Pavel Durov, the innovative mind behind the popular messaging application Telegram, made headlines recently by announcing that his company is currently profitable. In a groundbreaking revelation, Durov shared that Telegram’s aggregate revenue surpassed an impressive $1 billion in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the platform.
One of the key factors contributing to Telegram’s success is its premium subscription service, which was introduced in 2022 and has since garnered a remarkable 12 million paid subscribers. This growth in paid subscribers has played a crucial role in bolstering the company’s financial position, with Durov revealing that Telegram is set to end the year with over $500 million in financial reserves, excluding its crypto assets.
In a move that further demonstrates Telegram’s commitment to financial stability, Durov announced that the company has taken steps to repay a substantial portion of its debt bonds this autumn. Over the past four years, Telegram has issued approximately $2 billion in debt, a financial obligation that the company has been diligently working to address. By taking advantage of favorable pricing conditions in the bond market, Telegram was able to make significant repayments, though Durov made it clear that there is still much work to be done in this area.
Despite the challenges posed by its debt obligations, Durov remains optimistic about Telegram’s future prospects. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, he expressed his intention for the company to go public at some point in the future and projected that Telegram would achieve profitability by 2025. These ambitious goals underscore Durov’s unwavering confidence in Telegram’s business model and its ability to thrive in the competitive landscape of the tech industry.
One of the key strategies driving Telegram’s growth and financial success is its focus on diversifying revenue streams and expanding its offerings to users. In recent years, the company has introduced several innovative features tailored for businesses, such as an ad revenue sharing service and opportunities for creators to monetize their content through paid channels. Additionally, Telegram has unveiled a micro app store, providing users with a curated selection of apps that enhance the platform’s functionality and user experience.
With a staggering 950 million monthly active users, Telegram has firmly established itself as a major player in the messaging app market. Its user-friendly interface, robust security features, and commitment to user privacy have resonated with millions of users worldwide, driving sustained growth and creating new opportunities for monetization and expansion.
As Telegram continues to evolve and innovate, Durov’s vision for the company’s future remains clear: to deliver a best-in-class messaging experience for users, while also pursuing financial sustainability and growth. With a solid foundation of paid subscribers, a diverse range of revenue streams, and a strategic roadmap for the future, Telegram is well-positioned to achieve its long-term goals and solidify its position as a leading player in the tech industry.