Telegram is rolling out a host of upgrades as part of its January feature drop, including “one-time viewing” video and audio messages, the ability to pause recording while sending a video or audio message, and new read time controls.
The app provided “one-time viewing” photos and videos One-on-one conversation in September 2023. The company is now expanding this feature to include voice and video messages. Users can tap the microphone icon to start recording and then swipe up to tap the “View Once” icon to allow the recipient to hear the audio message or see the video message just once.
Additionally, Telegram is rolling out the ability to stop and resume recording for audio and video messages through the same menu.
Telegram is also adding a way for people to know when a recipient has read your message in private conversations between two people. You can turn off this feature in settings.
The company is also offering some new features for paid users. Now, premium users can hide their reading time but can still see someone else’s reading time if they share it publicly.
Additionally, paid users can choose who can message them first. They can select either “Everyone” or “My Contacts & Featured User.”
Last month, Telegram launched new features for better channel discovery and customization. Later in the month, it introduced improved calls with end-to-end encryption protection that consumes less of your phone’s battery. The company has also updated its bot platform to allow bots to interact with messages, manage interactions, quotes and links, and send replies to chats or other topics.