Telegram Update: Paid Messages, Enhanced Verification, and More

Telegram has rolled out a major update packed with new features to refine user experience and security.

Paid Messages

Users can now charge for messages from people outside their contact list. Whether it’s to filter out unwanted messages, ensure meaningful requests, or even monetize popularity—this feature provides more control.

Users can also introduce paid messages in their channels for comments. This feature can help groups prevent spam while also offering monetization opportunities.

• Enabling paid messages in personal chats requires a Telegram Premium subscription and can be activated in Settings > Privacy > Messages. For groups, the option is available under Permissions.
• Users and groups receiving Telegram Stars for incoming messages can exchange them for rewards via Fragmentin TON cryptocurrency.

• Group owners can view their Stars balance directly in the group's profile. Telegram clarified that earned Stars can be withdrawn 21 days after receiving them.

Information About New Contacts

Users can now view details about people outside their contact list who message them for the first time. This information block provides basic details to help identify scammers or impersonators.

The block includes the following data:

• The country determined by the phone number
• Shared groups, if any
• Registration date—helpful in identifying newly created accounts
• Approximate time of the last username or profile picture update
• Account status—can be official, verified by a third-party service, or standard

With this new feature, you’re in control of who gets your attention — no more second-guessing unknown senders or falling for impersonators.

What Else is New?

• Telegram Premium can now be purchased with Telegram Stars, either for yourself or as a gift to another user.

• Collectible gifts can now be pinned in the list—up to six of them can be displayed on a user's profile cover.

• Android users can now stream videos to Chromecast-supported devices directly from the Telegram app.

• Telegram Gateway, which was already 9 times cheaper than other services, now offers an additional 20% cost reduction.
• Developers can set a maximum delivery time for codes—if a code is not delivered within that timeframe, the fee is automatically refunded.

• This service can be tested for free: app owners only need to pay $0.01 per verification code.