KeyTakeaways:
- Telegram hits $1B in revenue in 2024, fueled by premium subscriptions and crypto ventures.
- Telegram Premium attracts 12 million users, boosting revenue and diversifying services.
- Legal challenges persist as Telegram strengthens content moderation efforts with 750 hires.
Telegram has reached a significant milestone in 2024, surpassing $1 billion in revenue. This achievement signifies a dramatic turnaround from the previous year, when the platform earned approximately $350 million.
Telegram’s newfound profitability results from strategic monetization efforts, including premium subscriptions, crypto ventures, and careful financial management. However, this progress comes as Telegram faces legal challenges and scrutiny surrounding its content moderation policies.
A key driver of Telegram’s revenue growth is its premium subscription service, Telegram Premium. Launched two years ago, Telegram Premium has seen incredible success, boasting over 12 million subscribers.
In addition to Premium subscriptions, Telegram has introduced new paid features, such as monetized content within channels, video services, and an ad-supported experience. These additional revenue streams have played a critical role in Telegram’s profitability, helping the platform diversify beyond its traditional functions as a messaging service.
Crypto Ventures Support Financial Stability
Telegram’s expansion into crypto ventures has further contributed to its financial growth. The platform created its digital currency, Toncoin, and has sold quantities to generate revenue. This initiative has boosted Telegram’s cash flow and played a crucial role in reducing the platform’s substantial debt, which had previously reached nearly $2 billion.
Looking ahead, Telegram plans to integrate crypto more deeply into its platform. The company intends to allow users to mine and exchange digital currencies through third-party applications. These developments could offer Telegram additional revenue opportunities and solidify its role in the evolving digital economy.
Legal Scrutiny and Efforts to Address Content Moderation
Despite its financial successes, Telegram faces ongoing legal challenges. The platform has been criticized for its relatively lax content moderation policies, which have led to its use for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and the spread of extremist content. In August 2024, Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested in France on charges related to illegal content on the platform.
In response to these concerns, Telegram has taken steps to improve its content moderation efforts. The company has hired over 750 contractors tasked with monitoring and removing harmful content. These efforts reflect Telegram’s commitment to addressing legal and regulatory pressure while balancing its platform’s openness with growing concerns over illegal activities.
