If you’ve ever wondered how do Telegram make money, you’re not alone. With over 900 million users worldwide, Telegram has become one of the most popular messaging apps — but unlike other platforms, it doesn’t bombard you with ads or sell your data. So, how does it sustain itself financially? Let’s dive into the key revenue streams that keep Telegram running.

Telegram’s Core Philosophy

Telegram was launched with a commitment to privacy, security, and free access for everyone. Its founder, Pavel Durov, has repeatedly stated that the platform will never sell user data to advertisers. This is one of the main reasons people trust Telegram over some competitors.

Telegram Premium Subscription

In 2022, Telegram introduced Telegram Premium, a paid subscription that gives users additional features like:

• Faster downloads for media and files.
• Higher upload limits (up to 4GB per file).
• Voice-to-text conversion for audio messages.
• Exclusive stickers and reactions.
• No ads in certain regions.

This subscription is one of Telegram’s main sources of income and allows power users to get a richer experience while supporting the platform.

Sponsored Messages (Advertising)

Another way Telegram makes money is through Sponsored Messages — Telegram’s form of advertising. These are small, unobtrusive ads shown only in public channels with more than 1,000 subscribers. The best part is that Telegram shares revenue with channel owners, making it a win-win situation.

Donations and Funding

Telegram is partially funded through Pavel Durov’s personal investment and past fundraising efforts, including a massive initial coin offering (ICO) for the now-discontinued TON project. While TON did not launch as initially planned, it helped Telegram secure enough capital to continue operations for years.

Future Monetization Plans

Telegram plans to expand its revenue streams further while staying true to its privacy-first philosophy. We may see more premium features, advanced business tools, and possibly even monetization options for creators. For more about its history and growth, you can check Telegram’s Wikipedia page.

Why This Matters for Businesses

Understanding how Telegram makes money is crucial if you’re using it for marketing or community building. The introduction of ads and premium tools means businesses now have more ways to promote their channels and engage their audience.

Knowing how do Telegram make money helps users and businesses understand the platform better. Telegram’s approach is unique: it keeps the core experience free and secure while offering optional paid features for those who want more. Whether you’re just chatting with friends or building a business community, you can rely on Telegram to stay user-friendly and privacy-focused.

read more: How to Grow Your Social Media Business in 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Telegram completely free?
Yes, the core features are free for everyone, but you can pay for Telegram Premium to unlock extra tools.

Q2: Do ads affect private chats?
No, ads only appear in large public channels, and they are very minimal.

Q3: Will Telegram ever sell user data?
No, Telegram has always been privacy-focused and states that it will never sell user data.

Q4: Is Telegram profitable?
Telegram is moving towards profitability with Premium subscriptions and advertising revenue but is still focused on growth.