Model three different paid actions
Paid media purchases access to photos or videos. Paid messages charge for sending to a configured recipient. Suggested posts can involve a price, approval and publication schedule. A single “paid” flag cannot describe all three.
Follow the corresponding final state
Paid media uses dedicated updates to reveal content. Paid messages require an explicit allowed amount, and changed prices can require renewed confirmation. Approval, insufficient balance, scheduling and publication are distinct suggested-post outcomes.
Content protection is not encryption
Protection restricts forwarding, copying and saving according to message or chat flags. It does not transform a cloud chat into a secret chat or prove that recipients can retain no copies.
Implementation recommendations
Separate awaiting payment, payment reconciliation and entitlement activation, with explicit refund and rejection paths. Do not reveal full media before access is confirmed. Show the actual cost before a paid send, and prevent duplicate clicks from duplicating charges.