The process of monetizing a messaging platform is not easy: we have become accustomed to its free nature, and any radical change in that regard is usually very poorly received. For that reason, those responsible for Telegram are taking the launch of the new Telegram Premium relatively calmly, as it doubles the limits on its main aspects, increases download speed, and eliminates all advertising, among other things.
The launch of a premium version of Telegram was an open secret. In early June, it was Pavel Durov (one of the original creators) himself who ended up confirming its existence, probably pushed by the leak of its features and price… but the time for speculation is over: Telegram Premium is a fact, it is already among us, and anyone can access that version. What is different about it? Let's see:
The news of Telegram Premium
- Limits x2: All current limits in the free version, from the number of groups to pinned chats, through public links and stored GIFs, are doubled under Telegram Premium. That also extends to the maximum file size, and since we mentioned files…
- More data, faster: The maximum upload now jumps from 2 GB to 4 GB. Telegram has promoted this aspect of Premium with some emphasis by highlighting its equivalences, 4 hours of 1080p video or 18 days of high-quality audio. Telegram adds that downloads will be faster for Premium users, but didn't share any numbers, and in the end that always depends on the network.
- Voice to text: Tired of those repetitive voice messages, or long like a play? In Telegram Premium, voice messages can be converted to text to read their content and save time. Logically, Telegram anticipates transcription errors and will allow users to rate their quality.
- Badge for Premium users: If you decide to enter the subscription model, the rest of the users on the platform will know thanks to a small badge next to your name. This reminds us a bit of user verification on Twitter, but its presence will extend to chat lists, headers, and member lists in groups.
- Reactions, stickers, and animated profile pictures: Basically, Premium users can deploy an explosion of color and animations in their chats with exclusive stickers and new reactions. Add to that animated profile pictures, another space where they can play with loops and inject a bit of movement.
- Chat management and zero ads: Telegram Premium incorporates additional tools to organize and personalize the chat list (for example, changing the default chat folder). Finally, this version removes sponsored messages that users receive in some countries. They are usually not that irritating, but if you switch to Premium, they disappear.
Telegram Premium: Availability and price
Telegram Premium is now available on iOS, while on Android, some regions report that the build of the Play Store hasn't received the update yet (in other words, patience). As for the price, we've seen it range between $4.99 and $6 per month, with a value of €5.49 for European users.
With over 700 million users on its platform, Telegram could make a difference even with a minimal percentage of conversions to Premium (because the free mode isn't going anywhere), but personally, I think its leaders are out of touch with reality. Between the current subscription overload that users suffer and other high-profile economic factors, it might be the worst time to launch Telegram Premium. I hope I'm wrong.
Official announcement: Click here
