Telegram Rolls Out Live Stories, Repeated Messages, And Auction-Based Gifts In Latest Update

Telegram recently unveiled an update targeting creators and interactive community features, adding Live Stories, Repeated Messages and an auction-based system for Telegram Gifts - now rolling out to Android and iOS users through an update in app version 229.

1. Live Stories: Telegram Adds Instagram-Style Live Streaming

Telegram's marquee feature, Live Stories, allows users to host live video streams directly in their Stories. While Instagram pioneered this functionality for creator-focused ecosystems like Telegram's Creator Networks, now Telegram is adapting it for creator-focused ecosystems as well.

Key Features of Live Stories

- Available to all users, plus groups and channels that have unlocked Stories via boosts.

- Hosts can stream live video directly from the Stories interface.

- Real-time comments allow viewers to interact instantly.

- Viewers can pin comments and highlight them using Stars (Telegram’s in-app virtual currency).

- Viewers may also donate Stars to creators during the stream.

- Hosts can see a Star counter showing total tips from comments and donations.

- Supports full Story privacy controls:

Everyone

My Contacts

Close Friends

Selected Users

- Professional creators can stream using OBS, XSplit, and other tools through RTMP keys.

Telegram has implemented its latest feature to assist them with increasing engagement through monetisation and engagement opportunities for creators on the platform and also through supporting the creative process for creators to engage with their audience.

2. Repeated Messages: Automated, Recurring Reminders

Telegram's scheduling tools have also been enhanced, providing repeatable messages enabling users to set reminders at preset intervals.

How Repeated Messages Work

Users can set messages to repeat:

- Daily

- Weekly

- Biweekly

- Monthly

And more preset intervals

To schedule:

1. Press and hold the Send button.

2. Choose a Schedule Message.

3. Tap Repeat and select your interval.

This addition is useful for reminders, announcements, habit tracking, event alerts, or managing community updates.

3. Telegram Gifts: New Auction System for Rare Collectibles

Telegram is updating its Gifts system — its blockchain-powered, limited-edition digital collectibles.

Previously, many users missed out on rare items during drops. To address this, Telegram has introduced a fair auction-based distribution system.

How the Auction Works

- Users place bids using Stars.

- Highest bidders in the first round receive the rarest numbered Gifts.

- Lower-ranked bidders enter the next rounds, ensuring all items eventually find owners.

- Users can increase their bids at any time.

- Unused Stars are fully refunded.

- Auctions are clearly marked with an “Auction” badge.

- Real-time bidding indicators show how many Stars are needed to win.

This ensures a fairer and more transparent method of distributing limited-edition digital assets.

Conclusion

Telegram’s new update introduces three creator-focused features:

- Live Stories for Instagram-style livestreaming with real-time comments and Star-based support.

- Repeated Messages for recurring reminders and automated communication.

- Auction-Based Gifts for fair distribution of rare Telegram collectibles.

Telegram's recent innovations demonstrate its desire to establish itself as an innovative, creator-centric social platform that extends far beyond simple messaging.

Upgrade to the most up-to-date versions of Telegram for Android or iOS and enjoy these exciting features!