How Does Telegram Work: Features and Performance

I initially learned about Telegram back in 2013, when it was founded by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai. If you’ve used VKontakte (VK) before, you may know that these are the guys who created Russia’s biggest social network. Following some disagreements with the Russian government regarding privacy matters, Pavel went on to create a new platform—one that’s extremely fast, simple to use, and very private.

On a serious note, I was hooked the moment I heard “private and fast.” I mean, who doesn’t hate slow messaging apps or apps that save your data in questionable manners?

Cloud-Based Infrastructure

One of the greatest features of Telegram is that everything is kept in the cloud. This allows me to read a message on my phone, then jump over to my desktop computer later and pick up where I left off without any cumbersome procedures.

It also saves so much trouble if you lose your phone—I once dropped my phone in water (don’t ask) but all my messages were still there when I logged into my new phone. It’s like having a magic backup 24/7.

Device Synchronization

I’ve personally used Telegram on Android, iOS, and my Mac, and the sync is virtually instantaneous. I had one instance when I was working on a group project at a cafe, and I left my laptop behind. No issue, I simply pulled out my iPad and kept chatting away. It’s great not to have to re-read messages or fret about missed media. It all just appears, no hassle.

Encryption and Security

Telegram uses server-client encryption by default. So, your information is encrypted both when it’s being transmitted through cyberspace and when it’s lying on Telegram servers. But if you desire maximum privacy, there’s something called Secret Chats, which are end-to-end encrypted. I used them a few times while negotiating some sensitive freelance project details.

These conversations don’t sync across devices (which is a little disorienting if you hop between devices a lot), but they also have self-destruct timers. Ideal if you, I suppose, have to send sensitive information and then want it destroyed later.

Chat Types: Private, Group, and Channels

Telegram provides three primary methods of chatting:

1. Private Chats: Straightforward one-on-one conversations.
2. Group Chats: You may have up to 200,000 people in them. (I don’t even think I could imagine having that many people in one group, but I guess it’s possible.)
3. Channels: Ideal for announcements or broadcasting since only administrators can post, and others just follow.

I recall that one of my friends launched a local charity news channel. It was a godsend for volunteers who simply required information quickly, without extraneous side chatter.

Bots and APIs

If you are a coder or enjoy experimenting with automated workflows, Telegram’s Bot API is a playground. Bots can perform all kinds of cool things—auto responses, weather, polls, or even casual mini-games. My friend once created a bot for managing job listings and it was a mini career portal within our community group. Pretty cool to see how versatile Telegram can be.

Improve your channel with TopTier SMM if you’re thinking of stepping up your content game beyond Telegram too. The tools and support you’ll find there can make a big difference, especially if you’re running multiple channels.

Multimedia Sharing

Telegram handles basically every file format known to humanity—pictures, videos, PDFs, zip files, etc. As of today, the cap is 2 GB per file (and higher if you’re paying for Telegram Premium). Since it’s all cloud-based, the service doesn’t force you to burn through your phone storage unless you explicitly download the file.

I still remember when somebody mailed a 1.5 GB training video when I was sitting in a brainstorming session with some of my colleagues. No problem whatsoever; we could even play it online without waiting for a complete download.

User Privacy Features

Privacy nerds, rejoice! Telegram lets you conceal your Last Seen status, show your profile photo to only your contacts, and even enable two-factor authentication for extra security. A passcode lock and biometric login on phones that support it are also available. I personally like these features since I don’t always want random individuals knowing when I’m online or what I look like. (Sometimes you just need a break, you know?)

Performance and Speed

Telegram has lots of data centers all over the world, so your messages generally zip along quite quickly. In my tests, it very rarely lags—whether you’re sending one message or 500 cat memes in quick succession. And believe me, I’ve tested that cat meme hypothesis more times than I care to admit.

Customization

I also really love how customizable Telegram is. You can alter the theme, alter the chat backgrounds, and sort conversations into folders. I’ve got work, family, and side projects folders, so everything has its own lane. And then there’s the entire world of stickers and animated emojis. There are some so absurd they actually distract me from work…in a positive way.

Advantages and Criticisms

Let’s discuss benefits first:

• Very powerful security features (most significantly, Secret Chats)
• Ability to transfer large files
• Sites that accommodate massive audiences
• Tons of cool bots and a developer-friendly API
• Strong multi-device syncing

Critiques:

• Telegram has been under the limelight for content moderation concerns, particularly in nations with more stringent regulations.
• Messages are not end-to-end encrypted by default, which may confuse individuals who expect everything to be fully encrypted at all times.

Future Developments

Telegram has a tradition of innovating features on a regular basis. We can expect additional advancements in encryption, maybe AI-powered moderation tools, and certainly more ways to control or streamline your chats. It’s thrilling to see the platform evolve—and sometimes it seems like every new feature is a pleasant surprise.

FAQs

Is Telegram more secure than WhatsApp?

It depends on what you deem “safe.” WhatsApp end-to-end encrypts all conversations by default, but Telegram only end-to-end encrypts Secret Chats. Telegram does have more privacy features and more data control features, however. It comes down to personal preference.

Can I retrieve deleted messages on Telegram?

Nope, if they were deleted for everyone. Telegram doesn’t retain a copy after you’ve selected the “delete for all” option.

Do Telegram bots have access to my messages?

They’re not in the chats they participate in, and only what they’re uploaded as. They can’t somehow enter your other personal chats.