Telegram is one of the most popular instant messaging platforms, known for its security, speed, and feature-rich environment. Launched in 2013 by Pavel Durov, it has gained immense popularity worldwide, competing with apps like WhatsApp and Signal.
Table of Contents
Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Pavel Durov |
| Headquarters | Dubai, UAE |
| Platforms | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Web |
| Key Features | End-to-End Encryption, Cloud Storage, Large File Sharing, Bots, Channels, Groups, Voice & Video Calls |
| Business Model | Freemium (Premium Subscriptions, Ads, Donations) |
| Competitors | WhatsApp, Signal, Messenger, WeChat |
Telegram’s Revenue Growth (2013-2024)
Telegram was initially self-funded but later introduced monetization models like Telegram Premium and ads. Here’s a look at its revenue over the years:
| Year | Revenue (Billion $) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | – |
| 2014 | 0 | 0% |
| 2015 | 0.02 | – |
| 2016 | 0.05 | 150% |
| 2017 | 0.12 | 140% |
| 2018 | 0.3 | 150% |
| 2019 | 0.6 | 100% |
| 2020 | 1.0 | 66.7% |
| 2021 | 1.4 | 40% |
| 2022 | 1.8 | 28.6% |
| 2023 | 2.5 | 38.9% |
| 2024 | 3.5 | 40% |
Telegram’s User Growth (2013-2024)
Telegram’s user base has expanded significantly, reaching billions of Monthly Active Users (MAUs):
| Year | MAUs (Billion) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0.1 | – |
| 2014 | 0.12 | 20% |
| 2015 | 0.15 | 25% |
| 2016 | 0.2 | 33.3% |
| 2017 | 0.3 | 50% |
| 2018 | 0.5 | 66.7% |
| 2019 | 0.65 | 30% |
| 2020 | 0.8 | 23.1% |
| 2021 | 0.95 | 18.8% |
| 2022 | 1.1 | 15.8% |
| 2023 | 1.3 | 18.2% |
| 2024 | 1.5 | 15.4% |
Funding History:
Telegram’s financial journey includes several notable funding rounds:
- 2018: The company raised approximately $1.7 billion through a private sale of tokens as part of its Telegram Open Network (TON) blockchain project. However, due to regulatory challenges, the project was discontinued, and funds were returned to investors.
- March 2021: Telegram secured $1 billion by issuing bonds to a select group of investors, aiming to support the platform’s growth and development.
- June 2023: The company raised an additional $270 million through bond sales to further enhance its infrastructure and expand services.
- March 2024: Telegram obtained $330 million from bond sales, underscoring investor confidence in the platform’s potential.
Collectively, these funding efforts have amounted to approximately $4 billion since the company’s inception.
Ownership Structure:
Telegram’s ownership is predominantly held by its founder, Pavel Durov, who maintains full control over the company. This centralized ownership ensures that the platform’s direction aligns closely with Durov’s vision of prioritizing user privacy and resisting external pressures.
The company operates under a complex corporate structure, with entities registered in various jurisdictions, including the British Virgin Islands and the United Arab Emirates. This arrangement is designed to protect user data and maintain operational flexibility.
Monetization and Financial Outlook:
Initially, Telegram was funded personally by Pavel Durov. As the platform’s user base expanded, the need for sustainable funding led to external investments. In June 2022, Telegram introduced Telegram Premium, a subscription-based service offering exclusive features to users, marking a shift towards monetization.
Despite these efforts, Telegram reported $342 million in revenue for 2023 but faced a total loss of $173 million after tax. The company’s financial stability has been further challenged by legal issues concerning content moderation on the platform, leading to uncertainties about its future profitability.
Telegram’s funding has transitioned from personal financing by its founder to substantial external investments through bond sales. Pavel Durov’s majority ownership ensures the platform’s adherence to its core principles, while ongoing monetization strategies aim to achieve financial sustainability amidst operational challenges.
Revenue Distribution in Telegram (2024)
Telegram earns revenue through multiple streams. Below is an estimated breakdown of its revenue distribution:
| Revenue Source | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Telegram Premium | 40% |
| Advertisements | 30% |
| Donations | 20% |
| Other Services (Bots, Stickers, API) | 10% |
Business Segments
Telegram operates in several business segments that contribute to its growth and monetization strategy:
- Messaging Services – Core communication platform with text, voice, and video messaging.
- Cloud Storage & Data Hosting – Secure cloud-based storage for messages and files.
- Advertising & Marketing – Monetized public channels through targeted advertising.
- Premium Subscription Services – Telegram Premium offers exclusive features for a monthly fee.
- Bots & API Services – Third-party integrations and automation tools for businesses and developers.
- Cryptocurrency & Blockchain – Past involvement with TON (Telegram Open Network), though officially discontinued.
Key Features of Telegram
- Cloud-Based Messaging – Sync messages across multiple devices.
- End-to-End Encryption – Secret Chats ensure privacy.
- Large File Sharing – Share files up to 2GB.
- Groups & Channels – Host communities of up to 200,000 members.
- Telegram Bots – Automate tasks and enhance functionality.
- Voice & Video Calls – High-quality communication.
- Customizable Interface – Themes, chat folders, and animated emojis.
How Telegram Makes Money
Telegram initially operated without monetization but has since introduced:
- Premium Subscriptions – Exclusive features for paying users.
- Advertising – Ads in public channels.
- Donations & Investors – Crypto and user donations.
Other projects and technologies
Telegram primarily focuses on its messaging platform, but it has also explored other projects and technologies. Here are some of the notable ones:
- Telegram Open Network (TON) – A blockchain-based platform designed for decentralized applications and payments. Although Telegram officially abandoned it due to regulatory issues, the community continues to develop it as “The Open Network.”
- Fragment – A decentralized platform for buying and selling unique usernames using blockchain technology. It operates using TON.
- Telegram Passport – A digital ID verification tool allowing users to store and share personal documents securely with third-party services.
- Telegraph – A minimalist publishing platform for writing and sharing articles without needing an account. It’s popular for anonymous and quick blogging.
- Telegram X (Discontinued) – An experimental app with enhanced animations and smoother performance, which later merged with the main Telegram app.
Telegram remains primarily focused on its messaging app, premium services, advertising, and blockchain-based integrations
Conclusion
Telegram has evolved into a powerful messaging app with a growing user base and solid revenue model. Its commitment to privacy, security, and feature expansion makes it a preferred choice for millions worldwide.
Sources:
Telegram Statistics: Revenue, Users, Demographics 2025
Statista on Telegram Users
Forbes Analysis on Telegram Revenue
