Telegram begins 2025 with collectible gifts, advanced filters, and other exciting features

Telegram, the popular messaging app with nearly a billion monthly active users, has kicked off 2025 with a series of feature-rich updates. The new release brings collectible gifts, in-chat reactions for service messages, advanced message search filters, third-party verification, customizable folder emojis, and an in-app QR code scanner, offering a more dynamic and engaging user experience.

Collectible Gifts

Telegram will allow users to upgrade gifts to collectible artworks. These collectible gifts come with unique attributes, such as custom variations designed by Telegram artists, and random secondary traits like background colour, icon, and number, making each gift a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Users can transfer these collectibles to others or even auction them on NFT marketplaces. When purchasing a gift for another user, it can be sent already upgraded, letting recipients unwrap their collectible artwork directly within the chat. Upgrading a gift requires Telegram Stars, a currency used to cover blockchain fees.

Reactions for Service Messages

Service messages, which appear when someone sends a gift, joins a group, or starts a video chat, now support reactions. With just two taps, users can react to these messages, making it easier to thank someone or welcome new members.  

Message Search Filters

Telegram’s search bar has been enhanced with new filters in the ‘Chats’ tab. Users can now refine search results to display messages exclusively from private chats, group chats, or channels, enabling quicker and more efficient navigation.

Verification from Third Parties

To further bolster transparency and safety, Telegram has introduced third-party verification for public figures and organizations. Verified accounts and chats will now display an additional icon assigned by official third-party services. Users can view detailed explanations of the verification status by opening the profile of the verified account or chat. This decentralized approach aims to combat scams and misinformation, setting a new standard for social platform safety.

Custom Emoji in Folder Names

Chat folders on Telegram can now be personalized with custom emoji. This feature, available to Premium users, allows for more expressive or minimalist folder names by replacing text with specific icons.

In-App QR Code Scanner

The in-app camera on Telegram now automatically recognizes QR codes on both Android and iOS. This functionality enables users to open links in their preferred browser seamlessly, without needing to switch apps. Telegram’s latest update underscores its commitment to innovation and user-centric features, ensuring a more engaging and secure experience for its global community. These new tools and enhancements are available now and continue to position Telegram as a leader in instant messaging platforms.