Telegram Bot for Forwarding Messages from Private Chats and Channels to Backend Group¶
Automatic forwarding of messages from private chats and channels to a backend topic group with ability to respond. Team work, internal comments, processing control.
- Each connected private chat/channel is allocated a separate topic for convenient processing
- Operators can discuss incoming messages in internal comments
- Operators receive automatic notifications about new messages
- Any number of private chats/channels can be forwarded to one backend group
The free version of the system is excellent and available for any period
Use Cases¶
Forwarding messages from private chats/channels to a backend group is convenient for:
- Customer support: Forward requests from private chats to a backend group for team processing
- Content monitoring: Team monitoring of news in private channels and chats
- Aggregating messages from multiple sources: Forwarding messages from several private chats/channels to one place
- Business communication: Team processing of messages from clients or partners coming to private chats
All forwarded messages gather in a backend topic group, where the team can discuss them in internal comments, respond (if the forwarding source allows), set labels and control processing.
How It Works¶
- User connects a personal account to Hotline
- For each private chat or channel from which they want to forward messages, a separate topic is created in the backend group
- All messages from these chats/channels automatically forward to corresponding topics
- Operators can view messages, discuss them in internal comments and respond (if access rights allow)
- If needed, operators can receive notifications about new messages via the
/notifycommand
Account Required
Message forwarding from private chats and channels requires connecting a user account, not a bot. This is due to Telegram API limitations for bots.
System Setup¶
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Connect Account¶
Connect user account (not a bot) to Hotline through the setup bot @hotlinetg_bot. Account connection takes 2-3 minutes.
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Configure Forwarding Sources¶
After connecting the account, send the setup bot links to private chats/channels from which you want to forward messages. For each source, a separate topic will be created in the backend group.
You can add new sources or remove existing ones at any time.
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Set Up Parameters¶
Set needed parameters through the setup bot: set topic auto-close timeout, configure notification settings, set operator access rights.
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Invite Team¶
Add operators or assistants to the backend group so everyone can view forwarded messages and participate in discussion. Set up access rights and roles.
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Get Familiar with Interface¶
Introduce the team to the system. Explain basic commands, show how internal comments work, explain notification system.
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Start Working¶
Start processing forwarded messages! Use labels to mark important messages, internal comments for team discussion.
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Paid Subscription¶
When you need extended limits or premium features — upgrade to a suitable Hotline Premium paid plan.
Connection Parameters¶
Connection parameters determine system behavior for forwarding. Configured through @hotlinetg_bot.
Main parameters for forwarding systems:
Setting topic auto-close timeout:
AUTOCLOSE
Dialog auto-close period after last operator response, specified in hours.
If topic with user was closed, they'll receive welcome message from WELCOME parameter on next contact. Free version has maximum auto-close period of 48 hours.
Default value: 48 hours.
Enabling automatic user information display:
AUTO_INFO
Whether to automatically show available user information when topic is created.
Default value: don't show.
Setting operator permissions for using broadcast, label and export modules:
EXTENSIONS_ALLOWED
List of USER_ID users allowed to use important Hotline module functions (broadcast configuration and launch, tag configuration, client base export, etc.).
Default value: available only to connection administrator.
Useful Modules¶
In addition to basic commands, Hotline provides modules useful for working with forwarded messages:
Tags and sales funnels with /mark command
Assign visible tags to topics for segmentation, organizing sales funnels and automations.
Client base export with /export command
Export client data to CSV file for backup or analysis.
Team analytics
Detailed operator performance statistics, customer request analysis and reports for various time periods.
Related Cases¶
Learn more about ways to use Hotline with examples from other cases: