Popular secure messaging app Telegram is rolling out a new Telegram Premium service for $4.99 a month. The new tier includes several exclusive features for users including 4GB file uploads, faster download speeds, exclusive stickers, and more.
Telegram Premium offers increased file limits, faster downloads and more
Back in May, it was reported that Telegram was testing new ways to monetize its platform. In a blog post, the company celebrated the milestone of surpassing 700 million monthly active users and announced its new paid tier.
Telegram first began to monetize its platform last year through ad sales and features for group channels but did not offer extra features targeted to individual users. That is set to change with Telegram Premium.
The announcement post revealed that the Premium tier offers double-file limits, 4GB file uploads, faster download speeds, exclusive stickers with fullscreen animations, reactions, voice-to-text conversion, improved chat management, animated profile images, no ads, etc.
In addition to this, the paid tier also allows users to up to 1000 channels, create up to 20 chat folders, pin up to 10 chats in the main list, and much more. Premium members can also reserve up to 20 t.me links, which would allow them to create a channel with a short and concise link.
Telegram Premium users will also get access to new app icons that they can change according to their preferences or to better match the icon to their home screen background.
Some features included in version 8.8 of the app will also be available for standard users including the ability to download large documents, view stickers sent by premium members, join requests for public groups, an animated screen for external sharing, improved bot descriptions, verification badges in chats, and more.
The company also assured using that all existing features that users ” have come to expect and rely on for nearly a decade” will continue to be free.
The contributions of premium subscribers will help improve and expand the app for decades to come, while Telegram will remain free, independent and uphold its users-first values, redefining how a tech company should operate.
Users who want to upgrade to Premium will have to update their app to version 8.8 and then head over to settings to subscribe.
