In a significant turning point for the messaging platform, Telegram has announced that it has become profitable for the first time since its inception. The company’s total revenue for 2024 exceeded $1 billion, a remarkable increase from the previous year’s revenue of approximately $350 million. This financial success is largely attributed to a surge in Telegram Premium subscribers, which have tripled to over 12 million this year.
Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, revealed that the company is closing the year with more than $500 million in cash reserves, excluding its cryptocurrency assets. This achievement marks a crucial milestone in the company’s monetization journey, which began three years ago.
The growth in revenue has been driven by multiple factors:
- Premium Subscriptions: The introduction of Telegram Premium has proven highly successful, with subscribers paying $4.99 monthly for exclusive features.
- Advertising Revenue: The platform has significantly boosted its advertising income through partnerships and a new ad revenue-sharing model for public channels. This initiative has attracted major brands and increased the platform’s advertising inventory.
- Cryptocurrency Ventures: Telegram’s cryptocurrency holdings, particularly Toncoin, have contributed substantially to its financial health. The company has leveraged these digital assets to repay a portion of its $2 billion debt.
Despite these achievements, Durov acknowledged that challenges remain ahead. Over the past four years, Telegram has issued around $2 billion in debt and has recently taken steps to repay a meaningful share of it by capitalizing on favorable bond prices.
Durov emphasized that Telegram’s innovative monetization strategies—such as Stars, Gifts, Giveaways, Mini Apps, and an Affiliate Platform—demonstrate that social media platforms can achieve financial sustainability while maintaining independence and respecting user rights.
As Telegram looks toward the future, it aims to solidify its financial standing and potentially explore public listing options. However, the company faces ongoing scrutiny regarding content moderation and legal challenges, particularly following Durov’s recent arrest in France over allegations related to illegal content on the platform.
Overall, Telegram’s newfound profitability signals a promising future for the platform as it continues to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape while prioritizing user privacy and innovation.
