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Telegram May Add Premium Subscription With Exclusive Reactions and Stickers

A paid option for the popular messaging app is reportedly in the works.

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Macy Meyer is a N.C. native who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2021 with a B.A. in English and Journalism. She currently resides in Charlotte, N.C., where she has been working as an Editor I, covering a variety of topics across CNET's Home and Wellness teams, including home security, fitness and nutrition, smart home tech and more. Prior to her time at CNET, Macy was featured in The News & Observer, The Charlotte Observer, INDY Week, and other state and national publications. In each article, Macy helps readers get the most out of their home and wellness. When Macy isn't writing, she's volunteering, exploring the town or watching sports.
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Macy Meyer
Telegram

Telegram has more than 500 million users on the platform. 

 Sarah Tew/CNET

Popular messaging app Telegram seems to be exploring a new way to make money: a "premium" subscription with exclusive stickers and reaction emojis. 

As earlier reported by Android Police, beta testers for Telegram's iOS app noticed the features in version 8.7.2. Telegram users will reportedly be prompted to sign up for a paid subscription once they select certain reactions or stickers in the app. Users who have the free version reportedly won't be able to view these premium features in conversation threads. 

Since Telegram Premium is merely a rumor as of now, there's no additional information on how much the premium subscription would cost, when it would be released, and what other features or exclusives could be added. 

Telegram has made several money moves over the last year. In December 2020, Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov unveiled plans for the app to make revenue through ad sales and extra paid features. The company has also recently expanded into livestreaming, chatbots, cryptocurrency and more to monetize the platform. 

Telegram -- like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and other messaging apps -- must figure out how to generate revenue within the app while also not disrupting the chat function. 

Telegram didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. 

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