Telegram has reached a huge milestone—it's now officially profitable. Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov announced on X that the messaging app made over $1 billion in revenue in 2024. By the end of the year, Telegram had more than $500 million in cash reserves, exluding its crypto assets.
A big part of this success came from Telegram Premium, the platform’s paid subscription service. Premium subscribers tripled in 2024, reaching over 12 million users. Ads also brought in more money, with advertising revenue growing several times compared to previous years.
Over the past four years, Telegram borrowed about $2 billion to keep expanding. This fall, the company used favorable bond prices to repay a significant chunk of its debt, which shows its growing financial stability. However, Durov noted there’s still work to do to fully strengthen the company’s finances.
Telegram’s profitability wasn’t just about ads and subscriptions. The platform rolled out creative money-making features like Stars, Gifts, Giveaways, Mini Apps, the Affiliate Platform, Telegram Business, and Telegram Gateway. These additions gave Telegram multiple revenue streams while staying true to its core principles—respecting user privacy and maintaining independence.
Reaching profitability is a big step for Telegram, showing that social media platforms can succeed financially without compromising on user rights. It’s a clear sign that with the right strategies, innovation, and focus, platforms can thrive in a competitive market.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
