The Telegram update adds video quality selection for major channels

Videos are getting a big upgrade in Telegram. Users can choose the quality in which they want to view received videos, as well as enable PiP and adjust playback speed.

When it comes to messaging apps, services like Telegram and WhatsApp generally offer better media quality. Sending videos and pictures through these apps has always been better than using general SMS. With RCS on almost every device, Telegram aims to further improve the video experience – even if that experience may be limited.

The company notes that a new update will bring some big changes to the way videos are sent and received. The first big change is a new option to manually select a quality for watching media. Telegram notes that this feature is only available to users in channels with “thousands of subscribers.” Instead of defaulting to a compressed version, users can watch videos in up to 1080p.

For all users, it looks like Telegram is adding a speed feature that will allow users to adjust the speed of video playback. This works in two ways: by tapping the settings gear while a video is playing, or by holding down the right side of the video while playing.

The update also adds the option to add media to existing messages. This is for users who are trying to send a video/image and a message at the same time, with the message then appearing over the image. The new process allows users to stick an image on each text bubble they send.

The latter two options seem to suit everyone, while the video quality selector appears to be limited to larger channels. It would be nice if this option was available to everyone as further updates roll out. Telegram notes that this update should be rolled out now.