Telegram Launches Its “WhatsApp Business”: An In-App Subscription

Telegram now lets users convert personal accounts to business accounts

The battle for messaging app dominance heats up as Telegram enters the business communication space. Following the footsteps of WhatsApp Business, Telegram has introduced “Telegram Business,” a suite of features designed to empower companies to connect and engage with customers directly within the existing Telegram app. This move means Telegram’s commitment to user growth and its ambition to challenge WhatsApp.

In Short

• Telegram introduced its version of WhatsApp Business, named Telegram Business.
• The new feature set is tailored to companies and is integrated into the existing Telegram app.
• Unlike WhatsApp Business, Telegram Business operates on a monthly subscription model.

What is Telegram Business?

Telegram is taking on WhatsApp Business! They’re launching “Telegram Business,” a feature set within the existing app to help businesses connect with customers. Unlike the separate WhatsApp app, Telegram Business integrates seamlessly, offering features like automated responses, analytics, and large group management. Businesses can access it through a monthly or annual subscription, or with existing Telegram Premium.

How Does Telegram Business Work?

Telegram Business is not a separate app like its WhatsApp counterpart. Instead, it seamlessly integrates as a set of features within the existing Telegram experience. This eliminates the need for businesses to juggle two different platforms, simplifying communication workflows and streamlining their interaction with customers.

How to Use Telegram Business

Step 1: Open The Telegram App.

Step 2: Go To The Subscription Section (details to be confirmed by Telegram).

Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Subscription Plan

Step 4: Complete The Subscription Process.

Step 5: Start Using Telegram Business Features Within The App!

Telegram Business Features

While the complete feature list of Telegram Business is yet to be revealed, some key functionalities are expected to include:

• Enhanced Chat Management: Organize and categorize customer interactions efficiently with improved chat management tools.
• Automated Responses: Set up automated responses to frequently asked questions, providing prompt and consistent customer service.
• Analytics and Insights: Gain valuable insights into customer behavior and engagement through detailed analytics and reporting tools.
• Branding and Customization: Personalize the chat experience with a branded profile picture, username, and bio section.
• Large Group Management: Manage large groups effectively with admin tools like scheduled messages, member management features, and the ability to pin important messages.
• Telegram Payments: Leverage Telegram’s built-in payment system to facilitate secure and convenient transactions within the app.

Difference between Telegram and WhatsApp

Feature	Telegram	WhatsApp
App Type	Single app with business features	Separate app for business
User Base	Over 550 million monthly active users	Over 2 billion monthly active users
End-to-End Encryption	Default for Secret Chats, optional for regular chats	Default for all chats
Group Chats	Up to 200,000 members, additional admin tools	Up to 256 members
File Sharing	Up to 2GB per file	Up to 100MB per file (increased to 2GB for some file types)
Cloud Storage	Unlimited cloud storage for messages and media	No cloud storage; messages and media are stored on individual devices
Channels	Public broadcast channels with unlimited subscribers	No equivalent
Bots	Extensive library of bots for various functionalities	Limited bot functionality
Voice and Video Calls	Supported, group video calls with up to 1,000 participants	Supported, group video calls with up to 8 participants
Cost	Free, optional Telegram Premium for additional features	Free
Business Features	Dedicated Telegram Business subscription with features like analytics and chat management	Separate WhatsApp Business app with limited features compared to Telegram Business

Advantages of Using Telegram Business

Telegram Business offers several advantages over its competitors, including:

• Seamless Integration: The in-app integration eliminates the need for a separate app, simplifying workflow and user experience.
• Cost-Effective: The subscription fees are competitive compared to similar offerings in the market.
• Existing User Base: Telegram boasts a large and active user base, providing businesses with immediate access to a potential customer pool.
• Advanced Features: Telegram offers unique features like large group management and Telegram Payments, potentially setting it apart from competitors.

Conclusion

Telegram’s venture into the business communication space with Telegram Business is a strategic move that indicates its ambition to compete with established players like WhatsApp. The seamless integration, competitive pricing, and access to a large user base offer promising advantages. However, the success of Telegram Business will depend on its ability to overcome challenges like market competition, user awareness, and feature maturity.

Telegram’s “WhatsApp Business” – FAQs

What’s the difference between WhatsApp and Telegram?

While both offer messaging, Telegram focuses on features like large groups, channels, and cloud storage, while WhatsApp prioritizes end-to-end encryption by default (though Telegram offers it in “Secret Chats”).

Is Telegram Business secure?

Telegram offers end-to-end encryption for individual chats and voice calls, but not for group chats. Evaluate your specific security needs.

What’s the difference between Telegram Business and Telegram Premium?

Telegram Business caters to businesses with features like chat management and analytics, while Telegram Premium offers enhanced features for all users, including faster downloads and more chats. Businesses can access Telegram Business through their existing Premium subscription.

Who owns Telegram?

Telegram is founded by Pavel Durov and Nikolai Durov