Telegram, the popular messaging app, has announced new ways for content creators to earn money directly through its platform. The most significant addition is the introduction of monthly paid subscriptions, which users can purchase using the app’s digital currency, Stars. These subscriptions give users access to exclusive content from their favorite creators.
This new feature allows creators to generate invite links for their channels, which users can join by making a monthly payment in Stars. The idea is similar to platforms like Patreon, where creators charge for extra or early access to their content. Creators on Telegram can set their own prices for subscriptions, providing flexibility in how they monetize their content.
Once creators receive Stars, they can convert them into Toncoin, a type of cryptocurrency, or use them to subsidize ads on Telegram. However, Telegram will take a commission from transactions involving Stars, although the exact percentage has not been disclosed by the company.
In addition to paid subscriptions, Telegram is also introducing a feature called Star Reactions. This feature allows users to show their support for content creators by sending Stars directly through reactions, similar to YouTube’s “Super Thanks” or the “Tips” feature on X (formerly Twitter). The big advantage for creators is that they will receive 100% of the Stars sent through Star Reactions, with no commission taken by Telegram.
These new features are part of Telegram’s ongoing efforts to help creators earn money on the platform. Just last month, the app began allowing creators to share paid content on their channels, giving them more ways to generate income. A few months earlier, Telegram introduced a revenue-sharing program where creators can earn money from ads shown on their content.
Telegram’s move to support creators financially comes at a time of rapid growth for the platform. The app recently hit 950 million active users, with plans to surpass 1 billion users later this year. The company’s founder, Pavel Durov, has expressed confidence that Telegram will become profitable by next year and has even hinted at the possibility of the company going public.
These new monetization tools are likely to attract more creators to Telegram, as they offer flexible and direct ways to earn money. By introducing these features, Telegram is positioning itself as a strong contender in the social media landscape, competing with other platforms that also offer creator monetization, such as YouTube and X.
Telegram’s new features represent a significant step forward in its efforts to support creators and provide users with exclusive, high-quality content. As the platform continues to grow, these monetization options could play a key role in shaping its future and ensuring its success.
