Telegram Announces New Stories Feature

Telegram

Messaging app Telegram has announced that it will add a Stories feature in July. According to CEO Pavel Durov, Stories have been one of the most requested features by users, accounting for more than half of all feature requests the platform receives. He also said the platform was initially against Stories since it was available on every platform but ultimately decided to listen to its users.

Telegram's version of Stories will differ from other existing platforms. Users will be able to control who can view their Stories, such as Everyone, Only Your Contacts, Selected Contacts, or Close Friends. They can also choose how long Stories will last, either 6, 12, 24, or 48 hours, or have them displayed permanently on their profile page. Stories will be available in an expandable section of their chat list, making them easy to access without taking up too much space. Users will be able to use various photo and video editing tools, add captions and links, and tag other people in their Stories. Additionally, they can access a dual camera to take front and back photos, similar to BeReal.

Stories are coming to Telegram at a time when some platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter have phased out their versions of the content format. With Telegram's iteration, the platform adds its twist on the feature in a way that provides the most value for its users. Stories can help users share more content with others, especially when Stories are saved permanently on their profiles. With the ability for users to repost channel messages to Stories in the near future, Stories can help users reach a broader audience and gain more exposure, which can help them grow their presence.

Telegram has experienced strong growth, particularly in Russian markets since 2022 when many creators started flocking to the platform following restrictions on Facebook and Instagram due to the Russian and Ukraine war. WhatsApp is still available for use, though.