Telegram isn’t just a messaging app anymore. By 2025, it’s become one of the most powerful platforms for creators to make money-without needing millions of followers or a YouTube contract. Over 800 million people use it monthly, and nearly half of all active channels now have at least one revenue stream open. The secret? You don’t have to pick just one way to earn. You can run ads, collect tips, sell subscriptions, and partner with brands-all inside the same app. And unlike other platforms, Telegram lets you keep nearly everything you earn.
Telegram Ads: Get Paid Just for Having an Audience
If you’ve got at least 1,000 subscribers and your audience is active (they reply, react, or click links regularly), you can turn your channel into a mini billboard. Telegram’s Sponsored Messages appear between your posts, not as pop-ups or forced banners. They look like regular messages-but they’re labeled as ads.
You earn 50% of what advertisers pay per impression. That might sound low, but here’s the catch: you don’t need 100K followers to make it work. A channel with 15,000 engaged subscribers in North America can earn $1,200 a month just from ads. Why? Because CPM rates are higher there-$0.50 per thousand views. In Southeast Asia, it’s only $0.08, but if your audience is global, you still get paid for every region.
Here’s how it works: Telegram shows ads only to non-Premium users. Since 18.7% of users pay for Telegram Premium, that means your ads reach a clean, targeted audience. And payouts? All in Toncoin (TON). You need at least 10 TON ($4.50) to cash out. That’s low compared to YouTube’s $100 minimum, but if you’re not comfortable with crypto, this is a hurdle.
Telegram Stars: Instant Tips, No Middlemen
Stars are Telegram’s version of digital coins. Users buy them directly in the app-100 Stars cost $1.49. Then they send them as tips with a tap. You get 100% of every Star. No fees. No cuts. No waiting.
You can let people send Stars as reactions to your posts, or lock content behind a Star payment. A finance channel might say: “Want the full breakdown of this crypto trend? Send 50 Stars to unlock.” A gaming channel might lock exclusive game keys behind 100 Stars. One creator, ‘GameDealsPro,’ made $3,800 in a single month just from Star tips.
Withdrawals start at 500 Stars ($7.45). Convert Stars to TON at a 1:1 ratio, then cash out like you would with ads. The system is simple, fast, and works even if you have just 500 subscribers. The key? Make it easy. Add a “Send Stars” button right after your best posts. Use clear calls like: “Loved this? Tip me a Star!”
Subscriptions: Turn Followers Into Paying Members
Subscriptions are where Telegram really shines. On Patreon, the average supporter pays $5.27 a month. On Telegram? Successful channels earn $10-$50 per subscriber. How? Because your audience isn’t just passively watching-they’re part of a community.
Set up a paid channel with exclusive content: early access, private Q&As, downloadable tools, or daily market updates. ‘Crypto Insider’ has 2,500 subscribers paying $50/month. That’s $127,000 a month. Not every channel hits those numbers, but even $5/month from 1,000 people = $5,000/month. That’s a full-time income.
Use Mini Apps to manage subscriptions. These are lightweight web apps built inside Telegram. You can create tiers: Basic ($5/month), Pro ($15/month), VIP ($50/month). Each tier unlocks different content. You can even offer free trials or discounts for annual payments. And since everything happens inside Telegram, users never leave the app. That keeps conversion rates high.
Partnerships and Sponsored Content: Work With Brands Directly
Brands are waking up to Telegram. Not because it’s big-it’s because it’s targeted. A channel about cryptocurrency tools? You’re talking to people who actually buy crypto. A channel about productivity apps? You’re talking to remote workers who spend money on software.
Many brands now pay creators directly to post sponsored messages. Some even offer Telegram Stars or TON as payment. ‘GameDealsPro’ makes $12,800 a month from affiliate links to gaming stores. Another channel, ‘FinanceHacks,’ partners with budgeting apps and earns $8,000/month from promo codes.
Here’s how to start: reach out to brands your audience already uses. Don’t pitch to big companies first. Start with startups or indie tools. Offer a custom promo code. Track clicks. Show them results. Once you prove you can drive sales, they’ll pay you more. You can even use Telegram’s new “Funded Suggested Posts” feature-advertisers pay you in Stars or TON just to post their message.
Why Telegram Beats Other Platforms
Compare this to YouTube. To join their Partner Program, you need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. Then you get 55% of ad revenue-and only if you’re in a supported country. And you can’t control what ads show up. Telegram? 1,000 subscribers. No watch hours. No waiting. You get paid in 24 hours after setting up.
Instagram? You need 10K followers to even get access to branded content tools. And you have to use external links to get paid. Telegram? Everything is in-app. No redirects. No broken links. No lost sales.
Substack? You can charge for newsletters, but you can’t easily add tips, ads, or affiliate links without juggling multiple tools. On Telegram, you do it all in one place. Your audience doesn’t need to switch apps. You don’t need to manage five different dashboards.
