Collectible Gifts, Message Search Filters and More

Today we're releasing the first update of 2025, which includes collectible gifts that can be transferred or re-sent to other users, the ability to send reactions to in-chat events, filters for message search, an in-app QR code scanner and so much more.

Collectible Gifts

Gifts you receive on Telegram are now able to be upgraded to collectibles. Collectible gifts have special attributes and can be transferred to other users or auctioned on NFT marketplaces.

When you upgrade a gift it unlocks a new appearance from dozens of custom variations made by Telegram artists. Collectibles also receive a random set of secondary traits, including a background color, icon and number. This means every collectible gift is a unique work of art — and that some will be more rare than others.

More than 20 existing gifts like the Homemade Cake, Jelly Bunny, Spiced Wine and Santa Hat can already be upgraded to collectibles, totaling over 1400 unique appearances — with more to come in the future.

When buying a gift for another user, you can send it already upgraded — and watch as they unwrap their collectible artwork right in the chat. Upgrading a gift costs a small amount of Telegram Stars, which are used to cover blockchain fees.

If you're looking to obtain specific appearances or quickly build up your collection, collectible gifts can be instantly traded to other users.

Reactions for Service Messages

When someone sends you a gift, joins a group or starts a video chat, a special service message appears in the conversation. These messages now support reactions — so you can say thanks or welcome new members in just two taps.

Service messages also appear when someone calls you, changes the profile photo of a chat, applies a new chat background, starts a giveaway and more.

Message Search Filters

The search bar in your chat list lets you quickly find messages from any of your chats. Results in the 'Chats' tab now have extra filters that let you refine the list to show results only from private chats, group chats or channels.

Tap the other tabs in the Search interface to look through recent downloads and shared media — or to discover popular channels and mini apps.

Verification from Third Parties

Telegram allows public figures and organizations to become verified, so users can quickly identify official sources of information. To further improve transparency on Telegram, official third-party services are now able to assign extra verification icons to user accounts and chats.

This decentralized platform for additional verification will help prevent scams and reduce misinformation — with a unique proactive solution that sets a new safety standard for social platforms.

When a chat or account receives third-party verification, a small logo appears before their name. If you open their profile, you'll see a detailed explanation of their status and what it means.

Third-party verification is completely separate from the verified checkmarks that Telegram provides for public figures and organizations. In order to provide third-party verification to others, a service must first be verified by Telegram and complete an application.

More details on third-party verification are available in this guide.

Custom Emoji in Folder Names

Anyone can create customizable chat folders to help organize their conversations. Folders names now support custom emoji, which lets Premium users make their folders extra expressive — or more minimalist by replacing text with specific icons.

Over 12 million Telegram users subscribe to Telegram Premium, which offers 30 exclusive features — like faster download speeds, instant chat translation, unlimited custom emoji and more.

QR Code Scanner

The in-app camera on Android and iOS now recognizes QR codes by default, opening links in your preferred browser without switching apps.

To quickly open the in-app camera, swipe right on the main screen (on Android, tap on the camera icon in the bottom right corner).

Telegram Reaches Profitability

In 2021, Telegram first began implementing sustainable monetization features in order to stay independent and support its continued growth for years to come.

In 2024, thanks to Premium subscriptions, privacy-conscious ads, Telegram Stars and more, Telegram reached profibability. Thanks to you, our users, we were able to achieve this goal — which will allow us to keep prioritizing users and protecting privacy.

That's all for today's update — which was meant to be the 17th major update of 2024, but was sadly delayed by a lack of attention from Apple's review team. We wish you a Happy New Year, and we'll be back soon to make 2025 even more memorable.

January 1, 2025
The Telegram Team