Telegram, in celebration of its 11th anniversary (August 14), has introduced a series of updates aimed at enhancing user experience and providing new monetization options for content creators.
Here’s what’s new in Telegram v11.0.0:
Star Reactions
Users can now support their favorite channels and content creators by sending Telegram Stars through a new Star reaction feature.
Channel owners receive 100% of the stars, which can be converted into Toncoin cryptocurrency or used for subsidized ads. Posts with star reactions display a leaderboard of top senders, though users can choose to opt out for privacy.
To enable Star Reactions, go to Channel Settings > Reactions > Enable Paid Reactions.
Star Subscriptions
Content creators can now create unique invite links that allow users to join a channel in exchange for a monthly payment in Telegram Stars.
This feature is ideal for offering exclusive content, early access to media, or VIP livestreams.
To set up a paid link, navigate to Channel Settings > Channel Type > Manage Invite Links > Create a New Link and select Require Monthly Fee.
Paid Media for Bots
Channel owners can now monetize their channels by posting paid photos and videos, a feature now extended to bots, including those managing Telegram Business accounts.
This update supports automation and enables the creation of sustainable services like image generation and video upscaling.
Content Creator Benefits
Telegram charges almost zero commission when developers or channel owners use stars to earn Toncoin rewards. Additionally, if these stars are reinvested in promoting channels through Telegram ads, a further 30% discount is provided.
Super Channels
A new mode called Super Channels allows admins of Telegram channels to post as their personal profiles or other channels, making the channel more interactive. Admins can switch the posting profile by tapping the profile picture in the message bar.
To activate this feature, go to Channel Settings > Administrators > Sign Messages and Show Authors’ Profiles.
Document Viewer on iOS
iOS users can now open documents like .pdf, .xls, or .docx in separate tabs within the Telegram browser, allowing for easier navigation between files and messages.
Availability
This update, which brings Telegram to version 11.0.0, is currently available for all iOS users and those who downloaded Telegram for Android directly from telegram.org/android. The Google Play version is under review and will be available soon.
Announcing the updates, Telegram posted:
Since August 2013, we’ve introduced hundreds of features and grown to nearly one billion users—all without a marketing budget—thanks to the support from you, our valued users and content creators. We’re already working on the next chapter of Telegram’s history.