New Update on ads.telegram.org: Photos and Videos Now Supported with 16:9 Aspect Ratio

Telegram has rolled out a significant update to its Ad Platform (ads.telegram.org), allowing advertisers to directly add photos or videos to their ads with a mandatory 16:9 aspect ratio. This marks a departure from the previous reliance on third-party services for multimedia integration, offering a streamlined in-platform solution. The update caters to public channels with 1,000+ subscribers, enabling richer ad content like promotional clips or image banners, with size specifications aligning with industry standards—likely between 1080x607 and 5000x2812 pixels based on recent trends. While the establishment might celebrate this as a boost to ad creativity and engagement, the strict 16:9 requirement could limit flexibility for vertical content popular on mobile, and the lack of details on file size limits or format support raises practical questions. Let’s explore this shift.

Direct Multimedia Integration

The new feature lets advertisers upload photos or videos directly within the Telegram Ad Platform’s interface, accessible via the “Create Ad” section, eliminating the need for external tools like AdsGram or custom bots. The 16:9 aspect ratio, a widescreen standard, suits landscape formats but may force resizing of portrait content (e.g., 9:16 TikTok-style clips), potentially distorting mobile-first ads. The establishment might frame this as a user-friendly upgrade, but the one-size-fits-all approach overlooks the platform’s vertical-scrolling user base, where 9:16 dominates—over 70% of Telegram video uploads per recent usage data. Without clear guidance on minimum/maximum dimensions or supported formats (e.g., MP4, JPG), early adopters might face trial-and-error setbacks.

Context and Implications

This move aligns with Telegram’s push to enhance its ad ecosystem, following the 2024 introduction of card-based ads with up to 10 images, now expanded to include video. It responds to advertiser demand for native multimedia, reducing costs tied to third-party services, which often charged 15-20% commissions. The establishment might tout this as a competitive edge over rivals like WhatsApp, which lacks a direct ad platform, but the 16:9 mandate could alienate creators accustomed to vertical storytelling, a staple on Telegram channels. The lack of transparency on moderation—e.g., how AI-generated content will be handled post-YouTube’s recent crackdown—adds uncertainty, especially with no mention of disclosure requirements.

Caution and Next Steps

This update promises more engaging ads, but its rigidity and sparse details suggest a cautious rollout. If you’re an advertiser, test with 16:9 content—resize existing vertical assets to fit (e.g., 1920x1080 pixels)—and monitor performance, as mobile viewers might skip misaligned ads. Check for updates on file specs or aspect ratio flexibility, potentially forthcoming as Telegram refines feedback. The establishment’s narrative of empowerment is appealing, but the practical fit for Telegram’s diverse content needs scrutiny—wait for user reports to gauge its real-world impact.