Ranking After the May Update: Why Old Channels Lost Their Spot

• 04 June
• 92 Views

In May 2025, Telegram rolled out a significant algorithm update that reshaped how channels appear in search results. Many long-established channels noticed a sudden drop in ranking, even if they had strong subscriber counts and consistent activity. This guide breaks down the key changes introduced in May and explains why older channels lost their spots—and what you can do to recover.

1. Overview of the May 2025 Update

Telegram’s May update introduced several new ranking signals and deprioritized certain older factors. While Telegram did not publish an exhaustive list of changes, admins and analysts have identified these core shifts:

• Premium Subscriber Weighting Increased: Channels with a higher percentage of Premium members gained greater visibility.
• Freshness Over Age: Recent activity—especially unique posts—became more valuable than mere channel age.
• Geo-Targeted Ranking: Search now prioritizes channels with strong engagement from the user’s region over global subscriber totals.
• Keyword Density Tweaks: Title and description keyword usage was rebalanced; over-optimized descriptions were downgraded.

2. Why Established Channels Dropped

Here’s how the new signals specifically impacted older channels:

1. High Subscriber Count No Longer Enough: Previously, having tens of thousands of members guaranteed top placement. After May, channels with many standard members but few Premium users were pushed down.
2. Stagnant Posting Schedules Hurt Freshness Score: Channels posting identical content, reposts, or infrequent updates saw their “freshness score” plummet. The algorithm now favors channels that post new, original content daily.
3. Regional Engagement Outweighed Global Reach: An established global channel suddenly competed against smaller, region-focused channels that had concentrated engagement. Local searchers saw those localized channels appear first.
4. Over-Optimized Descriptions Were Demoted: Channels with keyword-stuffed descriptions were flagged. The new balance rewards natural, in-depth descriptions over repetitive keyword usage.

3. Adapting Your Channel for the New Algorithm

If your channel dropped after May, here are actionable steps to regain ranking:

1. Increase Premium Member Ratio:

   Encourage existing members to upgrade or attract Premium users through exclusive content. Consider limited-time Premium-only polls, early-access posts, or Q&A sessions to incentivize upgrades.

2. Prioritize Original, Timely Content:

   Post fresh, unique content daily. Avoid reposting identical material. Use polls, AMAs, and original commentary on current events to boost freshness.

3. Boost Regional Engagement:

   Host local language discussions or region-specific content. Encourage members from target regions to react, share, and comment. Consider subgroups or hashtags tied to local topics to strengthen geo signals.

4. Revise Your Channel Description:

   Rewrite your description to be natural, comprehensive, and informative—without repetitive keywords. Focus on user intent: what valuable information do you provide? Structure with clear headings or bullet points if possible.

5. Audit Posting Frequency & Quality:

   Create a content calendar that balances high-quality posts with regular intervals. Aim for at least one original post per day. Measure engagement metrics (views, forwards, comments) to refine your schedule.

4. Monitoring Your Progress

After implementing changes, keep a close eye on your ranking and engagement metrics:

• Use Telegram’s built-in analytics (for Premium channels) to track subscriber growth, post reach, and engagement.
• Periodically search for your primary keywords and note any shifts in position.
• Solicit member feedback through polls—ask if they notice improvements or still can’t find your channel easily.

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Buying Non-Premium Subscribers: Avoid cheap bots or fake accounts. The algorithm now detects and ignores non-verified or low-engagement accounts.
• Over-Posting Without Value: Flooding your channel with low-value content can hurt your freshness score. Focus on quality over quantity.
• Ignoring Regional Signals: If you’re targeting multiple regions, create localized posts or sub-channels. Global-only content will lose ground to regional-focused channels.

Conclusion

The May 2025 update fundamentally shifted Telegram SEO toward quality, premium engagement, and regional relevance. While established channels may have dropped in ranking, the path to recovery is clear. By focusing on Premium subscriber growth, fresh content, and localized engagement, you can reclaim your position at the top of Telegram’s search results.

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