as well as a list of <strong>recent searches</strong> when beginning a new one.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/search-and-media"><strong>In-App Media Playback and Search in Chats</strong></a></p>
<p>This update added the ability to view media, enjoy music and watch videos from external sources <strong>directly in the app</strong>. <strong>Chat-specific search</strong> was implemented as well, making it easier to find messages from a particular conversation.</p>
<p>In June of 2015, Telegram released the <strong>Bot API</strong> and created a platform for users to create and publish their own bots. Bots exist to add features to Telegram and make user's lives easier - bots can handle payments, moderate groups, fetch emails and much more.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/apple-watch"><strong>Telegram on Apple Watch</strong></a></p>
<p>Telegram also received <strong>Apple Watch support</strong>. With a flick of the wrist, users can view recent chats, reply with stickers, dictate messages and more. Anything that can't fit on the watch display gets a shortcut to open on your phone instead.</p>
<p>Since May '15, stickers can be uploaded and shared as <strong>sticker sets</strong>. All apps got a dedicated <strong>sticker panel</strong>. Tapping on any sticker shows its set and lets you <strong>add</strong> the lot.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/sessions-and-2-step-verification"><strong>Active Sessions and Two-Step Verification</strong></a></p>
<p>Telegram rolled out an essential privacy feature in April 2015 - <strong>Two-step Verification</strong>– adding an extra layer of protection by requiring a <strong>password</strong> when logging into a new device.</p>
<p><strong>Link previews</strong> were introduced to help users see where a <ahref="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ">link</a> leads without having to click on it and find out for themselves.</p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/files-on-steroids#share-multiple-files-and-trim-videos"><strong>Trim videos before sending</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="march-2015-first-update"href="#march-2015-first-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>March 2015, First Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/replies-mentions-hashtags"><strong>Reinventing Group Chats: Replies, Mentions, Hashtags and More</strong></a></p>
<p>March '15 made messaging more convenient – Telegram added <strong>replies</strong>, <strong>mentions</strong> and <strong>hashtags</strong>. Replies make it easier to keep continuity in group chats, while mentions help get someone's attention and hashtags allow users to label messages for future use.</p>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="february-2015-second-update"href="#february-2015-second-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>February 2015, Second Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/photo-editor-and-passcodes"><strong>Photo Editor and Passcode Lock</strong></a></p>
<p>February '15 delivered the most powerful <strong>photo editor</strong> among messaging apps – featuring auto-enhance, crop and rotate functions in its initial version. To keep those photos and chats secure, users were given the option to lock their app with a <strong>passcode</strong>.</p>
<li><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/photo-editor-and-passcodes#passcode-lock"><strong>Local passcode lock for apps</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h4><aclass="anchor"name="february-2015-first-update"href="#february-2015-first-update"><iclass="anchor-icon"></i></a>February 2015, First Update</h4>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/shared-files"><strong>Shared Files and Fast Mute</strong></a></p>
<p>This update introduced the <strong>Files tab</strong> to better view all documents shared in a particular chat (some media outlets mistakenly thought this was when we introduced <ahref="#january-2014">sending files</a>). Additionally, the update brought in <strong>Mute</strong> shortcuts, helping users disable notifications more quickly.</p>
<p>January '15 saw the first <strong>sticker</strong> on Telegram. Since then, starting a message with a <strong>single emoji</strong> brings up a list of emotionally corresponding <strong>sticker suggestions</strong>.</p>
<p>The first official stickers from Telegram formed the classic <ahref="http://t.me/addstickers/GreatMindsClassic">Great Minds</a> set. Artists were invited to publish their work on the <strong>free</strong> and <strong>open platform</strong>.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/telegram-me-change-number-and-pfs"><strong>Telegram.me, Changing Numbers, PFS and more</strong></a></p>
<p>Users with usernames were offered <strong>Telegram.me/username</strong> links, which open their profile page in Telegram. This update also enabled <strong>changing</strong> the <strong>phone number</strong> of a Telegram account. <strong>Single-column mode</strong> was added for Telegram Desktop, making multitasking easier on smaller screens.</p>
<p><em>Fun fact: In 2016, Instagram will <ahref="https://www.theverge.com/2016/3/3/11157124/instagram-blocks-snapchat-telegram-links">restrict</a> users from adding Telegram.me (and Snapchat) links to their bios.</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>On Telegram since December 2014</strong></p>
<p>There were two Telegram updates on November 19, 2014.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/privacy-revolution"><strong>Hiding Last Seen Time - Done Right</strong></a></p>
<p>This update expanded <strong>Privacy Settings</strong> to cover <strong>Last Seen</strong> status, allowing unprecedented flexibility with <em>'Always Share With'</em> and <em>'Never Share With'</em> exceptions for individual users.</p>
<p>This was also when <strong>account self-destruction</strong> was introduced. Telegram doesn't aim to accumulate and store your data when you don't need it anymore. So if you throw away your SIM card and it gets a new owner in 6 months, they won't access your chats.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/android-2-0"><strong>Material Design on Android, Instant Search for Messages and more</strong></a></p>
