In a highly anticipated announcement, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov revealed that the popular messaging app will be introducing a Stories feature in early July. Durov acknowledged the overwhelming demand for this functionality, with more than half of all feature requests received by Telegram being related to Stories. The company’s initial hesitation, as Stories are already ubiquitous across social media platforms, gave way to the decision to embrace the wishes of its user base.
The Stories feature on Telegram aims to provide a more interactive and socially engaging experience for its millions of users worldwide. Users will have the ability to selectively choose who can view their stories, whether it’s everyone, their contacts, a few selected individuals, or a personalized list of close friends. These stories will be prominently displayed in an expandable section at the top of the chat list, ensuring easy accessibility and exploration.
Telegram’s implementation of Stories goes beyond the conventional format seen on other platforms. Users will have the unique option to capture photos and videos simultaneously using both the front and rear cameras, reminiscent of the popular “BeReal” style. Captions, links, and the ability to tag other users will further enhance the storytelling capabilities of Telegram’s Stories feature.
One notable aspect of Telegram’s Stories is the ability for users to determine their lifespan. Stories can be set to expire after six, 12, 24, or 48 hours. Alternatively, users have the option to permanently display selected stories on their profile page, much like the Story highlights feature on Instagram. This functionality aims to make Telegram profiles more dynamic and informative, allowing users to gain deeper insights into the individuals they interact with in groups or channel comments.
Durov also highlighted the positive impact of Stories on Telegram’s channels. Once the feature is live, users will be able to repost messages from channels to their own stories, which can significantly increase exposure and attract more subscribers. This strategic move aims to make content go viral on Telegram more easily, fostering a more engaging and socially vibrant environment.
During internal testing, even skeptics within the Telegram team began to appreciate the value of the Stories feature. Durov emphasized that Stories have become an integral part of the messaging service, and Telegram can no longer imagine its platform without this captivating storytelling element.
The Stories feature is currently in its final testing phase and is scheduled to be released in early July. Durov expressed his confidence that this addition will herald a new era for Telegram, transforming the platform into a more social and interactive space. With the imminent launch of Stories, Telegram aims to provide its users with an enhanced messaging experience that combines the convenience of instant communication with the immersive storytelling elements found on popular social media platforms.
