Telegram is releasing a raft of updates as part of its January feature rollout, including “view-once” audio and video messages, the capability to pause recording during the sending of an audio or video message, and new controls for read time.
The app first incorporated “view-once” photos and videos for one-on-one chats in September 2023. Now, the company is expanding this feature to include voice and video messages. Users can press the mic icon to begin recording and then swipe up to select the “view-once” function, which will enable the receiver to listen to the voice message or view the video message a single time.
Furthermore, Telegram is introducing a feature that allows users to pause and resume recording for both voice and video messages via the same menu.
Telegram is also introducing a feature allowing users to see when their message has been read in one-on-one private chats, with the option to turn this feature off in the settings.
Moreover, the company is rolling out additional features specifically for paid users. Premium users can now hide their read time but are still able to view someone else’s read time if it is made public.
Paid users are also given the flexibility to select who can send them messages first. They can choose between “Everyone” or “My Contacts and Premium Users.”
Last month, Telegram introduced new features for improved channel discovery and customization. Later, it rolled out enhancements to calls, including end-to-end encryption protection that drains less battery life. Additionally, the company updated its bot platform to enable bots to respond to messages, manage reactions, quotes and links, and send replies to other chats or topics.
