Telegram May Add A Premium Subscription Tier for Users: Expected Features

When it comes to instant personal messaging platforms, Telegram is one of the best alternatives to WhatsApp. The platform is free and provides many more features and functionality than the Meta-owned WhatsApp. The app is free to download and use on all platforms, including the Android and iOS app stores, as well as web apps. However, a major platform update is currently in the works.

Telegram was spotted testing exclusive reactions and stickers for Premium users in an iOS beta rollout a few weeks ago. Now, a well-known developer, Alessandro Paluzzi, whose Twitter handle is @alex193a, has revealed some crucial information that confirms the rumour of a premium subscription service on Telegram.

Also Read: WhatsApp Support for iOS 10, iOS 11 Devices Will End Soon

Telegram Might Bring a Premium Subscription

Alessandro has shared a few screenshots and details about the app's upcoming changes on Twitter. To begin, if you download the app today, it will greet you with the message "Telegram is free forever." There are no advertisements. There are no subscription fees." This, however, could change very quickly.

Small changes in #Telegram ????

ℹ️ This screenshot is based on the new strings available on https://t.co/jIjnX8t5NQ https://t.co/xMNuySSIO6 pic.twitter.com/IwaaA3AQoY

— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) May 27, 2022

According to the most recent update to the app's code base (available at translations.telegram.org), the tagline will be changed to "Telegram provides free unlimited storage for chats and media." The upcoming tagline will exclude keywords such as "No ads," "No subscription fee," and "free forever." This could indicate that the platform is almost ready to make a change by announcing a premium subscription.

The above screenshot is based on the new strings available on the aforementioned website. The new tagline has yet to go live on Android/iOS, but it is expected to reach at least beta users, if not all users, sooner or later. According to the screenshot, we can also expect a plan with advertisements and a premium subscription without advertisements, as well as some additional features available only to paid or premium members.

In terms of Premium subscription features, the latest version v8.7.2 beta for iOS included some reaction emojis and stickers that were only available to Telegram Premium users. Users will be able to unlock premium stickers, additional reactions, and other features with Premium. Telegram currently has over 500 million monthly active users, while WhatsApp has over 2 billion.