On Wednesday, Telegram said that it is expanding the revenue streams available to content creators on its network. Most significantly, the network is introducing paid monthly subscriptions that users may buy using Stars, the app’s virtual currency, to access additional content created by creators.
Now, content producers may create invite links that let viewers join a channel in return for a Stars payment each month. The purpose of the functionality is to enable content providers to impose fees for more or early access to their work in a manner reminiscent of Patreon.
In addition to being able to choose the price for their work, creators can exchange Stars for subsidised advertisements or the cryptocurrency Toncoin. The amount of the commission that Telegram receives from Stars-related transactions is unknown.
Telegram is also launching Star Reactions, allowing users to directly support their favorite content creators. Star Reactions is similar to YouTube’s “Super Thanks” feature and X’s Tips feature. Creators get 100% of the Stars they receive via the Reactions feature.
The new functionalities expand on Telegram’s ongoing initiatives to make the platform more profitable for creators. Telegram introduced ad income sharing with creators a few months ago, and this month the business began allowing producers to post paid content to their channels.
With 950 million active users as of last month, Telegram hopes to surpass one billion users this year. This news coincides with that goal. Founder of Telegram Pavel Durov stated earlier this year that the business plans to turn a profit the next year and is thinking about going public.