In an exciting development, Telegram has rolled out its highly anticipated Stories feature exclusively to its Premium users, as confirmed in a tweet on Friday. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov had previously announced the addition of Stories in July, responding to the growing demand from users [1]. The introduction of Stories marks a significant milestone for the popular messaging app and aims to provide users with a new way to share their moments and engage with their connections. Let’s explore the features of Telegram Stories and the benefits it brings to Premium users.
Unveiling Telegram Stories
The Stories feature on Telegram allows users to share captivating photos and videos that automatically disappear after a designated period. Although similar features have become commonplace in various social media and messaging platforms, Telegram has incorporated its own unique elements to make Stories stand out.
Control Your Story Audience
One of the distinguishing features of Telegram Stories is the ability to decide who can view your content. With a range of options, you can choose to share your Stories with everyone, your contacts, a select few contacts, or even a list of close friends. This granular control ensures that you share your moments only with the desired audience, enhancing privacy and personalization.
Captions, Links, and Tags
Telegram Stories also allow users to add captions and links to their visual content, providing more context and enabling the inclusion of external resources. Additionally, users have the option to tag other individuals in their Stories, fostering interactivity and engagement within the platform [1]. These features empower users to create more dynamic and informative Stories.
Dual Camera Support
Telegram’s Stories feature showcases its innovative side by offering support for simultaneous photos and videos taken with both the front and rear cameras [3]. This feature, reminiscent of BeReal’s popular style, enables users to capture their moments from multiple perspectives, adding a unique touch to their Stories.
Flexible Expiration Timers
Users can customize the expiration timer for their Stories, ranging from six to 48 hours. Furthermore, it provides the option to have Stories permanently displayed on a user’s profile page, similar to Instagram’s Story highlights. This flexibility ensures that users can tailor their Stories to fit their preferences and desired level of visibility.
Telegram Premium and Stories
While all users can view Stories, the privilege to post Stories is exclusively reserved for Premium subscribers. Premium version offers additional benefits such as larger file uploads, faster downloads, and the ability to follow 1,000 channels. The introduction of Stories as an exclusive feature for Premium users incentivizes users to opt for the subscription, further supporting the platform’s growth.
User Feedback and Evolution
Initially, the idea of adding Stories to Telegram was met with skepticism within the company [3]. However, Durov revealed that after internal testing, even the skeptics on the Telegram team began to appreciate the feature, and they now believe it’s an integral part of the messaging service. This highlights the importance of listening to user feedback and continuously evolving to meet user demands.
Conclusion
With the introduction of Stories to its Premium users, Telegram has expanded its array of features and enhanced user engagement within the platform. The ability to share ephemeral moments, control the audience, and add interactive elements adds a new dimension to the messaging experience [1]. As it continues to evolve, it reaffirms its commitment to meeting user demands and embracing innovation within the messaging landscape.
