Top 3 Key Points:
- Paid Subscriptions: Creators can now charge users for exclusive content using Telegram’s digital currency, Stars.
- Star Reactions: Users can directly support creators by sending Stars, similar to YouTube’s “Super Thanks.”
- Creator Revenue Options: Stars can be converted to cryptocurrency or used for ads, with Telegram taking a commission.
Telegram has unveiled new features designed to help content creators earn money on its platform. One of the key updates is the introduction of monthly paid subscriptions. Users can now pay for access to exclusive content using Telegram’s digital currency, Stars.
These paid subscriptions work through special invite links that creators can generate. When users purchase a subscription with Stars, they gain access to extra content, similar to how platforms like Patreon operate. Creators have control over pricing and can decide how much they want to charge for their content. The earned Stars can be converted into Toncoin cryptocurrency or used to fund ads. However, Telegram will take a commission from these transactions, though the exact percentage hasn’t been disclosed.
Another new feature is Star Reactions, which lets users show support for their favorite creators directly. This works much like YouTube’s “Super Thanks” or X’s Tips feature. What’s appealing for creators is that they receive 100% of the Stars sent through Star Reactions.
These updates are part of Telegram’s broader strategy to empower creators financially. Earlier this year, Telegram introduced features allowing creators to share paid content and participate in ad revenue sharing.
These announcements come as Telegram approaches a significant milestone, reaching 950 million active users last month. The company is aiming to cross the 1 billion user mark soon. With such growth, Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, has expressed confidence in the platform’s future, stating that they expect to be profitable by next year and are considering an initial public offering (IPO).