Popular messaging app Telegram has rolled out a substantial update, bringing a slew of new features and enhancements to its platform. The update, which became available to users recently, focuses on improving sticker search, video consumption, and bot discovery, further solidifying Telegram's position as a leading messaging app.

One of the most notable additions is the expansion of Telegram's AI-powered sticker search, initially released in December. The feature now allows users to search for stickers using natural language, with results drawn from millions of stickers across the platform. This significant upgrade from the initial 40,000 stickers will undoubtedly delight users who rely on stickers to add a touch of personality to their conversations.

In addition to the sticker search enhancement, Telegram has introduced several video-centric features. Users can now share a link to a video hosted on Telegram with an exact time stamp, similar to YouTube. This functionality enables users to direct others to a specific moment in a video, making it easier to discuss or reference particular parts of the content. Furthermore, users can choose a frame from the video as the cover photo, akin to video thumbnails on other platforms. The video editor also allows users to add text, stickers, and emoji to the cover, providing more creative control.

Another significant video-related update is the introduction of saved progress for videos. This feature enables users to resume watching a clip from where they left off, eliminating the need to re-watch entire videos to find the point where they stopped.

While Telegram has made strides in improving its platform, the app has faced challenges related to pirated video content. Last year, the company removed 15 million groups and channels, although not all of them were related to piracy. Despite these efforts, the issue persists, and it remains to be seen how Telegram will continue to address this problem.

In a move to boost its channels feature, Telegram introduced new discovery features in 2023, including suggesting similar channels when users join one. The company is now applying a similar concept to finding new bots. On the profile of a bot service, users will see a "Similar Bots" tab where they can find related bots, making it easier to discover new and relevant bot services.

The latest update demonstrates Telegram's commitment to enhancing its platform and providing users with a more comprehensive and engaging experience. As the messaging app continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these new features impact user behavior and the overall messaging landscape.