Telegram has introduced new channel features, aiming to enhance user experience and better compete with WhatsApp. The Meta-owned platform, which globally launched broadcast channels in September, now offers improved discovery of similar channels for users when they join a new channel.
Additionally, an update allows users and channels to repost their stories on their own pages, featuring text, images, or video commentary. Furthermore, channels can incorporate custom emojis based on their level, with premium users having the ability to boost any channel of their choice. Boosts are included with their subscription, and as channels accumulate boosts, they unlock various levels with additional features, such as the capability to post stories. This system adds a slightly gamified element to the platform’s functionality.
Telegram is introducing several new features for its channels, including the ability to view statistics for different stories, such as the number of views, reactions, shares, and a timeline of activity. Channels with the stories feature enabled can now access detailed insights.
In addition to the giveaway feature introduced last month, where channels can host giveaways to attract new followers, Telegram is extending the voice-to-text feature for audio messages to free users, allowing two weekly transcriptions.
Other updates in the new release include a better highlighting block for code in messages, a two-sided wallpaper for premium users visible to both parties in a chat, and an improved topics view in groups.
Telegram’s move to innovate and introduce new features comes in response to WhatsApp’s rollout of a similar channel feature. Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that WhatsApp’s channel features have surpassed 500 million monthly active users. While WhatsApp boasts over 2 billion monthly active users, Telegram has reached over 800 million monthly active users. The competition between the two platforms drives innovation and enhancements to attract and retain users.
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