Now content creators can make money from Telegram
Telegram announced on Wednesday that it is adding new ways for content creators to make money on its platform, and most notably, the platform is launching paid monthly subscriptions that users can purchase using the platform’s digital currency, Stars, to access additional creator content.
Telegram's ongoing efforts to support content creators
Content creators can now create invite links that allow users to join a channel in exchange for a monthly payment in stars. The idea behind this feature is to allow content creators to charge for additional or early access to content in a similar way to Patreon.
Creators can set a price for their content and convert stars into Toncoin cryptocurrency rewards or sponsored ads. Telegram takes a commission from transactions involving stars, but the company has not specified how much. Telegram is also launching Star Reactions, allowing users to directly support their favorite creators. Star Reactions are similar to YouTube’s “Super Thanks” feature and X’s “Tips” feature. Creators get 100% of the stars they receive via Reactions.
The new features build on Telegram's existing efforts to help content creators make money through its platform. Last month, the company started allowing creators to share paid content on their channels, and a few months ago Telegram launched sharing ad revenue with creators.
Today’s announcement comes after Telegram hit 950 million active users last month, and is aiming to surpass the 1 billion mark this year. Earlier this year, Telegram founder Pavel Durov said the company expects to be profitable next year and is considering an IPO.