Ads are coming to Telegram in 2021. As the messaging app nears 500 million users, it will need to generate more revenue in order to accommodate its growing userbase.
Telegram Needs Ads to Generate More Funds
Telegram, an encrypted messaging app, gained a global following largely because of its clean interface and privacy features. The founder of the app, Pavel Durov, made an announcement on his Telegram channel that could potentially change the look and feel of the app forever.
As the app gets closer to 500 million users, Telegram will need extra funding for more servers. And according to Durov, the app "is on track to reach billions of users." Durov has been paying for the app's expenses out of his own pocket since its inception, which obviously isn't ideal for a growing app.
That said, it's clear that Telegram will need a way to gain more funding to keep up with the influx of users. Durov has decided that the best way to monetize the app is through ads.
So yes, Telegram will be getting ads in 2021. But thankfully, you won't see any ads in one-on-one chats. Durov notes that "communication between people should be free of advertising of any sort," and that "most users will hardly notice any change."
Telegram ads will only appear in public one-to-many channels. Some of these channel owners already use third-party services to create intrusive ads for its channels, but Telegram wants to change that. Starting next year, Telegram will be implementing its own ad platform, which is "user-friendly, respects privacy," and lets Telegram cover "the costs of servers and traffic."
Telegram won't be the only party that benefits from the ads. Durov says that "the community should also benefit, and he explained this concept in further detail, stating:
For example, if we monetize large public one-to-many channels via the Ad Platform, the owners of these channels will receive free traffic in proportion to their size. Or, if Telegram introduces premium stickers with additional expressive features, the artists who make stickers of this new type will also get a part of the profit.
This is good for both Telegram, as well as small businesses and other creators.
Also in his post, Durov mentioned that Telegram will soon be adding paid features for "business teams or power users" as well. But don't worry; anyone using the app for free can continue to do so.
Ads Won't Change Much About Telegram
It doesn't seem like ads will be detrimental to Telegram, as Durov promises that they won't get in your way. When ads arrive in 2021, we'll have to see if Durov was true to his word.