14 DAY TRIAL // We’ve known for a while that a premium version of Telegram was coming, but the whole thing is now official.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov has confirmed that Telegram Premium will launch later this month with exclusive goodies for paying subscribers.
Durov explains that the purpose of Telegram Premium is to unlock limits on chats, media, and file uploads, though the basic and free experience on Telegram wouldn’t by any means be impacted.
“After giving it some thought, we realized that the only way to let our most demanding fans get more while keeping our existing features free is to make those raised limits a paid option. That's why this month we will introduce Telegram Premium, a subscription plan that allows anyone to acquire additional features, speed and resources. It will also allow users to support Telegram and join the club that receives new features first,” Durov says.
No ads coming to Telegram
So what are Telegram Premium subscribers going to get if they pay for access to the service?
First and foremost, with Telegram Premium, users will be able to open larger documents, while also being provided with exclusive stickers and reactions.
“Not to worry though: all existing features remain free, and there are plenty of new free features coming. Moreover, even users who don't subscribe to Telegram Premium will be able to enjoy some of its benefits: for example, they will be able to view extra-large documents, media and stickers sent by Premium users, or tap to add Premium reactions already pinned to a message to react in the same way,” Durov says.
At this point, the Telegram founder seems to suggest that ads in the messaging platform are not an option, as the Premium option should help fund the service without the need for turning to advertisers to generate funds.