<p>November '14 also delivered <strong>Instant Full-Text Search</strong> to iOS and Android. Since then you can quickly find any message you ever sent or received on Telegram.</p>
<p><strong>GIF search</strong> was first supported on iOS. The Android app got a massive redesign, consistent with <strong>material guidelines</strong>.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/usernames-and-secret-chats-v2"><strong>Public usernames, smaller timers for Secret Chats, and more</strong></a></p>
<p>October '14 marks the beginning of properly recorded history on Telegram. The first update ever to be described in a <strong>blog post</strong> brought <strong>public usernames</strong>, adding the ability to share your Telegram contact without disclosing your <strong>phone number</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Secret Chats</strong> got a major upgrade, with self-destructing media showing <strong>blurred thumbnails</strong> and starting the countdown only after they are first opened. This prevented them from disappearing before actually being viewed. This was also when <strong>screenshot notifications</strong> were first introduced.</p>
<p>Telegram for Android received several updates, adding support for <strong>Android Wear</strong> and <strong>tablets</strong>, as well as <strong>video compression</strong>.</p>
<li><ahref="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/519177251964059648"><strong>Support for Android Wear</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/517282782423547904"><strong>Support for Android tablets</strong></a></li>
<li><ahref="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/517282782423547904"><strong>Video compression on Android</strong></a></li>
</ul>
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<p><ahref="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/512680823464935424"><strong>GIFs, iPad support and broadcast lists on iOS</strong></a></p>
<p>Telegram has supported <strong>iPads</strong> since September '14. In this update, the iOS app learned to play <strong>GIF animations</strong> and added <strong>cloud search</strong> for messages, as well as adding <strong>search by file name</strong> to the Shared Documents section. iOS also caught up with Android, adding support for <ahref="#august-2014">broadcast lists</a>.</p>
<p><ahref="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/497797051842052098"><strong>Broadcast lists</strong></a> were first introduced to Android in August '14, only to be replaced with <ahref="#september-2015">channels</a> a little over a year later.</p>
<p><ahref="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/478494060387516416"><strong>Multiple photo upload and more</strong></a></p>
<p>Telegram for Android caught up with iOS, allowing users to <strong>preview photos</strong> before sending — as well as select and send many photos at once. Notifications were improved to be more reliable.</p>
<p><ahref="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/447092910261948416"><strong>Voice Messages, Delete Messages for both sides in Secret Chats, Language Settings on Android</strong></a></p>
<p>The March '14 update introduced <strong>voice messages</strong> to Telegram. Messages deleted in Secret Chats began disappearing for <strong>both sides</strong>.</p>
<p>Telegram for Android added the option to change the <strong>app language</strong> in Settings. The first languages to be added were German and Italian. </p>
<p><ahref="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/433554638986428417"><strong>New apps, autodownload settings and contact management tools for Android</strong></a></p>
<p>More Telegram apps entered the fray. An unofficial Telegram app for <strong>Web</strong> was introduced and later <ahref="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/522481392190779392">moved</a> to <ahref="https://web.telegram.org">web.telegram.org</a> to become the <strong>official web version</strong>. Telegram for <strong>Windows Phone</strong> was created in a contest for app developers.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, an update introduced <strong>autodownload settings</strong> and new tools to manage contacts on Android.</p>
<p><ahref="https://twitter.com/telegram/status/419410226748456960"><strong>Send documents and files</strong></a></p>
<p>First thing in 2014, Telegram allowed <strong>documents of any type</strong> to be sent, including <strong>.pdf</strong>, <strong>.doc</strong>, <strong>.png</strong>, <strong>.mp3</strong>, etc. The size limit is <strong>1,5 GB</strong> per file.</p>
<p>An unofficial Telegram app for PC was announced, which would later become the official <strong>Telegram Desktop</strong>.</p>
<p><ahref="https://telegram.org/blog/crowdsourcing-a-more-secure-future"><strong>Crowdsourcing a more secure future</strong></a></p>
<p>The only significant vulnerability to ever be discovered in the MTProto protocol was <strong>fixed</strong> during the <ahref="https://telegram.org/crypto_contest">First Telegram Crypto Contest</a>. The researcher who discovered it was awarded a bounty of <strong>$100,000</strong>.</p>
<p>After a contest for Android developers, the alpha version of <strong>Telegram for Android</strong> was officially launched. Telegram apps got <strong>Secret Chats</strong> with <strong>self-destruct timers</strong>.</p>
<p>The MTProto Protocol specification and Telegram API were <strong>fully documented</strong> and the code of the apps became <strong>open source</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Telegram for iOS was launched.</strong></p>
<hr>
<p>Congratulations on completing this (not very) brief course on the history of Telegram. You just got an honorary PhD in Instant Messaging – unless you simply jumped down here, in which case you still have a long way <imgclass="emoji"src="//telegram.org/img/emoji/40/F09F9186.png"width="20"height="20"alt="👆"/>to go to get <ahref="#a-not-so-brief-history-of-telegram">back to the top</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Armed with this much knowledge about Telegram, you should probably join our <ahref="https://tsf.telegram.org">Volunteer Support Force</a>.</p>
</blockquote>
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