Topics in Groups, Collectible Usernames, Voice-to-Text for Video Messages and More
+Classic internet forums were reborn in large groups, allowing communities to organize discussions into topics – each with its own chat history, shared media and notification settings.
+Users got the option to securely exchange Telegram domains in the form of collectible usernames on a new platform powered by the TON blockchain. In addition to a basic username, any user profile, public group or public channel can have multiple collectible usernames that link to it from search results, @mentions or their unique t.me links.
Voice-to-Text was also added for video messages, giving Premium users convenient captions when needed.
+On Telegram since September 16, 2022:
+– Infinite Reactions
– Emoji Statuses
– Sign in with Google or Apple
– username.t.me
Android-specific
+– Prioritize Downloads (on iOS since March 2022)
– Thematic App Icons
Telegram Emoji Platform, Custom Animated Emoji Packs, Gifting Telegram Premium, and More
The Telegram Emoji Platform was introduced, allowing animated emoji that move in messages and captions. Any users can create custom emoji packs for Telegram Premium users.
Premium users received a new privacy setting to restrict voice and video messages, as well as the ability to give Telegram Premium as a gift – at a discount.
On Telegram since August 12, 2022:
@@ -138,7 +170,7 @@Reply context was added to forwarded messages – now showing which messages are in reply to others.
Bots were given an entirely new level of customization, Web Apps, supporting infinitely flexible JavaScript interfaces that are capable of replacing entire websites.
On Telegram since April 16, 2022:
@@ -157,7 +189,7 @@This update also added support for phone number links, making it easy to contact a business or user (depending on their privacy settings).
Live broadcasts with unlimited viewers were introduced the year before – while this update included integration for streaming software like OBS and XSplit to manage inputs, graphics and more.
On Telegram since March 11, 2022:
@@ -173,7 +205,7 @@A new sticker format was added based on .webm videos, letting anyone create high-detail animations or convert their favorite GIFs – without needing specialized software.
When moving between chats or jumping through unread channels, users gained the ability to return to a specific chat by holding the ‘Back’ button.
On Telegram since January 31, 2022:
@@ -191,7 +223,7 @@Message translation was brought to Settings > Language, adding a dedicated button to translate any message directly in the app.
Customizable QR codes were included for all public usernames – including users, groups, channels and bots – to quickly share a chat in any app.
On Telegram since December 30, 2021:
@@ -228,7 +260,7 @@Accelerated scrolling and pinch to zoom for media thumbnails were added to Shared Media to find past photos, videos, files (and more) even faster. Tapping the date bar opens a calendar view, with media previews for each date.
Join requests let group and channel admins confirm new members before they are allowed join. This creates new options for communities – like a special superfans chat or super-secret channel.
On Telegram since November 3, 2021:
@@ -248,7 +280,7 @@A new Seen By field was added to outgoing messages in smaller Group Chats, allowing you to see which members have read it. To protect privacy, these read receipts are stored only for 7 days.
The ability to record video came to Live Streams and Video Chats, so communities can save and share anything from online lectures to rock concerts. You can choose to record the video file in portrait or landscape orientation, and the file is instantly uploaded to your Saved Messages once you stop recording.
On Telegram since September 19, 2021:
@@ -265,7 +297,7 @@Forwarding became even more flexible with new options: a preview window that shows how messages will appear after they are forwarded and lets you hide sender names from messages or remove captions from media.
Channels became easier to navigate. Swiping up at the bottom of the channel brings you to the next unread channel. Catching up with the news is now possible without going back to the chat list.
On Telegram since August 31, 2021:
@@ -284,7 +316,7 @@Video Messages got a brand new look – recording in higher resolution with options to expand the message and fast-**forward** or rewind while watching. Additionally, audio from your device would continue playing while you recorded, and you could zoom in when recording with the rear camera.
Screen Sharing was added to 1-on-1 video calls (previously existed in groups), and included sound from the users device when broadcasting in both individual and group video calls.
On Telegram since July 30, 2021:
@@ -316,7 +348,7 @@A menu button was created for chats with bots, displaying all its commands as well as placeholders to give users an example of what to send. Bot developers also got the ability to display flexible lists of commands that change based on a user’s language, chat type, admin status and more.
We released an API to help developers build tools that let users import stickers from other apps, or easily make stickers from their own content.
On Telegram since June 25, 2021: