Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging app and social media platform that allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, share photos, videos, documents, and more. It was created by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai in 2013.
Telegram has gained popularity in some countries for a few reasons:
- Security and Privacy. Telegram is known for its strong emphasis on user privacy and security. It uses end-to-end encryption for all conversations, ensuring that messages can only be accessed by the sender and recipient. This has made it appealing to individuals and groups who prioritize privacy and want to avoid surveillance.
- Features and Functionality. Telegram offers a wide range of features and functionality that go beyond basic messaging. It allows users to create public or private channels for broadcasting messages to large audiences, join groups based on common interests, share files up to 2GB in size, and more. These features have attracted tech-savvy users who appreciate the flexibility and convenience Telegram provides.
- Censorship Resistance. Telegram is known for its relatively high resistance to censorship. It has built-in features like the ability to create anonymous public channels and self-destructing messages, making it harder for authorities to monitor or control the platform’s content. In countries where internet freedom is restricted, users may turn to Telegram as a means of bypassing government censorship and accessing information.
- Broad Platform Support. Telegram is available across various platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and web browsers. This cross-platform compatibility makes it accessible to a wide range of users and facilitates communication between people using different devices.
- User-friendly Interface. Telegram has a clean and intuitive user interface, making it easy to navigate and use. It offers customization options, such as changing the app’s theme and creating custom stickers, allowing users to personalize their experience.
Telegram Users by Country
Here is a table showing the countries with the most Telegram downloads in 2023:
| Country | Number of Downloads |
|---|---|
| India | 70.48 million |
| Russia | 24.15 million |
| United States | 20.03 million |
| Indonesia | 19.61 million |
| Brazil | 18.04 million |
| Egypt | 11.05 million |
| Mexico | 8.33 million |
| Ukraine | 7.02 million |
| Vietnam | 6.95 million |
| Turkey | 6.48 million |
| Philippines | 6.31 million |
| Nigeria | 5.45 million |
| France | 5.08 million |
| Kazakhstan | 4.84 million |
| Malaysia | 4.65 million |
| Colombia | 4.49 million |
| Saudi Arabia | 4 million |
| Germany | 3.88 million |
| Spain | 3.84 million |
| Argentina | 3.65 million |
How to Earn Money from Telegram
1. Revenue sharing with channel owners
Unlike X, where there are several standard monetization methods, including an income distribution program, Telegram is still planning to introduce this program (as of September 2023).
2. Sponsored Content
Thanks to its wide reach and active user base, Telegram provides brands with a valuable platform to connect with their target audience and promote their products or services.
When it comes to sponsored content on Telegram, authenticity and transparency are key. Users appreciate genuine recommendations from trusted accounts, so influencers must maintain their credibility by collaborating with brands that align with their own values and interests. This ensures that sponsored content appears organic and resonates with subscribers.
Here are a few steps for effectively monetizing a Telegram channel through sponsored content:
1) Develop a niche. Identify your area of expertise or interests and gather followers around it. Brands are more likely to work with influencers who have a specific niche audience, as it allows them to reach a more targeted demographic.
2) Increase your subscriber count. Grow your subscriber base by consistently publishing high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Engage with your subscribers by responding to comments and actively participating in relevant discussions. This helps build trust and makes you an appealing prospect for brands.
3) Find and research potential partners. Research and reach out to brands that align with your niche and your audience’s interests. Look for brands that share similar values, as well as products or services that will genuinely benefit your subscribers. Contact them via email or direct messages, showcasing your level of engagement and explaining the mutual benefits of a partnership.
4) Discuss terms. After reaching out to a brand, discuss terms such as payment, performance metrics, and campaign duration. Clearly define your audience demographics, level of engagement, and the value you provide. Consider using a contract or agreement to establish partnership terms and protect the interests of both parties.
5) Create compelling content. When promoting a brand or product, create visually engaging content that seamlessly integrates with your regular posts. Craft authentic and informative captions that highlight the benefits of the product or service. Ensure that the content enhances the experience for your subscribers and doesn’t come across as overly promotional.
6) Track and analyze results. Monitor the effectiveness of your sponsored content campaigns to evaluate their impact. Look at engagement metrics, click-through rates, and conversions to assess the effectiveness of your advertising efforts. Adjust your strategy based on data to optimize future campaigns.
3. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services through affiliate links and earning a commission for each sale or action made through your referral.
