Knowledge base

hotline.tg

Bot or Account? How to choose what to use

To receive applications and communicate with users Telegram in system Hotline you can connect both bots and user accounts (userbots). The general principle of the system remains the same for both bots and accounts, but each type of connection has its own special capabilities.
The procedure for connecting bots or accounts (userbots) via setup-bot @hotlinetg_bot generally similar, but differs in several actions.
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Features when connecting bots
  • You can easily create new bots
    A new bot can be easily created in a few clicks @botfather in Telegram, where you set its name, description, picture and get a token for connection. You can easily make any number of bots for any reason.
  • You can expand the functionality with parallel connections or via webapp
    In the bot's greeting, you can show buttons with answers to frequently asked questions, as well as important links, use mailing systems of third-party systems, and other bot capabilities. More about parallel connections
  • Bots can not write to other users first
    Bots can only accept incoming requests from users; if you need to be able to write first, then this will have to be done from a personal or work account.
  • Bots can not show Stories to users
    Bots can only send messages to their users, but they cannot hold users’ attention using Stories.
To connect a bot with Hotline you just need to send its token during the connection process with the group. Learn more about connecting bots to a topic group
Features when connecting accounts
  • It is advisable to use a dedicated account registered to a separate phone number
    Account shared with Hotline, it is better not to use it for personal purposes. Creating a new account in Telegram requires the allocation of a separate telephone number for it.
  • You can write first to other users and even bots, monitor groups and channels
    When you connect your account, the function of creating a new dialogue with a user, bot, joining a group or channel becomes available.
  • You can show Stories to users
    Stories can be shown to all users who have ever interacted with a connected account, which can significantly increase their level of engagement.
  • Can use webapp links in greeting
    Unlike bots, when using accounts it is not yet possible to easily expand their functionality with buttons and sendings, but in Greetings you can use noticeable links to the webapp (opening an arbitrary web page).
  • Can receive voice calls
    Simultaneously with connecting your account to Hotline, you can connect to it Telegram-gateway for voice calls to PBX from SIP.TG and receive many simultaneous calls.
  • You can use our API for accounts
    For example, our API allows programmatically manage groups in Telegram, create, delete and manage their members.
To connect your account with Hotline It is required that the account be active on a mobile device with a camera to scan the QR code, and that two-factor authentication is temporarily disabled on the account being connected (2FA can be returned immediately after connecting). Learn more about connecting accounts to a topic group
If you find it difficult to decide on your own what will be more convenient to use in your situation, a bot or an account, please contact Hotline Support Service.