Telegram is a messaging service created by Pavel Durov. It was first launched on Ios and Android, then on other platforms. Today, it has over 500 million users worldwide. Most Telegram customers use other competing platforms that have been linked to privacy scandals. For this reason, the platform insists on confidentiality. To this end, this messaging service offers reliable protection, distinguished features to match users' needs. Find out more about this messaging application in this guide.
How does Telegram work?
Telegram works like any other messaging platform. You can send messages to other users, create group conversations, call and send files and stickers. There are also other features on the platform, namely chat options. With Telegram, however, the privacy policy is much stricter. To this end, it uses end-to-end encryption software to prevent outsiders to a conversation from seeing the content of that conversation, whether it's pirate software, a company or the government. So far, the app has yet to experience any complaints, even though these encryptions only concern "secret" calls and conversations. What's more, Telegram doesn't work with any major communications companies.
It features a reinforced cloud to store all messages, photos and videos on a single server. As a result, users cannot access all this content from any connected device. Compared to other messaging apps, Telegram is pretty user-friendly.
Is Telegram a reliable tool?
Telegram is the best alternative to WhatsApp and Messenger. End-to-end data encryption doesn't depend on any communications company that can harm the user's privacy. What's more, the "secret conversation" function features a similar level of encryption. As a result, it will be impossible for a user to take a screenshot of messages in the chat, or even to make a transfer. Messages are also programmed to self-destruct, an option valid for both sides, meaning that users can delete their own messages and those of their interlocutors. Although it has a business model, it does not reflect the sale of data. In fact, the company is funded by its CEO, with no advertising or data collection.
The principle of confidentiality is based on protecting personal data from marketers and advertisers. Is it possible to hack Telegram? Find out in our article how to hack a Telegram account.
Free of charge
Telegram's core business is free chat. Although the company is beginning to employ new monetization methods, these involve the insertion of advertisements in public channels, open to all. To be honest, the basic principles are the same as those of a tweet. However, it does have premium features for ad authors. Thus, a portion of the funds will be paid out to users in the form of increased visibility for their channel, and to the creators of unique sticker packs.
Telegram on PC
Telegram can also be used on the PC with Telegram Wen and Telegram Desktop. It should be pointed out that these applications work differently. Telegram Desktop, for example, requires the installation of an application, while the web version can be accessed via any browser. As a result, you'll need a smartphone to launch Telegram Desktop. Users will then be able to connect to the application without their smartphone.
To do this, you need to download and install the Telegram Desktop software via its official website. Then open it and click on the "Start" menu. Scan the QR code once it appears on the window with your smartphone. Connecting to Telegram web, on the other hand, requires no application - it's done via a web browser.
Why use Telegram?
This messaging application has similar features to other messaging applications, however, other additional features make it unique on the market:
Secret discussions
It's a type of conversation that lets you participate in end-to-end encrypted messages. It can neither forward messages nor take screenshots of exchanges. You can, however, take and send photos. This secret conversation also features a self-destruct timer.
Global deletion of messages
This feature was created in 2019, and allows you to permanently erase all traces of a conversation with any person. A feature that gives you total control over all online communications. By the way, Telegram can support large files, up to 2GB, if the limit shouldn't exceed 300MB on other platforms. Files will be stored in a private cloud, so you can access them from any device.
Self-destruct timer
As a reminder, this option will only be available in secret conversations. Telegram sets self-destruct times to delete messages permanently. However, if you want to keep certain messages, simply deactivate the option. If you don't, you can set a time between 10 seconds and 1 week to self-destruct messages. The countdown begins as soon as the message is received.
The customization option
This option makes messages a little more user-friendly. You can choose the color and customize the way links open. For example, you can integrate animations, etc. when your message opens.
What are Telegram's limitations?
The limitation of this application lies in the announcement of new users. What's more, its privacy principles exceed the standards imposed by the platform. Then, the platform notifies your contacts when you connect to the application. On the other hand, you are not notified when you are about to send a "welcome" message to your contacts. This can be a problem, especially for those who want to use the support discreetly.
How do these "secret messages" work?
Telegram is among the most privacy-friendly applications. Chats do not benefit from end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encryption allows data to be decrypted only when it reaches the recipient. This feature allows the ISP, the messaging application and others to access your messages. On the other hand, for secret chat, discussions benefit from end-to-end encryption, but this encryption is only available on the device you start the conversation on. In other words, you won't be able to access the chat i you switch from a phone to a tablet or computer. To use it :
- Open Telegram
- Then go to the contacts section to access the list of friends.
- Then select the account you want to chat with
- Click on his profile, then on More
- Finally, click on Start a secret conversation.
Note that this step only applies to mobile applications. On other devices, create a separate secret chat, which will not be synchronized with your account.
How much money does Telegram make?
Telegram makes money through sponsored messages, a tool that allows advertisers to promote channels as well as bots. But before these private messages arrived, the platform was funded by its founder. Then, Telegram had already put together a $1 billion fundraising round by selling bonds to investors. In 2018, Telegram launched a $1.7 billion cash-raising round. The offering was halted by the SEC in 2019 as illegal.
Founder Durov tried to keep the platform afloat using the money he earned from selling his shares in VK. But, as the platform became wildly successful, this cash flow was no longer sufficient. In 2020, the CEO shared his plans to monetize the platform via his account. As a result, he ran sponsored ads in major public channels with over 1,000 members. As the number of sponsored ads increased, the tool shared the advertising profits with the creators. It's to be expected, however, that Telegram will launch premium features to boost its revenue stream.
How do you separate professional and personal discussions?
One of Telegram's special features is the ability to separate professional and personal discussions. This feature lets you organize your conversation according to your needs, in other words, separate discussions with family, work, friends and so on. Multitudes of possibilities for personalizing the application more effectively. To do so:
- Go to the
- Then, on parameters
- Next, open the chat folders
- Two categories will be added to the list of default folders: Personal and Unread.
- Create new folders to add discussions
When folders are created, they appear at the top of the chat window. If you wish to modify them :
- Long press on the chat icon
- And organize your conversations in separate folders to avoid unnecessary discussions.
For your information, this option works on both mobile and desktop versions. It is not currently offered by any messaging application. In short, Telegram is a messaging app with unique features perfect for those who need a messaging service with a lot more options.
Also discover in our article how to hack a Messenger account.
