Telegram announced on Wednesday that it’s introducing new ways for creators to monetize their content on the platform. The most significant addition is the launch of monthly paid subscriptions, which users can purchase using the app’s digital currency, Stars, to access exclusive content from creators.
Creators can now generate invite links that grant users access to a channel in exchange for a monthly payment in Stars. This feature is designed to allow creators to charge for additional or early content, similar to how Patreon operates. Creators have the ability to set their own pricing and can convert the Stars they earn into Toncoin cryptocurrency rewards or use them for subsidized ads. While Telegram takes a commission on transactions involving Stars, the company hasn’t disclosed the exact amount.
These new tools expand on Telegram’s ongoing efforts to help creators earn income through its platform. Last month, Telegram enabled creators to share paid content on their channels, and a few months prior, the platform introduced ad revenue sharing with creators.
This announcement follows Telegram’s milestone of reaching 950 million active users last month, with a goal of surpassing 1 billion users this year. Earlier this year, Telegram founder Pavel Durov mentioned that the company expects to become profitable next year and is considering going public.
