With its latest update, Telegram’s Clubhouse-like voice chats feature can now seamlessly transition into group video calls.
Telegram video calls support screen sharing, and include improved noise-suppression options and desktop/tablet support, the app maker explains in a blog post. Up to 30 people in a group voice chat can add their camera feeds to the discussion—just tap the camera icon (voice chat supports an unlimited number of people). Telegram says that 30-person limit "will increase soon as voice chats take on streaming games, live events and more."
The added desktop and tablet support offers users more screen space and display options. For instance, you can change the video grid and optimize for either portrait or landscape modes.
"This brings voice chats to a whole new level, ready for online classes, business meetings and family gatherings," Telegram says.
Telegram also added the ability for users to create and share animated backgrounds featuring emoji and stickers. A bot menu also allows for easy communication with bots on the app.
Telegram is marketed as a secure messaging app, offering encrypted chats, though as we found in our review, it's not as airtight as some rival services, like our Editors' Choice pick, Signal. With video and audio chats, emoji, and other features, it looks to move beyond clandestine discussions and join the ranks of more traditional video chat services.