Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, announced on Monday that the platform is now profitable. Telegram’s revenue exceeded $1 billion in 2024. This follows the launch of its premium subscription service in 2022, which now has 12 million paid users.
Durov shared the good news on his X account. He highlighted the platform’s growth in ad revenue and reported over $500 million in cash reserves, excluding crypto assets. Telegram also repaid part of its $2 billion debt.
Telegram’s innovations, like Stars, Gifts, and Mini Apps, helped drive success. Durov believes these features show social media can be financially sustainable while respecting user privacy.
Elon Musk quickly responded to Durov’s post, congratulating him with a simple “Well done.” This acknowledgment reflects Telegram’s strong position as it nears 900 million users.
However, Telegram faces criticism over content moderation. Some accuse the platform of hosting illegal and extremist content, leading to Durov’s arrest in France in August 2024. He was released on bail after being charged for failing to curb such content.
In response, Telegram stepped up its content moderation. The platform blocked 15.4 million groups and channels this year. It now removes thousands of pieces of violating content daily, tackling issues like terrorism, fraud, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Despite these challenges, Telegram’s profitability marks a major milestone. The platform’s ability to grow while addressing criticism proves its strength. As Telegram moves into 2025, it remains focused on innovation and user safety.