Telegram Launches $5 Premium Subscription Plan

The instant messaging app revealed various exclusive features for premium subscribers.

Telegram Premium

Following a massive surge in growth, Telegram has announced the rollout of a subscription plan to help fund “continued development”.

“As Telegram keeps growing at rocket speed, many users have expressed their will to support our team,” the platform said in a blog post released on Sunday. “Today, we’re launching Telegram Premium – a subscription that lets you support Telegram’s continued development and gives you access to exclusive additional features.”

According to the company, the plan will allow users to retain free access to the app while providing much-requested features for paying customers.

Launched in 2013 as a substitute for Meta-owned WhatsApp, Telegram has been cost-free and mostly devoid of ads. It remained an underground alternative for privacy-focused users but has since risen to the mainstream. 

According to its team, Telegram now has over 700 million monthly active users. It is one of the top 5 downloaded apps in 2022.

New Features

Telegram Premium has several perks for paying users. They include:

• 4 GB uploads
• Faster downloads
• Doubled limits for channels, chat folders, and more
• Voice-to-text
• Unique stickers
• Unique reactions
• Chat management
• Animated profile pictures
• Premium badges
• Premium app icons
• Zero ads

Telegram Premium is now available for iOS users, with an Android version expected soon.