{"id":61331,"date":"2014-02-25T17:28:14","date_gmt":"2014-02-25T15:28:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/onsoftware.en.softonic.com\/?p=61331"},"modified":"2025-07-02T00:51:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T07:51:35","slug":"telegram-better-than-whatsapp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/telegram-better-than-whatsapp\/","title":{"rendered":"What is TELEGRAM and how it works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Telegram <\/strong>is a popular multi-platform instant messaging app. Versions are available for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can also access it from a web browser. Telegram is a direct competitor to WhatsApp<\/strong>. It offers enhanced security in terms of privacy and encryption features and supports large group chats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Telegram has no ties to other social media platforms, unlike Facebook and WhatsApp, which are both owned by Facebook. At first glance, Telegram looks just about the same as WhatsApp, but there are many differences between the two. Let’s have a closer look at what Telegram is and how it works<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Telegram, and why is it so popular?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Telegram received a huge influx of new users during a controversy surrounding WhatsApp\u2019s privacy policy. The reason for this is that Telegram\u2019s most notable feature is security. Telegram encrypts its chats, media and groups shared between clients. It also allows you to put self-destruct timers on messages and media that you share. You can set these timers from two seconds to one week via a feature called \u2018Secret Chat<\/strong>\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Millions of users<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Telegram has become so successful that it recently hit the high mark of 500 million users<\/strong>. It\u2019s genuinely cloud-based, and you don\u2019t need your phone to use it on your desktop. You just sign in using your mobile number to access all your media, files, and chats without any transfer. It can accommodate huge groups of up to 200 000 members who can share files of up to 1.5 GB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How does Telegram work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some indications of how Telegram works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standout features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Telegram supports voice and video calls on iOS and Android devices. It has an add-on for stickers, emojis, and GIFs. And the best yet are the Telegram Bots<\/strong>, AI-inspired apps that can do many things. They\u2019re automatic tools that provide information on different topics, like the weather or new products, or news items. The bots can also play tunes, schedule reminders, and even make a to-do list for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edit your messages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve made a mistake or said something you regret, you can edit your message on Telegram, even if you\u2019ve already sent it. All you do is press and hold the message you want to change, and choose \u2018Edit\u2019<\/strong> from the options you\u2019ll see. You can rewrite as much as you like and there will be no trace of your edit unless the recipient has already read the original message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lock your private chats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can create a password in Telegraph to lock chats you want to keep private. You do so under Options<\/strong> > Privacy and Security<\/strong> > Password Lock<\/strong>. You\u2019ll see a padlock icon at the top of the screen on the right. You can use it to lock some chats permanently or for a period you specify. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Telegram channels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Telegram has private and public channels. The former is closed to everyone except the participants. You have to be added by the owner or get an invite link before you can join. Public channels<\/strong>, on the other hand, have a username. Anyone using the app can find them in Telegram<\/strong> search and join<\/strong>. Channels are designed for sending messages to a big audience. You can find channels that will interest you by going to the Telegram Channels<\/strong> website, where you\u2019ll find a list of channels for movies, books, and more arranged by topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making your Telegram channel pay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are three principal ways in which you can earn money on your Telegram channel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charge a subscription fee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Charging subscribers for access to excellent content on a private channel allows the channel\u2019s owner to make money. You can focus on promotions, ads, or exclusive content that people would be willing to pay to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paid Posts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your Telegram channel has a lot of subscribers, you can offer to run paid posts for businesses to promote their products and services to your followers or even to other Telegram channels. You share information with your subscribers while being paid by businesses to promote those services. Your channel can advertise shows and events, concerts, and workshops in your city for businesses for a fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Affiliate Links <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An affiliate link<\/strong> attaches a cookie to the browser or computer you\u2019re using to allow the website owner to see where traffic to the site is coming from. For instance, if someone clicks on a link to a shopping site from a blog, the owner can see the customer came to their site from a blogger\u2019s page and pay the blogger or affiliate a commission for directing traffic to the site. A Telegram bot <\/strong>can convert any shopping link into an affiliate link, which could help you start earning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Download Telegram<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Telegram is a really open app, and we’re expecting lots of changes in the future. Even though it lacks some features now, Telegram is a good option to keep an eye on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n