from Hacker News

Ask HN: How does Telegram make money?

by 13415 on 9/23/24, 6:38 PM with 9 comments

I've never used it and just learned that you can store arbitrary files there. They also store videos. Storage is quite expensive and I've heard that Youtube has troubles making money.

So how does Telegram make enough money to support unlimited file storage?

  • by wheresmyshadow on 9/23/24, 7:15 PM

    In couple ways:

    - Premium - a monthly subscription that gives some additional gimmicks

    - Ads - they sell context-based ads in some large channels

    - Crypto - they developed and invest in TON which used to be fully theirs (maybe still is? idk) and it's incorporated in the app

    - Paid features inside the app, like you can buy their in-app currency to then use it in bots and whatnots

    I think these are the main ways, also their CEO is a billionaire which is supposed to cover the rest of expenses and can gather investors to help.

    Edit: sorry I suck at formatting

  • by misterioss on 9/23/24, 7:04 PM

    Selling the ads. Also cooperation with Russian government

  • by markx2 on 9/23/24, 6:59 PM

    Ask an investor? Matt Mullenweg is one.

  • by pabs4U on 9/23/24, 6:44 PM

    I suppose just like any other open source company etc…. By fund raising or Donations.