Last month, Telegram unveiled its digital currency, Stars, for in-app use. Now, the messaging platform is taking it a step further by allowing creators to monetize their content using Stars. This new feature enables channels to convert Stars into Toncoin, the cryptocurrency used by Telegram on The Open Network (TON) blockchain. Alternatively, Stars can be used to get discounts on channel promotions.
Initially, Stars were launched to facilitate the purchase of digital goods from bots and apps within Telegram. With the latest update, content creators can now post premium content that users can unlock using Stars.
Channel owners have the flexibility to withdraw Stars and convert them to Toncoin through the Fragment platform. Once they have Toncoin, they can trade it on various crypto exchanges and transfer funds to their bank accounts. Telegram has previously utilized this portal to auction usernames on the TON blockchain.
Moreover, channel owners can leverage Stars to get discounts on advertisements, promoting their channels more effectively.
New Features and Enhancements
Telegram’s latest update brings a host of new features to enhance user experience:
- Mini App Bar: A new Mini App bar at the bottom of the interface allows users to quickly access mini apps without reloading them.
- Enhanced Story Discovery: Users can now discover stories more easily by tapping on hashtags to view all public stories with that hashtag in the caption. Location tags have also been introduced, allowing users to see all public stories from a particular place by tapping on the location tag.
Business-Centric Features
In its quest to reach a billion active users and achieve profitability, Telegram has rolled out several business-centric features this year:
- Location and Opening Hours: Small businesses can now add their location and opening hours, making it easier for customers to find them.
- Customized Start Pages and Messages: Businesses can create customized start pages, predefined greeting messages, and away messages, enhancing customer interaction.
- Support for Chatbots: Telegram continues to support chatbots, further boosting business communication on the platform.
With these updates, Telegram aims to offer a robust alternative to platforms like WhatsApp, providing creators and businesses with more tools to engage their audiences and grow their presence.
Stay tuned for more exciting features as Telegram continues to innovate and expand its offerings.
