seems to be testing the waters for another way to generate income. The latest beta version of the iOS app includes reaction emojis and stickers that users can unlock only when they subscribe to Telegram Premium, a service that is not currently available.
Anyone who chooses these stickers or emojis in the beta will be directed to join Telegram Premium. reports. It looks like users who get one of the premium reactions won’t be able to see it either until they sign up. Reactions include the likes of a hiccuping duck.
No other details about Telegram Premium have been announced yet. Telegram has also not officially announced the service. Founder Pavel Durov is clear that the messaging app needs to make money. In December 2020, it announced that Telegram would be on public channels the following year. He also talked about plans to add premium features for enterprise and power users.
Telegram has long been adamant that it doesn’t start charging for available features. We are yet to see how Telegram Premium will take shape or if the company will release paid features for everyday users.
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