Telegram Unveils New Features: Collectible Gifts, Enhanced Message Search, and More

Telegram has rolled out its first update of 2025, featuring a host of new functionalities aimed at enhancing user experience, according to Telegram. This update introduces collectible gifts, message search filters, service message reactions, and an in-app QR code scanner, among other features.

Collectible Gifts

The update allows users to upgrade gifts into collectible items with special attributes. These collectibles can be transferred to other users or auctioned on NFT marketplaces. Each collectible gift is a unique piece of art, with variations in appearance and secondary traits, making some more rare than others.

Reactions for Service Messages

Telegram users can now react to service messages, such as those notifying about new group members or video chat initiations. This feature enables users to express gratitude or welcome new members with ease.

Enhanced Message Search Filters

The search functionality in Telegram's chat list now includes additional filters. Users can refine their search results to display messages from private chats, group chats, or channels, making it easier to locate specific conversations.

Third-Party Verification

In an effort to improve transparency, Telegram now supports third-party verification. Verified services can assign additional verification icons to user accounts and chats, helping to prevent scams and misinformation. This decentralized approach sets a new safety standard for social platforms.

Additional Features

Telegram Premium users can now use custom emojis in chat folder names, adding a personalized touch to their organization. The in-app camera on Android and iOS has been updated to recognize QR codes by default, allowing users to open links in their preferred browser seamlessly.

These updates reflect Telegram's ongoing commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. The platform achieved profitability in 2024, driven by its sustainable monetization strategies, including Premium subscriptions and privacy-conscious ads. This financial milestone ensures Telegram can continue prioritizing user privacy and independence.