For such a powerful messaging app, Telegram really needs to make money. The company took steps to monetize its platform last year through ad sales and additional features for large-scale group channels. But if the latest beta version of its iOS app is any indication, regular users may soon be asked to pay for more of the experience too.
During testing of version 8.7.2, the Telegram beta channel discovered a collection of reactive emoji symbols and stickers that were marked as exclusive to Telegram Premium. Users who select these stickers and reactions will be prompted to sign up for the service. Even premium stickers that appear in conversation threads are blocked from viewing by free users and replaced with the same call to action.
Details of the program itself – including price and what other benefits are on offer – are not yet known.
Depending on which stickers or emojis end up being your favorites, you might be disappointed by the discovery of another feature: In the past week, news broke that there will be an avatar creator on the macOS client that will allow users to Combine simple or patterned gradients with their favorite emoji or sticker or even just a monogram. Equally disappointing is that there is no indication of where or when this is.
In the future with Telegram Premium, it’s not pleasant to guess which upcoming features will be free for everyone and which will only be available to paying users, but at this point, everyone is just looking for definitive answers.
