Telegram's August 25, 2026 update added welcome messages: the owner of a channel or group sends one or more messages that only new members see when they join. Existing members are not notified.
What the welcome message is
- Set by the owner of a channel or group.
- Seen only by new members, so existing members get no notification.
- Can be several messages, with media, rich formatting and buttons.
Source: Telegram's August 2026 update announcement. Labels can differ slightly between apps; update Telegram if you don't see the option.
How to set it up
- Open the channel or group profile.
- Tap Edit, then Welcome Message.
- Send the message or messages you want newcomers to see.
- Join from a second account, or ask a friend, to check what a new member sees.
What to put in it
- One sentence on what the chat is for and what members get.
- The rules in three or four short lines.
- Where to start: the best posts, topics or a pinned guide.
- How to contact you for support or advertising.
- One clear next step, such as turning on notifications or introducing themselves.
Format it cleanly with the text formatter and create contact or share links with the link generator.
Templates you can adapt
Channel: Welcome to [channel name]! Here you get [what readers get] [how often]. Start with our best posts: [link]. Turn on notifications so you don't miss [the next update]. Questions or ads: [contact].
Community group: Hi and welcome to [group name]! This group is for [topic]. Rules: be respectful, no spam or ads, stay on topic. Say hello and tell us [one question]. Admins: [contact].
Support or customer group: Welcome! Ask your question in one message with your order number. Our team answers [hours]. Never send passwords or login codes; admins will never ask for them.
Tips that keep new members
- Keep it short: two or three messages at most.
- Update it when your topic, rules or contacts change.
- In private groups, check that new members can also see the chat history; see why new members can't see old messages.
- Running a growth campaign? A clear welcome is what turns new joiners into readers; plan it before you add members or run ads.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a welcome message only to new Telegram members?
Yes. Since the August 2026 update, owners can open the channel or group profile, tap Edit, then Welcome Message, and send messages that only new members see.
Do existing members see the welcome message?
No. Only new members see it, so existing members are not notified.
Does it work for channels and groups?
Yes. Telegram announced welcome messages for both groups and channels.
What can a welcome message contain?
One or more messages with media, rich formatting and buttons.
I can't find Welcome Message in settings. Why?
Make sure you are the owner and your Telegram app is updated; labels can differ slightly between apps.
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