Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, on Monday announced that the messaging platform has achieved profitability for the first time since its launch in 2013.
This milestone comes after Telegram’s revenue surpassed $1 billion for the year, driven by its premium subscription service and advertising revenue.
Durov noted that the company now has over 12 million paid users and over $500 million in cash reserves, excluding cryptocurrency assets.
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Growth and monetisation strategies
Telegram has implemented various monetisation strategies to reach this point. In 2022, the introduction of a premium subscription allowed users to access additional features for $4.99 per month.
Durov emphasised that these efforts demonstrate that social media platforms can achieve financial sustainability while respecting user rights. He stated, “This is a testament to our commitment to remain independent and user-centric”.
The platform has also launched ad revenue sharing for content creators and business-level subscriptions, enhancing its appeal to a broader audience.
Telegram is popular, but its moderating material rules are being examined more closely. People who oppose the platform say it has been used to spread false information and hate speech.
Durov has previously defended Telegram against such claims, asserting that it is not an “anarchic paradise” but a space for free expression.
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Challenges ahead
While celebrating this achievement, Durov acknowledged ongoing challenges.
Telegram has issued about $2 billion in debt over the past four years and has recently repaid a significant portion of it.
He remarked, “There’s a lot of work ahead,” indicating that while profitability is a significant step forward, it does not mark the end of Telegram’s journey.
Durov’s leadership has not been without controversy; he was arrested in France in August 2024 amid allegations related to content on the platform.
After paying bail, he is still figuring out how to run a global message service while regulators keep looking closely.
However, his goal for Telegram is to retain user privacy and free expression while making a profit.