What is telegram?

Telegram is a freeware and an instant messaging system that emphasizes privacy. The messages (pictures, video files, Download links, software, etc.) that transfer in the app’s channels, groups and private chats are highly encrypted. In Telegram, other users can not receive any details or know anything about the person in the other side. Except for the nickname a user defined, no detail is exposed.

Telegram is a cross-platform, cloud-based instant messaging system. The service also provides end-to-end encrypted video calling, VoIP, file sharing and several other features. It was launched for iOS on 14 August 2013 and Android in October 2013.

Telegram Group vs Channel

Talking about the differences, there are some similarities too in Telegram groups and channels. Both have an interesting feature of sending silent messages. Users can send silent messages to other subscribers or members. Interestingly, the members will not receive any sound notification for that particular message. Also, Telegram channels include the option to send messages in the user's name, just like in the Telegram group.

What is a Telegram Group?

Before we dive into our tutorials, let’s first discuss Telegram groups. Telegram offers users the option to join Groups or channels. Channels are essentially chats that allow an unlimited number of users, participants can’t see other member, and there isn’t a lot of communication between users.

Groups are more exclusive, allowing only 200,000 members. Telegram Groups show you a list of members and let interact with them.

It’s easy to tell the difference between the two by the member count (if there are more than 200,000, it’s a channel), and the Online status. If you see the number of participants at the top of the conversation, you’re in a Telegram group.

Channels are also a lot easier to find than Groups. Typically, the former are found with a simple search. Groups, however, are found by word-of-mouth, other platforms, or in Telegram Channels.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about proven ways to find a Telegram Group.

In the Telegraph group, all users can chat, transfer files and messages, including the manager. In contrast to the Telegram channel, only those defined as an admin can share messages, files, etc., and the rest of the users can consume the content but not respond.

Telegram Chat

When new subscribers join a Telegram channel, they can see the entire message history right from the beginning. This feature is also available in Telegram groups. However, you can turn off the chat history feature in group settings if you don't want the new members to see the older messages.

Telegram Channel

Telegram channel can have unlimited subscribers. A Telegram channel is a power-charged version of the WhatsApp Broadcast list and it is a medium for one-way broadcast messages.

Telegram group

Telegram group can have up to 200,000 members. A Telegram group is similar to any other chat group where people can interact by sending messages.

One of the easiest ways to identify whether you have joined a Telegram channel or group is to look for ‘online’ text at the top of the app. If you can see the number of online participants at any time, then you’ve joined a group.

In contrast, look for the eye icon next to the messages to identify a Telegram channel. Also, if you see something like ‘2 million subscribers’ and not the online status, then you are added to a Telegram channel.