Popular messaging platform Telegram is preparing to expand its features.The platform, which already has nearly 900 million users, now wants to enter the video space. Accordingly, Telegram has launched a competition for a new media player that it can integrate into its app.
Telegram could challenge YouTube with its own video platform
Telegram is planning to go beyond messaging and enter the video streaming space. The company recently launched a $50,000 contest for developers to create a new media player that can be integrated into the Telegram app.
This move shows that the company is taking a step towards building its own video platform. The new media player is expected to support basic video features and switch between videos. It will launch on iOS first, with Android and desktop versions to follow later.
The winner of the contest will also have the opportunity to sign a cooperation agreement with Telegram. With more than 500 million monthly active users, the company’s initiative has the potential to rival giants like YouTube. Integrating video hosting directly into Telegram will allow users to watch and share videos without leaving the app.
In addition, privacy and control options could provide a significant advantage over YouTube. Of course, given YouTube’s scale and resources, it will be difficult to create a service that can compete.
Telegram’s entry into the video space could further expand the messaging platform by turning it into a multipurpose hub. Time will tell how successful it will be in this area.
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