Telegram launches Instagram-like stories feature for premium users

Last month, Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov made an exciting announcement that the app developers were working on testing an Instagram-like Stories feature with enhanced privacy controls. Recently, the feature has gone live, but currently, it is only accessible to Premium subscribers.

In line with the popular Stories format on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and WhatsApp, Telegram users can now share images and videos that will automatically disappear after a designated time. To make the Stories engaging, users can add links and captions, tag other individuals on the platform, and interact with other users' Stories through comments and reactions.

To maintain a clutter-free experience, Telegram has opted for a minimalistic approach. The Stories bar appears at the top of the screen, similar to Instagram, but it doesn't take up too much screen space, ensuring a seamless user interface. An interesting feature carried over from Telegram's 'Video Messages' is the ability to add and post photos taken simultaneously from both the front and rear cameras.

One unique aspect that sets Telegram Stories apart from other platforms is the granular control over Story durations. While most platforms automatically remove Stories after 24 hours, Premium subscribers on Telegram can choose from four options: 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours, offering them more flexibility and control over their shared content.

Additionally, Telegram has introduced a new feature that allows users to create custom lists with different contacts. This enables users to choose which Stories are visible to specific groups of contacts, adding an extra layer of privacy and personalization. Moreover, users can also hide their Stories from one or more individuals by simply adding them to the 'Hidden' list in the 'Contacts' section.

As of now, all Telegram users can view Stories, but only Premium subscribers have the privilege of posting Stories. It remains unclear whether this feature will eventually be made available to free users. However, considering that Stories are typically free on most social media platforms, it is plausible that Telegram might make it available to all users in the near future.

With the addition of this innovative Stories feature, Telegram aims to enhance user engagement and provide a secure and customizable way for its users to share their moments with their chosen audience. As the platform continues to evolve and adapt, users can expect more exciting updates and features in the pipeline.