Telegram saw remarkable financial growth in the first half of 2024, recording $525 million in revenue—a staggering 190% increase from the same period in 2023.
Nearly half of this revenue, $225 million, came from a one-time partnership deal granting Toncoin exclusive status for advertising purchases by small businesses on the platform.
Telegram’s cryptocurrency holdings also played a significant role in its financial success, with digital assets surging to $1.3 billion by mid-2024, up from $400 million at the end of the previous year. The company generated $353 million from crypto transactions during this period, reporting an after-tax profit of $335 million.
However, these gains came alongside challenges. Founder Pavel Durov’s detention by French authorities in August, under charges related to platform activities, cast a shadow over the app. Despite this, Telegram assured investors that Durov’s legal issues had not caused a “material impact” on its business, as the charges were directed at him personally, not the company. Telegram’s leadership has continued to focus on growth and stability, even repurchasing $124.5 million in bonds using revenue proceeds.
While the company’s cryptocurrency strategy has fueled financial success, experts caution about future risks. Links to questionable content, including sexual violence and terrorism, have raised concerns about Telegram’s lack of content moderation. The company has acknowledged the need to improve its systems to maintain control over platform activity and safeguard its advertising revenue streams.
Looking ahead, Telegram must also address its $2.4 billion in debt financing before repayment comes due in 2026. Though its strong crypto performance and innovative deals have secured it financial momentum, ensuring sustainable growth amidst these challenges will be critical for Telegram’s future.
How Telegram is Growing Revenue Through Advertising and Subscriptions
Telegram is leveraging innovative strategies to boost its revenue streams, focusing on a dual approach of advertising and subscriptions. This shift has positioned the platform as not just a messaging app but a lucrative business model in the digital ecosystem.
Expanding Advertising Opportunities
Telegram has introduced a highly targeted advertising platform that allows businesses to reach specific audiences through its channels. These ads are unobtrusive and seamlessly integrate into the user experience, making them less disruptive compared to traditional formats. Advertisers can purchase ad placements on popular Telegram channels, leveraging the platform’s vast user base and its appeal among niche communities. For small businesses, Telegram has rolled out exclusive options, such as those tied to its partnership with Toncoin, enabling affordable promotional opportunities.
With Telegram’s focus on user privacy, its advertising model ensures that personal data isn’t shared, attracting privacy-conscious brands and users alike. This ethical approach sets Telegram apart from competitors in the advertising space.
Subscriptions for Enhanced Experiences
On top of advertising, Telegram’s subscription plans, like Telegram Premium, are fueling its revenue growth. For a monthly fee, users unlock exclusive features, including faster downloads, larger file uploads, custom stickers, and ad-free browsing. These upgrades cater to power users and professionals who depend on Telegram for work, making the subscription model both attractive and functional.
Telegram’s tiered subscription options allow users to choose plans that suit their needs, contributing both to user satisfaction and revenue. The Premium offering not only enhances the user experience but also builds loyal customers who see value in paying for personalization and fewer restrictions.
Why Telegram’s Approach Works
Telegram’s strategies work because they focus on balance—serving both users and businesses without sacrificing quality or trust. By offering ad formats that respect user privacy and subscription features that deliver real value, the company maintains its reputation while diversifying its revenue. Combined with its global reach and a vast audience spanning tech-savvy individuals and niche groups, Telegram has created a sustainable growth model in the competitive messaging app market.
As the platform continues refining its advertising and subscription models, Telegram is proving adept at monetizing its services while maintaining what users love most about it—freedom, privacy, and community.
Durov also spoke about plans to expand Telegram’s advertising platform and the intention to offer content creators 50% of the revenue from advertising on their channels. The company will also introduce business accounts and a new feature allowing users to meet people nearby.
Durov’s arrest
Despite its founder Pavel Durov’s recent legal troubles, Telegram’s financial performance has shown resilience. On August 24, Durov was detained at Paris airport, accused of failing to cooperate with authorities and moderating platform content, linking him to allegations of child pornography distribution, fraud, and other crimes. He was released after posting a €5 million bail and is now required to check in at a local police station twice weekly.
Telegram has addressed these issues in its recent report, emphasizing that its moderation practices and cooperation with judicial authorities adhere strictly to French law. The company is actively enhancing its content verification processes and has begun expanding its moderation team to meet higher standards of accountability. These improvements signal Telegram’s commitment to resolving concerns over the platform’s governance while maintaining user trust.
International collaboration has added another dimension to the scrutiny. It was revealed that Belgium has been investigating Telegram’s activities since 2020. Now, Belgian and French authorities have formed a joint investigative group to collaborate on exchanging findings and coordinating legal actions. This cross-border effort underlines the growing pressure on global platforms to address content moderation and law enforcement compliance proactively.
Despite these challenges, Telegram’s robust financials have so far insulated the business from significant fallout, showcasing its ability to sustain growth even amid heightened scrutiny. The company’s ability to weather these storms will depend on its continued efforts to address legal and ethical concerns while maintaining user loyalty.
