Understanding the Difference Between Telegram Groups and Channels

In Summary: Telegram groups and channels each offer distinct features, catering to different social needs. Groups facilitate multi-user interaction, while channels are dedicated to broadcasting information. Understanding the distinction between these two will help users utilise Telegram more effectively.

Key Telegram Features

Telegram offers various communication methods, including private chats, groups, channels, and bots.

1. Private Chats

Private chats are one-on-one communications with specific accounts, divided into regular private chats and encrypted conversations.

2. Groups

Groups allow multiple people to chat simultaneously. Group owners can create groups, and users can join and participate in discussions. Currently, all newly created groups are 'supergroups', capable of accommodating up to 200,000 members. Groups are categorised into private groups and public groups.

2.1 Public Groups

Public groups require a public username to be set as a link (e.g., @{name} or https://t.me/{name}). Users can view and join the group via this link. A key characteristic of public groups is that even users who have not joined can view the group's messages and member list.

2.2 Private Groups

Private groups do not support public links. Only group owners and administrators can create shareable invitation links (format: https://t.me/+xxxx). Users can only view group messages and the member list after joining a private group. Public groups can also generate private shareable invitation links.

2.3 Distinguishing Public and Private Groups

• Group owners can check the group type in the group settings.
• Check the group's description for a public link.

2.4 Creating Groups

On the contacts page, click the button in the top right corner and select 'New Group'.

2.5 Viewing Your Created Groups

[In the Telegram Desktop client](/blog/en-GB/telegram-0025-telegram-change-language), click the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, then right-click and select 'New Group'; this will allow you to view the groups you have created.

3. Channels

Channels are similar to WeChat's Official Accounts; users can only subscribe or unsubscribe. Only the channel owner and administrators can publish content, while members can only view and forward it. Channels are divided into private channels and public channels. Members cannot view other members' lists; only the channel owner and administrators can.

3.1 Creating Channels

On the contacts page, click the button in the top right corner and select 'New Channel'.

3.2 Viewing Your Created Channels

In the Telegram Desktop client, click the three horizontal lines in the top left corner, then right-click and select 'New Channel'; this will allow you to view the channels you have created.

4. Channel Comment Feature

Channels can be linked to groups to enable the comments feature.

5. How to Speak as a Channel in a Group

Only administrators can speak as a channel in a group; this requires configuration in the administrator settings interface.

By understanding the differences between Telegram's groups and channels, users can better choose the communication method that suits their needs and enhance their user experience.