• Pavel Durov’s Telegram reaches $1B in revenue, marking its first profitable year.

  • Advertising revenue surge played a key role in Telegram’s $1B revenue milestone this year.

Telegram has reached profitability for the first time, marking a pivotal moment in its business journey. The social media platform announced total revenue exceeding $1 billion in 2024, with over $500 million in cash reserves, excluding crypto assets.

Founder Pavel Durov highlighted the platform’s strong performance in a recent post. He noted that Telegram Premium subscribers tripled this year, surpassing 12 million users. Advertising revenue also surged significantly, driving the company’s financial success.

Telegram’s journey to profitability included addressing legal challenges and managing its $2 billion debt. The company repaid a substantial portion of its debt this fall, benefiting from favorable bond prices. Durov acknowledged the progress but emphasized that significant work remains.

Telegram’s Next Moves

Over the past four years, Telegram implemented various monetization strategies. These include the launch of innovations such as Stars, Gifts, Mini Apps, and Telegram Business. These efforts underline the platform’s commitment to financial sustainability while maintaining user independence.

Telegram’s growth comes amid increasing scrutiny over illicit content on its platform. The company has taken steps to improve moderation and reassure investors about its viability. Despite these challenges, Telegram continues to expand, attracting an estimated 850 million monthly active users globally.

Looking ahead, Telegram is preparing for a potential IPO or acquisition. Durov stressed the importance of monetisation in maintaining independence. He suggested an IPO could involve offering stock to loyal users, similar to Reddit’s strategy.

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