Telegram Bot API lets captions sit above photos and videos

What this means for you

On Telegram, the words of a post usually sit under the picture. Now a tool can put the words on top instead. Long text can also go in a box that readers tap to open. These are layout choices, nothing you have to change.

The details

• Parameter: show_caption_above_media on sendAnimation, sendPhoto, sendVideo, copyMessage and editMessageCaption.
• Fields: show_caption_above_media on Message, InputMediaAnimation, InputMediaPhoto, InputMediaVideo and the matching inline query result classes, so it also works inside albums sent with sendMediaGroup.
• Formatting: expandable_blockquote entities can be parsed in MarkdownV2 and HTML parse modes or set explicitly in entities.
• Effects: message_effect_id was added to the send methods; the API reference limits it to private chats, so it does not apply to channel posts.
• Payments: the same release added Telegram Stars payments (currency XTR); provider_token must be omitted for Stars payments.

What to do next

• Business owners: Nothing.
• Marketers and agencies: If you want captions above images in Telegram, ask your scheduler whether it exposes the option.
• Developers: Add a show_caption_above_media toggle to photo, video and GIF posts, and support expandable_blockquote in your formatter.