Telegram’s New Free Video Call Feature: Telegram’s new free video call feature is making waves in the world of communication technology by allowing up to 200 people to connect simultaneously in a high-quality, end-to-end encrypted video call.
This upgrade puts Telegram in direct competition with heavyweights like Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, and it does so with a compelling advantage — it’s completely free.
Whether you’re managing a remote team, hosting an online event, teaching a virtual classroom, or just catching up with friends and family, Telegram’s latest feature might be exactly what you need. Unlike other platforms that often gate useful tools behind paywalls, Telegram offers its 200-person video calling feature at no cost, setting a new standard for accessibility and privacy.
Telegram’s New Free Video Call Feature
| Feature | Telegram | Google Meet | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Video Participants (Free) | 200 | 100 | 100 (300 with paid plan) |
| End-to-End Encryption | Yes | No | No |
| Screen Sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Free Forever | Free with limits; paid upgrades | Free with limits; paid upgrades |
| User-Friendly Interface | Very Easy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Privacy Verification | Emoji-based encryption check | Not available | Not available |
Telegram has taken a bold step forward in the video conferencing arena with its free 200-person video call feature, offering privacy, scalability, and ease of use — all without charging a dime. Whether you’re a business owner, teacher, or someone who just wants to connect with a large group of people, Telegram offers a powerful alternative to Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.
As more users demand secure and cost-effective tools, Telegram’s offering stands out as a game-changer in digital communication.
Why This Matters: The Growing Demand for Free, Secure Video Conferencing
In the age of hybrid work, online education, and global connectivity, the need for reliable and scalable video communication tools has never been greater. According to a report by Statista, over 80% of professionals use video conferencing at least once a week, and that number continues to grow post-pandemic.
However, most platforms offering large-group video calls — like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams — have limitations in their free plans. Want more than 60 minutes on Google Meet? You’ll need to upgrade. Need to invite 300 people on Teams? That’s a premium feature.
Telegram’s solution breaks this pattern by offering a full-featured, completely free alternative with support for up to 200 participants, secure encryption, and a user-friendly experience — all without requiring a subscription or business account.
What Makes Telegram’s 200-Person Video Calls Stand Out?
Free for Everyone
Unlike its competitors, Telegram’s video call feature is free and unlimited. No trials, no watermarks, no restrictions — just open the app and start connecting.
End-to-End Encryption
Telegram uses advanced end-to-end encryption for all group video calls, providing an added layer of security that’s missing from many competitors. This means only the participants can see and hear the call — not even Telegram itself.
Supports 200 Participants
That’s double the number of users allowed in a free Google Meet session, and without the time limits. It’s ideal for:
- Online classes
- Remote team meetings
- Webinars and training sessions
- Large family gatherings
Screen Sharing with Sound
You can easily share your screen with audio, whether it’s a slideshow, video, or a browser tab. This makes Telegram excellent for presentations and teaching.
Emoji-Based Encryption Verification
This feature lets you verify the identity of the person you’re talking to using matching emojis — a simple, intuitive method to confirm secure communication.
How to Use Telegram’s Group Video Call Feature
If you’re new to Telegram or just haven’t tried video calls yet, here’s a simple guide:
Step 1: Create or Join a Group
Start by opening the Telegram app and creating a new group. Add your desired participants (you can add up to 200 people).
Step 2: Start a Voice Chat
Tap the group name, select the menu in the top-right corner, and choose “Start Voice Chat” (on iOS, it may say “Voice Chat 2.0”).
Step 3: Enable Video
Once the voice chat is active, tap the video camera icon to turn it into a group video call.
Step 4: Share the Call Link
To invite others easily, tap the “Invite via Link” button and share the call link. You can also generate a QR code for convenience.
Pro Tip: Make sure everyone in the call has the latest version of Telegram to access all features.
Privacy and Security: Telegram vs Others
Telegram has consistently prioritized user privacy. According to their official privacy policy, they do not store your calls, messages, or media on their servers unless you intentionally use cloud chat (non-secret chats).
In comparison:
- Google Meet offers standard encryption, but it is not end-to-end.
- Microsoft Teams encrypts data in transit and at rest, but not end-to-end for all participants.
- Zoom provides end-to-end encryption only for 1:1 calls or small group meetings, and it’s not always on by default.
Who Should Use This Feature?
Telegram’s new group video calling tool is perfect for:
Remote Teams and Freelancers
Host large meetings or brainstorming sessions without worrying about time or user limits.
Teachers and Educators
Conduct virtual classes, group discussions, or tutoring sessions with screen sharing and live interaction.
Event Hosts and Communities
Whether it’s a webinar, Q&A, or online meetup, Telegram helps you stay connected without added cost.
Families and Friends
Plan reunions, celebrate birthdays, or just hang out with dozens of loved ones — all for free.
What Are the Limitations?
While Telegram’s video call feature is impressive, here are a few points to keep in mind:
- No recording option: Unlike Zoom or Teams, you can’t record calls natively.
- Limited calendar integrations: There’s no direct integration with Google or Outlook calendars.
- Bandwidth dependent: Video quality may vary based on internet speed, especially with large groups.
Telegram may address these in future updates, but for now, they’re worth noting.
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FAQs About Telegram’s New Free Video Call Feature
Is Telegram’s video call feature really free?
Yes. There are no hidden fees, trials, or subscriptions required.
Do all 200 participants have to turn on video?
No. Users can join via audio-only or use screen sharing without enabling video.
Is the feature available on both mobile and desktop?
Yes. Telegram’s group video calling is supported on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
How secure are the calls?
All video and voice calls are end-to-end encrypted, and Telegram uses a proprietary encryption method along with emoji-based verification.
Can I schedule a video call in advance?
While Telegram doesn’t offer built-in scheduling like Zoom, you can set up reminders or share a call link ahead of time.
