Telegram’s First 2025 Update Prioritizes Safety with Third-Party Account Verification

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Telegram’s first 2025 update is groundbreaking and enhances safety, engagement, and user experience.

Key takeaways

• Telegram introduces third-party account verification, setting a new safety benchmark.
• NFT-powered gifts take personalization to the next level and are now tradeable across platforms.
• Advanced message search filters redefine ease of communication within the app.

Safety takes center stage with third-party account verification

In its first significant move of 2025, Telegram has rolled out a new third-party account verification feature, signaling a substantial shift in platform security. 

This follows an updated privacy policy initiated by CEO Pavel Durov after his arrest last year by French authorities over the platform’s misuse in illegal activities, including drug trafficking and child abuse.

Telegram is now profitable 🏆

📈 This year, the number of Telegram Premium subscribers tripled, exceeding 12 million. Our ad revenue also increased a few times. Telegram's total revenue in 2024 surpassed $1 billion, and we are closing the year with more than $500 million in cash…

— Pavel Durov (@durov) December 23, 2024

The new verification model allows regulatory bodies and trusted consortiums to authenticate accounts; instead of the conventional blue checkmark, it uses a unique logo as a verified mark. 

Telegram believes this approach will reduce scams, curb misinformation, and create a safer ecosystem.

Accounts linked to verified entities will prominently display the organization’s logo, ensuring transparency and trust for users. 

This safety initiative and Telegram’s existing verification framework highlight the platform’s commitment to user protection and rebuilding trust.

NFT gifts powered by Telegram Stars

Telegram’s new feature, NFT Gifts Powered by Telegram Stars, is all about empowering users. 

It allows them to send customizable NFT gifts, which can be upgraded into collectible assets and traded on external platforms, putting the power of ownership in their hands.

Each NFT gift is unique, featuring randomized secondary traits like background color, icon design, and serial number. Certain combinations are rarer. 

These gifts can be purchased within the app or through the Fragment platform using TON crypto wallets. Telegram charges a transaction fee to cover blockchain costs.

This new feature combines the growing popularity of NFTs with Telegram’s innovative engagement tools, allowing users to own and trade unique digital assets.

Enhanced communication tools for a seamless user experience

Telegram’s latest update includes advanced message search filters across private chats, groups, and channels. 

This enhancement promises more efficient and accurate communication and reassures the app’s nearly one billion users that it will continue to be usable.

Additionally, emoji reactions for service messages bring a fun and interactive element to notifications, encouraging user engagement across the app’s growing community.

Telegram Reaches Profitability, Debuts First 2025 Update with Collectible Gifts, Message Search Filters, More…https://t.co/sjMSoiCYOs

— iClarified (@iClarified) January 2, 2025

Monetization success paves the way for future growth

Telegram’s sustainable monetization strategy, initiated in 2021, has finally borne fruit. By the end of 2024, the platform achieved profitability through Premium subscriptions, privacy-focused ads, and Telegram Stars. 

This financial stability allows the company to continue investing in privacy-first features while refining its UX design.

Telegram’s 2025 update showcases its commitment to safety, creativity, and user satisfaction. 

From redefining account verification to integrating NFT-powered gifts and advanced tools, the platform sets a new standard in the messaging app landscape, ensuring trust and innovation for the future.

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