Telegram has become one of the largest messaging platforms with 950 million users as of July 2024.
The strengths of this platform are privacy features, innovative tools, and user-centric enhancements.
However, the big question is, what does its future really hold? Will it stay the awesome privacy-focused platform, or will competition and regulatory challenges reshape its role in the messaging world?
From my perspective, the future of this platform is very dynamic. On the one hand, there are exciting developments like AI chatbots, gaming features, and business tools.
However, there were recent privacy changes that have left some users questioning its commitment to being the “privacy-first” app it claims to be”.
Let’s dive into all the possible scenarios shaping Telegram’s future and what they mean for users like you and me.
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Telegram has always been the best friend of privacy, but recent events have complicated its image.
As you know, Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France on August 24, 2024, and afterward, the platform announced significant changes to its privacy policies. Here’s what’s happening:
1) Data Sharing and Authorities: Remember that nobody including NOBODY was able to see who you really are on Telegram? Well, the platform now states that users’ phone numbers and IP addresses will be shared if required by valid court orders. That’s a big departure from its previous no-compromise stance on privacy.
2) Content Moderation Updates: The platform has upgraded its moderation features so that users can report illegal activity, which can be reviewed automatically or manually.
You may be asking yourself right now, what were the user reactions?
Well, even though this privacy move was made to help Telegram comply with regulatory pressures, it caused user migration, leading users who really care about top privacy to leave Telegram for platforms like Signal, Session, and Discord.
I don’t think that this move is so dramatic, but it’s important to understand that Telegram is not the privacy fortress we used to think.
This interesting video talks about whether you can trust Telegram or not:
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Telegram’s Business Pivot: A Monetization Machine
One thing is clear: Telegram is getting monetized, and honestly, I think this is a smart move.
There are a few features Telegram rolled out to increase its profitability, targeting both individual users and businesses:
1) Telegram Business Accounts: Launched in April 2024, those business accounts are pretty similar to WhatsApp business accounts, which shows the competition between Meta and Telegram. Telegram business accounts come with tools like preset replies, chat tags, and chatbot integration.
2) Revenue Sharing for Channels: Did you know that public channels with over 1,000 subscribers can now earn 50% of ad revenue, making Telegram a hot spot for creators?
3) Cryptocurrency Integration: Telegram is doubling down on Toncoin, using it for ad revenue sharing. This is a huge move that positions the platform as crypto-supportive.
Competing in the Gaming and Entertainment Space
This is huge. Telegram enters the gaming and entertainment markets by leveraging the TON blockchain to support crypto-based games and tap-to-earn titles. According to Telegram, Games are a new type of content on Telegram that your bot can send to users.
There are cool Telegram games to play both solo and online.
I believe balancing the gaming features with Telegram’s core messaging functionality can be amazing.
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What’s Next in Entertainment?
1) Video Enhancements: Faster loading, higher quality, and better playback options are already in place.
2) AI-Powered Chatbots: Coming soon, these chatbots aim to revolutionize customer service and user engagement.
What Telegram Could Look Like in the Future
So here’s what we have been waiting for! Based on recent developments, these are the scenarios for Telegram’s future that make sense:
1) A Super App
In this scenario, Telegram expands beyond messaging and incorporates:
- Business tools rivaling WhatsApp
- Crypto integrations for payment, gaming, and ad revenue
- AI-driven features like build-in chatbots and transcriptions
2) A Privacy-Focused Comeback
As more and more users are worried about the privacy aspect of Telegram, the platform could re-emphasize its privacy credentials to win back users who’ve migrated to alternatives. It may include:
- Advanced encryption features
- Decentralized messaging options
3) Gaming and Entertainment Hub
Even though the platform is still far from this scenario, it can turn its gaming and video features into the main focus. This way, Telegram could carve a niche as a hub for creators, gamers, and entertainment enthusiasts.
4) IPO and Global Expansion
Rumors are suggesting a potential IPO, which means Telegram might go public in the coming years.
This move could fuel global expansion and innovation we have never dreamt of!
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Final Thoughts: A Dynamic Future
Telegram’s future is far from set in stone. But one thing is certain – The platform keeps evolving.
Whether you are a digital marketer, a business owner, or just a Telegram user who loves messaging, I think it’s worth keeping an eye on this platform as it can reshape online messaging as we know it.
I think that Telegram’s success hinges on balancing innovation and privacy simultaneously.
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