1) Choose an affiliate network. For example, Admitad, Drim.one, or any other network that suits your needs. You can find niche-specific affiliate programs or those that cater to a broader range of topics. Register for an affiliate account that matches your niche and interests.
2) Select appropriate products/services. Once registered as an affiliate, research the market and choose products or services that are relevant to your Telegram channel’s audience. Look for high-quality products that you genuinely believe in and that will be valuable to your subscribers.
3) Shorten and track affiliate links. Affiliate links can be long and cumbersome, so it’s better to shorten them using URL shortening services. Additionally, you can use tracking tools like TGStat to monitor the effectiveness of your affiliate links and understand which campaigns yield the highest engagement and conversion rates.
4) Create engaging content. Craft tweets that effectively promote your affiliate products or services using persuasive language and emphasizing the benefits for your subscribers. Consider including visuals, videos, or GIFs to make your tweets visually appealing and attention-grabbing.
5) Provide value. Your subscribers should trust your recommendations, so it’s important to provide them with value rather than just pushing for a sale. Share informative content, useful tips, and personal experiences related to the products or services you’re promoting. This enhances your credibility and establishes you as an authority in your niche.
6) Engage with your audience. Interacting with your subscribers is crucial for building relationships and gaining their trust. Respond to their comments and questions promptly, ask for feedback, and encourage them to share their experiences with the products. This creates a sense of community and boosts engagement, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
7) Experiment and analyze. Continuously improve your approach by experimenting with different types of content, posting times, and promotion strategies. Analyze the effectiveness of your posts using available analytics or third-party services. Pay attention to engagement, click-through rates, and conversion rates to determine which methods work best and optimize accordingly.
4. Promote Your Own Products or Services
1) Build a strong brand presence. Before promoting your products or services, it’s essential to establish a solid brand presence on Telegram. Create a professional profile with a clear description, appealing visuals, and a compelling biography. Use relevant keywords and hashtags to make it easy for users to find you. Creating an authentic and recognizable brand helps build trust among your subscribers.
2) Share valuable content. Instead of constantly promoting your products, focus on creating and sharing valuable content that resonates with your target audience.
3) Utilize advertising. There are various advertising options on Telegram that can help you reach a wider audience. A standard method is “Sponsored Message” at the bottom of the screen.
It can be placed through the official promote.telegram.org service. In campaign settings, you can choose suitable channels and exclude others.
4) Engage with subscribers. Since Telegram is a social platform, regularly interact with your subscribers. Respond promptly to their comments, questions, and concerns. Participate in relevant discussions and join similar chats in other Telegram channels. Active engagement with your audience cultivates a sense of community and strengthens trust, leading to increased sales and loyalty.
5) Collaborate with influencers. Partnering with influencers can be an effective way to promote your products or services to a wider audience. Identify influencers in your niche who align with your brand’s values and have an active following. Reach out to them for collaboration opportunities such as product reviews, sponsored posts, or giveaways. Influencers can help amplify your message and introduce your products or services to their dedicated followers.
6) Offer exclusive deals. Create a sense of urgency and excitement by offering exclusive deals or discounts to your Telegram subscribers. This can drive traffic to your website or physical store, stimulate immediate sales, and generate buzz around your products. Consider running time-limited offers, flash sales, or exclusive giveaways on Telegram to prompt action from your audience.
7) Utilize user-generated content. Encourage your subscribers to share their experiences using your products or services by featuring user-generated content in your groups or on other social media platforms. Encourage them, when appropriate, to use branded hashtags when engaging in discussions, leaving reviews, or sharing photos.
Rather than focusing solely on self-promotion, aim to build relationships and provide value to your subscribers. By demonstrating authenticity, attractiveness, and a strategic approach, you can effectively monetize Telegram and promote your own products or services.
5. Offer Paid Consultations or Coaching
Offering paid consultations or coaching can be a great way to leverage your expertise and generate additional, or even primary, income. With a large and engaged audience, you can provide value to your subscribers.
1) Identify your niche. Define a specific area or topic in which you have expertise. This can range from marketing and branding to fitness and nutrition, or even personal finance. Focus on a niche that aligns with your interests and where you can offer unique insights.
2) Highlight your expertise. Showcase your knowledge and experience through content on Telegram and other social media platforms or websites. Share valuable tips, ideas, and insights within your niche. This establishes you as an authority in your field and builds trust among your followers.
