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Users can set up Secret Chats with messages that disappear after a determined amount of time. The app is free to use and earns money from donations. Moreover, there is no in-app advertising, and the developers don't share user data with third parties. Its main competition in the field of privacy includes less-known apps such as Threema and Signal Messaging.
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It features end-to-end encryption and cloud-based messaging. Is Telegram safe?Īnother aspect that sets Telegram apart from its competitors is the amount of security it provides to its users. If you have too many chats, you can organize them into chat folders, and configure the settings as you'd like. Moreover, a catalogue of over 20 thousand stickers by professional artists is available. For example, bots on the app create quizzes and educational tests for anyone to take. Other featuresĪpart from classic messaging and the channels, Telegram boasts other interesting features. Then, you broadcast messages as you would in a private chat. Setting up a channel is straightforward - you give it a name, create a URL, and invite contacts. Alternatively, you can get a link from another user or on online lists on particular websites.
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The global search function allows you to do so through keywords. You can find channels to follow in three ways. In the latter case, you'll see a verification symbol next to the admin profile. Most revolve around specific hobbies or topics of interest, but even government bodies sometimes share content using this platform. These can be private or public, and any user can create one. ChannelsĬhannels are one-way messaging platforms where admins can post messages, and an unlimited number of subscribers can access them.
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Telegram features many photo editing tools for exposure, saturation, blur, curves, and much more. You can send messages and videos through the chat option, too. For personalisation purposes, the app also allows you to use a photo from your device or one of the included images as chat background. The conversation threads are well-designed and easy to follow. The group chats can contain up to 200 thousand people. Telegram allows you to send messages, voice clips, and stickers, to your contacts individually and in groups.
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You also add a username to your profile, and anyone can find you through this identifier, as well. Since users create their profiles using phone numbers, you'll see all the people whose numbers you have on your phone in your Telegram contacts. Users can find online tutorials for more complex features. Since Telegram hosts more features than its more popular counterparts, it comes with a learning curve. If you already have the app installed and set up on another device, you can perform a quick login with the QR code. When you first open the app, it will require you to register with your cellphone number.
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