In a landmark announcement, Telegram’s founder and CEO Pavel Durov revealed that the number of Premium subscribers on the platform has surpassed 10 million. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Telegram, which launched its paid Premium service just over a year ago in June 2022. As the company celebrates this rapid growth, it’s also undergoing strategic changes to refine its user experience and maintain its focus on privacy and security.
Premium Success: A Testament to Telegram’s Unique Value Proposition
Telegram Premium offers an enhanced user experience for subscribers, who gain access to exclusive features such as faster file downloads (up to 4 GB in size), the ability to disable ads, transcribe voice messages, and access premium stickers and more. These benefits have proven attractive to millions, with Telegram reaching 1 million Premium subscribers by December 2022, just six months after the service’s launch.
By crossing the 10 million subscriber threshold, Telegram has solidified itself as one of the major players in the messaging space, successfully competing with giants like WhatsApp and Signal. This growth underscores the increasing demand for privacy-centric and feature-rich messaging platforms, especially as concerns around data security continue to rise globally.
Streamlining the Platform: Out with “People Nearby”, In with “Businesses Nearby”
Alongside the announcement of its Premium subscriber milestone, Durov also detailed some key feature changes. One notable decision is the removal of the “People Nearby” feature, which was first introduced in 2019. The feature allowed users to discover others in their vicinity, but it suffered from low engagement—less than 0.1% of Telegram’s user base actively used it. Additionally, it was plagued by abuse from bots and scammers, prompting Telegram to retire it.
Replacing “People Nearby” is the new “Businesses Nearby” feature. This pivot reflects Telegram’s ongoing effort to support its massive user base with relevant, practical services. With “Businesses Nearby”, users can connect with trusted companies, browse product catalogs, and even make payments directly on the platform. This business-oriented feature aligns with Telegram’s vision of becoming more than just a messaging app—offering utility for commerce and entrepreneurship.
Shutting Down Telegraph Media Uploads Amid Moderation Concerns
Another feature being quietly sunset is the ability to upload new media to Telegraph, Telegram’s standalone blogging tool. While Telegraph was initially a useful platform for creating and sharing content, it had the potential for misuse. Durov emphasized the importance of safeguarding Telegram’s reputation, noting that while 99.999% of users are law-abiding, a small fraction (0.001%) involved in illegal activities can tarnish the image of the entire platform.
The decision to disable Telegraph uploads is part of a broader effort by Telegram to strengthen moderation and prevent bad actors from exploiting the platform. Durov made it clear that Telegram’s goal in 2024 is to transform its moderation efforts from a point of criticism to an area of praise, showing a commitment to better policing the platform without compromising its core values of privacy and freedom of expression.
Navigating the Balance Between Innovation and Integrity
Telegram’s evolution in recent months highlights its ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of social media and messaging. As the platform grows, so too do the challenges of maintaining a balance between innovation and integrity. Features like “People Nearby” may have seemed exciting at the time of their launch, but as the platform scaled, it became evident that certain elements were not as functional—or safe—as initially envisioned.
Meanwhile, the introduction of “Businesses Nearby” points to Telegram’s ambition to carve out a niche in the burgeoning space of social commerce. By enabling trusted companies to post catalogs and accept payments, Telegram is positioning itself to rival other commerce-friendly apps, potentially even stepping into the realm of e-commerce giants like Instagram and WhatsApp Business.
Looking Forward: Moderation as a Key Focus
One of the most intriguing aspects of Durov’s announcement is Telegram’s newfound focus on moderation. As platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have discovered, scaling a user base to hundreds of millions or even billions of users brings with it the responsibility of managing a wide array of content. The digital landscape is rife with challenges, from disinformation to spam, and Telegram’s decision to prioritize moderation suggests the company is taking proactive steps to protect its users.
Durov’s vision for Telegram moderation becoming an area of “praise” signals a departure from the often laissez-faire attitude that many messaging platforms take towards content oversight. How Telegram navigates this new path will be critical, particularly as its user base approaches the 1 billion mark.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Telegram
As Telegram marks 10 million Premium users, the company stands at a crossroads. It is no longer just a messaging app for private conversations—it is evolving into a comprehensive platform for communication, business, and commerce. With the removal of outdated features and the introduction of new, commerce-driven ones, Telegram is positioning itself for long-term success.
At the same time, Durov’s focus on moderation is a clear acknowledgment that the platform’s future depends on its ability to protect users from misuse while maintaining the privacy and freedom that have made it so popular. As Telegram continues to grow and innovate, one thing is clear: the company is more committed than ever to refining its platform for a better user experience and a safer digital world.