3) Create a service for paid consultations or coaching. Develop a structured offering for your consultations or coaching services. Define the format, whether it’s individual sessions, group coaching, or a combination of both. Consider session duration, pricing, and any additional materials or resources you can provide.
4) Promote your services. Use Telegram to promote your paid consultations or coaching services. Create dedicated posts, discussion threads, or even pinned topics to highlight your offering. Use existing content to showcase potential clients the value you bring.
5) Deliver value and results. Provide exceptional value to your clients through consultations or coaching sessions. Offer personalized advice, effective strategies, and customized solutions to meet their specific needs and goals. Strive to deliver tangible results for your clients, as this will lead to positive reviews and recommendations.
6) Use testimonials and evidence. As you start working with clients, ask them for testimonials. Share these testimonials on Telegram to demonstrate your expertise and satisfied customers. Positive reviews will attract more clients and build trust.
7) Collaborate with influencers. Consider partnering with influencers or experts in your niche to reach a wider audience. This may involve appearing as a guest on their podcasts, conducting joint webinars, or creating collaborative content. Associating yourself with other well-known personalities can further strengthen your authority and expand your reach.
8) Utilize other platforms and channels. While Telegram may be your primary platform, explore other channels such as YouTube, Instagram, X, Facebook, or a personal website to expand your reach and solidify your brand presence. By diversifying your online presence, you broaden your monetization opportunities and attract clients from different platforms.
With the right approach and a focus on providing value to your subscribers, you can turn your Telegram channel into a profitable coaching or consulting business.
6. Create and Sell Digital Products
With a large and engaged audience, you have the opportunity to turn your expertise, creativity, or knowledge into profitable digital products:
1) E-books or guides. Compile your expertise into a comprehensive e-book or guide that contains valuable information or instructions. This can cover a wide range of topics, such as fitness, cooking, personal development, or marketing strategies.
2) Online courses or seminars. Read about them earlier in the article.
3) Templates or design resources. Designers, photographers, or content creators can sell templates, presets, graphics, or other design resources. This allows them to share their unique creative style and tools with others who are interested in achieving similar results.
4) Stock photos or videos. If you have photography or videography skills, consider selling your work as digital stock assets. People are always in need of high-quality visuals for their websites, blogs, social media, or marketing campaigns.
5) Software or mobile applications. If you have technical skills, creating and selling your own software or mobile applications can be highly profitable. Identify a problem or untapped market and develop a solution that provides value to users.
By turning your expertise, creativity, or knowledge into digital products, you can establish additional streams of income and share your value with a broader audience.
7. Crowdfunding
Whether you are an artist looking to fund your next project, a startup looking to launch a new product, or a social activist seeking support for your cause, crowdfunding on Telegram can help you reach a wide audience and raise the necessary funds.
1) Choose the right platform or method for fundraising. For example, you can use platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Explore their features, fees, and success rates to find the one that best aligns with your goals.
Some people simply collect money through bank cards, Paypal, crypto wallets, etc.
2) Create a compelling campaign. A successful crowdfunding campaign on Telegram starts with a persuasive story. Describe why your project or cause is important, how the funds will be utilized, and why people should support you. Use compelling language and visual content to capture attention and evoke emotions. Remember to keep your messages concise and highlight key points.
3) Offer enticing rewards. To incentivize potential sponsors, offer attractive and meaningful rewards for different levels of contributions. These rewards can range from exclusive merchandise and access to events, to personalized experiences and early access to your product or service. Ensure that the rewards align with the theme of your campaign and enhance value for supporters.
4) Regularly update and engage your audience. As your campaign progresses, provide regular updates to your Telegram subscribers. Share milestones, testimonials, and progress reports to maintain the interest and awareness of your audience. Respond promptly to messages, comments, and inquiries to demonstrate your commitment and earn the trust of your supporters.
5) Promote across multiple channels. While Telegram is an excellent platform for crowdfunding, it should not be the sole channel of promotion. Utilize other social media platforms, email newsletters, blogs, and offline networks to expand your reach. The more channels you utilize, the higher the chances of attracting potential sponsors.
Monetization and Advertising Through Ad Exchanges
Many of the advertising formats mentioned above can be found on specialized advertising exchanges that have been created to facilitate the work of advertisers and bloggers.
There are also other advertising exchanges.