The messaging service Telegram has introduced several new features related to paid content. Users can therefore support their favorite channels and providers with so-called Telegram stars, The company says. Channel operators can convert Stars into in-house cryptocurrency Toncoin (Telegram Open Network) or discounted advertising.
Advertisement
Users can buy stars through in-app purchases and use them to purchase digital products such as e-books, online courses or items in Telegram games. Users can now also donate their stars to channel operators. Anyone who does not block the function can appear as a top supporter of a channel.
Stars allow users to support channels or content creators and send them money.
(Image: Telegram)
Paywall for content and channels
Another feature to monetize content is Star Memberships. Content creators can set up channels that users can only subscribe to via a special invite link. These memberships are subject to a fee; the fee must be paid monthly in Telegram currency.
With stars — an in-app currency — users can unlock paid content.
(Image: Telegram)
Creators can also put images and videos behind a paywall in their channels. Users can unlock paid contributions for bots in exchange for stars. Super channels should have a stronger cover of groups. Previously, channel owners could only act as senders on the channel. Now it should also be possible for owners and admins to write in the role of themselves or another channel of theirs.
Stars now also enables paid subscriptions for specific channels.
(Image: Telegram)
The document viewer on iOS also has a novelty: the Telegram browser now opens files in separate tabs. This is intended to make it easier to switch between files and messages.
Telegram celebrated its eleventh birthday in August and claims to have over 900 million active users.
Read this also
(Are)
Web Tips: Stories from the quantum world
