The messaging app also disabled new media uploads to its blogging tool

Telegram has released a new update that brings live-streaming to Stories, adds automated scheduling options for messages, and introduces an auction-based system for distributing limited-edition gifts. The update also includes refreshed interface elements on Android and iOS, along with new tools for creators who use external streaming software.

Live Stories

Users can now start live streams directly inside a Telegram Story, enabling real-time broadcasts without switching to a separate video chat or group call. Viewers can post comments during the stream, and messages can be highlighted or pinned using Telegram Stars. A visible Star counter in the corner of the stream shows the total Stars earned, and viewers can tap it to contribute more.

Comments and Reactions in Group Calls

Participants in group calls and video chats can now share thoughts instantly using live comments and reactions. These appear briefly on-screen, letting users respond with emojis or short messages whether to show appreciation, confirm details, or engage while muted. This feature is available for group calls and video chats with fewer than 1,000 participants, making conversations more dynamic and expressive.

Liquid Glass Interface for iOS 26

Telegram for iOS introduces an upgraded Liquid Glass interface aligned with Apple’s iOS 26 design. The bottom navigation bar, keyboard, and sticker panel now feature translucent elements and a refraction effect, creating a smoother, more immersive experience.

Another impressive addition in the update is the introduction of chat-specific hashtags to help users filter through content and quickly find relevant information. Bots and mini apps can now participate in the platform’s ad revenue-sharing program, which in return, would allow them to send up to 30 messages.

The Telegram features rollout positions Telegram as a leading choice for users seeking a robust messaging platform. Moreover, after all the hardships and issues Telegram app has faced this year, this upgrade is considered a huge step forward, gaining back user’s trust and providing very demanded features.

Telegram has also included a feature called Anonymous Group Admins. This feature could turn any admin’s identity anonymous in a Group and all the messages sent by the admins on the Group will be reflected in the name of the Group itself. This feature is already applicable to Telegram Channels, and now available to the Groups as well.

A few animated pop-ups have been added to the kitty for Android users where they can see new animation while deleting messages, saving media, or changing notifications. Hiding the keyboard, or switching between day and night themes could be easily done from the left menu. Telegram adds more animated emojis on their platform for users to share among their contacts.

Other Recent Features  and Updates by Telegram to Elevate User Experience

These new features follow an upgrade made in September. The team announced last month that they had reached 10 million paid Telegram subscribers. Alongside this achievement, they introduced new features and discontinued older ones.

Telegram removed the “People Nearby”, which had low usage (less than 0.1% of users) and was vulnerable to misuse by bots and scammers. It was replaced with a new feature called “Businesses Nearby”, allowing verified businesses to showcase products, display catalogs, and accept payments securely.

The messaging app also disabled new media uploads to its blogging tool, Telegraph, due to misuse by anonymous users. Recently, Telegram improved its video chats, added new content reporting options, and introduced other enhancements to the platform.

To increase transparency, official third-party providers have the option to add additional verification icons to user accounts and chats. If a user is verified by a third party, a little logo is displayed next to the name. The company does stress, though, that third-party verification marks are entirely distinct from the verified checkmarks that Telegram offers to prominent personalities and institutions

By - Aaraday Sharma