Who Makes the Most Money on Telegram?
Not everyone earns the same. Success depends on your niche and how you engage.
- Cryptocurrency: 89% of channels monetize. Top earners make $50K-$200K/month.
- Gaming: 76% monetize. Best results come from game keys, deals, and exclusive guides.
- Software & Tech: 72% use subscriptions. High-value audiences pay for tutorials, templates, and tools.
- Finance & Investing: 63% earn through paid content and affiliate links.
- Lifestyle & Travel: Only 32% earn over $1,000/month. Why? Lower intent to pay. Harder to sell subscriptions.
The pattern is clear: niche audiences with high intent = high earnings. If you’re in a broad category like fitness or food, you’ll need to get creative. Offer downloadable meal plans, workout trackers, or exclusive recipes behind a paywall.
How to Get Started (Step-by-Step)
- Reach 1,000 subscribers. Post consistently. Engage with comments. Use polls. Ask questions. Growth takes time, but it’s faster on Telegram than anywhere else.
- Enable monetization. Go to your channel → Statistics → Monetization. Turn on Sponsored Messages and Stars.
- Set up a subscription tier. Use a Mini App like Scrile or TON Rocket to create paid access. Start with one tier at $5/month.
- Link your wallet. Connect your TON wallet (like Tonkeeper) to receive payouts.
- Test and optimize. Try locking one post behind Stars. See how many people pay. Then try a sponsored post. Track what works.
Most creators take 10-15 hours to set everything up. After that, it’s about consistency. Post at least 3 times a week. Reply to messages. Build trust. Revenue follows engagement.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Not everyone succeeds. Here’s what goes wrong-and how to fix it:
- “I have 10K followers but make nothing.” You’re posting, but not engaging. Use polls, quizzes, and direct questions. Ask: “What do you want next?” People pay for what they help shape.
- “Ad revenue is too low.” It takes 3-4 months to build enough traffic. Don’t quit early. Focus on subscriptions and Stars in the meantime.
- “I don’t understand crypto.” You don’t need to be an expert. Use a simple wallet like Tonkeeper. Convert TON to USD on exchanges like Binance or Kraken. It’s not hard-just different.
- “My audience won’t pay.” Test it. Lock one post. Ask for 10 Stars. You’ll be surprised. Most people will pay if they get real value.
What’s Next for Telegram Monetization?
Telegram isn’t stopping. Coming in 2026: “Telegram Premium for Channels,” which will let you offer multiple subscription tiers with different perks. Also, “Ad Targeting 2.0” will let you choose who sees your ads-by age, location, or interests.
More brands are joining. 47% of Fortune 500 companies now run Telegram channels. That means more paid partnerships are coming.
But the biggest shift? Creators are staying. According to a 2025 survey, 83% of monetizing creators say they won’t leave Telegram-even if other platforms offer more money. Why? Because it’s the only platform where you own your audience, control your income, and earn in multiple ways-all without asking permission.
Can I make money on Telegram with fewer than 1,000 subscribers?
You can’t run Telegram ads until you hit 1,000 subscribers, but you can still earn with Stars and direct tips. Even with 200 followers, if they’re engaged, you can ask for Star donations or sell one-time digital products like PDF guides or templates. Many creators start earning before they qualify for ads.
Do I need to know how to code to use Telegram Mini Apps?
No. You can use ready-made tools like Scrile, TON Rocket, or BotFather to set up subscriptions, payment links, and loyalty programs without writing code. These platforms give you drag-and-drop builders. You only need coding if you want to build custom apps with advanced features like quizzes or games.
Is Telegram monetization safe in my country?
It depends. Telegram’s payout system uses Toncoin (TON), which is banned in some countries like Nigeria and parts of Southeast Asia. If your country restricts crypto, you can still earn through direct brand partnerships or by using third-party payment gateways linked to your Mini App. Always check local laws before setting up paid content.
How long does it take to start earning on Telegram?
You can start earning within days if you already have an audience. Setting up Stars and subscriptions takes less than an hour. But consistent income usually takes 2-3 months. That’s when your audience learns to trust you and starts paying. Don’t expect overnight success-build slowly, engage daily, and revenue will follow.
Can I use Telegram to sell physical products?
Yes, but indirectly. Telegram doesn’t handle shipping or payments for physical goods. But you can use Mini Apps to link to your Shopify store, Etsy shop, or Gumroad page. Post product photos, run limited-time offers, and use Telegram’s broadcast feature to notify subscribers. Many creators sell merch, books, or handmade items this way.
What’s the biggest mistake new creators make on Telegram?
They focus on growth instead of engagement. Getting 10K followers doesn’t mean anything if no one interacts. The most successful creators have smaller audiences but high trust. They ask questions, respond to every comment, and give value before asking for money. Money follows attention-and attention follows connection.
