Telegram Unveils Star Reactions, Subscriptions, and Super Channels

Telegram, marking its 11th anniversary, has introduced a suite of new features aimed at enhancing user interaction and supporting content creators. The latest updates include Star Reactions, Star Subscriptions, and a new mode for Telegram Channels, according to Telegram.

Star Reactions

The new Star Reactions feature allows users to directly support their favorite channels and content creators by sending Telegram Stars. Channel owners will receive 100% of the stars, which can be converted into Toncoin cryptocurrency rewards or subsidized ads. Each post with star reactions will display a leaderboard showing the top senders, with an option for users to opt out for privacy.

Star Subscriptions

Telegram has also launched Star Subscriptions, enabling content creators to generate special invite links that allow users to join a channel in exchange for a monthly payment in Telegram Stars. This feature facilitates the creation of exclusive channels for extra content, early access media, or VIP livestreams. To create a paid link, creators can navigate to Channel Settings and enable the required monthly fee.

Paid Media for Bots

Channel owners can now monetize their efforts by posting paid photos and videos in their channels. This update extends paid posts to bots, including bot admins and those powering Telegram Business accounts. This opens up new avenues for automating channels and businesses, or building sustainable services like image generation and video upscaling.

Super Channels

Another significant update is the introduction of Super Channels. This feature allows channel admins to post as their own profiles or other channels, making the channel appear more like a group. Admins can change who they post as by tapping the profile picture in the message bar. To enable this feature, admins need to turn on Sign Messages and Show Authors' Profiles in the channel settings.

Document Viewer on iOS

For iOS users, Telegram has added a new document viewer that opens files like .pdf, .xls, or .docx in separate tabs within the Telegram browser. This makes it easier to switch between files and messages in chats.

Since its previous birthday, Telegram has rolled out 17 major updates, introducing features like Stories, Stars, Quotes, Profiles, Recommendations, Telegram Business, Sticker Maker, Giveaway Platform, Bookmarks, and Creator Rewards. These updates have been pivotal in growing Telegram to nearly one billion users without a marketing budget.

This update is now available for all iOS users and those who downloaded Telegram for Android directly from the official site. The Google Play version is currently under review and will be available soon.