How Telegram Became Successful Without a Marketing Budget (And How It Makes Money)

Published on 03/02/25

Telegram is a messaging app that became very popular without spending a lot of money on advertising. So, how did they do it? Here’s the story: Telegram promised something that many other apps didn’t—strong privacy. It gave users the ability to send messages that are encrypted, meaning they are very secure. This made Telegram attractive to people who cared about their privacy, especially in a time when data security was becoming a bigger concern.

Instead of spending money on ads, Telegram grew mostly because of people telling their friends about it. Users loved the app’s features like large group chats, channels, and privacy options, and they shared it with others. This “word of mouth” was key in spreading Telegram worldwide.

Unlike many free apps that make money from showing ads, Telegram didn’t use any advertisements. This created a more pleasant experience for users, making them stick around and invite more people.

Telegram kept improving by regularly adding new features. This kept users interested and brought in more people. It made the app fun and useful, which helped spread the word even more.

Telegram’s design and features worked well for people in different countries. Whether you’re in a big city or a remote area, Telegram was easy to use and available for everyone. This helped it grow fast across the globe.

How Telegram Makes Money

Even though Telegram doesn’t use ads, it still needs to make money to stay running. Here’s how it does it: Telegram introduced a paid version of the app called “Telegram Premium.” This gives users access to extra features like faster downloads, more storage, and other advanced tools. It’s a way for Telegram to earn money while still keeping the app free for most users. Telegram also offers paid services for businesses and large groups. For example, companies can pay to use special features for managing their channels or communicating with customers. Telegram continues to grow while staying true to its promise of providing a secure, ad-free platform for regular users.