It’s looking like the very popular messaging app Telegram is on the hunt for ways to boost revenue generation through the use of the app. Following a recent Telegram update allowing users to add custom notification sounds that could theoretically be “any sound on planet earth”, it looks like the team behind Telegram have not slowed down one bit. Some very interesting words have turned up in a beta version of the app.
First spotted by Android Police, the words “Unlock additional reactions by subscribing to Telegram Premium” are clearly on show in version 8.7.2 on the Telegram Beta Channel. This would seem to indicate that new premium reaction emojis and stickers will only be available to subscribers to a new Telegram Premium service.
Interestingly, according to the version currently under beta testing, this premium subscription isn’t only required to send these new features either. It looks like anybody receiving a new premium emoji or sticker will have to subscribe too. Non-subscribers will only get to see a blurred-out version of their messages alongside a prompt to sign up for the new premium service.
Just like with WhatsApp, Telegram has long suffered from the ‘how to make money question’ that hangs around the necks of all free messaging services. WhatsApp decided to avoid charging the personal users of its service, instead opting to experiment with Business charges. This move from Telegram indicates a move in a different direction, with premium tiers offering Telegram’s most devout users a chance to enhance their experience by paying a premium. If you think about how much money Fortnite has made selling skins, you can see why this might be an attractive option for the messaging app.
The question, though, is will this service be attractive to Telegram users with the app having a slightly more serious image than some of the other massaging apps out there. Other services like Discord have implemented a similar service, with the Nitro subscription coming in at $10 a month. Nitro offers a lot more than just emojis and stickers though, also giving users access to more bandwidth to help stream higher quality audio and video.
As Telegram Premium still doesn’t exist it is safe to safe there is still quite a bit of development to come before it launches. We’ll keep you updated on developments as they come. In the meantime, why not check out these 6 useful Telegram features.
