[FAQ]

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to create a new channel for my photography group here in Manila, but I’m already stuck on the first step, hehe. It’s asking me to choose between a ‘public’ and a ‘private’ channel.

What is the real difference between the two? I know one has a link you can share, but are there other things to consider? Like, can people find a public channel by searching? And for a private one, is it more secure? Also, if I choose one now, can I change my mind later on?

Just want to make sure I pick the right one from the start. Any advice would be great, thanks!

[Jeff Bullas]

This is a fundamental choice that defines your channel’s entire strategy.

Short Answer: Public channels are discoverable via search and have a permanent username, making them open to all, while private channels are unsearchable and accessible only via a specific invite link, creating an exclusive space.

Let’s look at how this choice impacts the way your content formats are discovered and consumed.

The choice boils down to how you want your content to be found and who you want to see it. Firstly, think about the discoverability of your text, image, and video content. A public channel is indexed by Telegram’s search, meaning anyone can find your channel by name and view your entire public history. A private channel is completely invisible to the public; your content can only be found if someone has the specific invite link. Secondly, this impacts the accessibility of your content. A public channel has a permanent, customisable text-based link (like t.me/yourname), which is easy to share. A private channel uses a long, complex invite link to access all your files and media, which you can revoke at any time to cut off access. Thirdly, this choice affects the perceived privacy of your content. A private channel is the clear choice for sensitive or paid content, like exclusive video tutorials or confidential documents, as it creates an expectation of exclusivity. To answer your other question, you can switch a channel from public to private, and vice versa, at any time in the settings, so the decision isn’t irreversible.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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