Telegram, recognized for its focus on privacy and security, has grown rapidly to become one of the world’s leading messaging platforms with more than 900 million active users. Despite its commitment to an ad-free experience with private chats and groups, Telegram introduced an original and privacy-friendly advertising solution in recent times. If you’re interested in learning how to advertise a telegram channel, this article will break down the platform’s ad system, where ads appear, and exactly how advertisers can usually benefit from it.
What Are Telegram Ads?
Telegram ads primarily appear in the form of Sponsored Messages — short, text-only promotional messages displayed in large public channels. These ads can be non-intrusive, privacy-conscious, and highly relevant to the channel’s audience, setting Telegram besides traditional ad platforms.
Where Do Telegram Ads Appear?
Public Channels: Ads appear only in channels with 1,000 or even more subscribers, typically at the end of channel posts.
No Ads in Private Chats or Groups: Telegram maintains an ad-free experience of private conversations and personal groups, respecting user privacy.
No Ads for Telegram Premium Users: Those who spend on Telegram Premium enjoy a completely ad-free interface.
How Telegram Ads Work: The Mechanics
Sponsored Messages Format
Telegram ads are text-only messages, capped at around 160 characters. They do not include images, videos, or audio, keeping the ads easy and fast-loading.
Contextual Targeting, Not Personal Targeting
Unlike platforms that track user behavior for targeted ads, Telegram does not collect or use personal information for ad targeting. Instead, ads are targeted based on the topic or category of the public channel in which they appear. For example, a crypto-related ad will likely be shown in cryptocurrency-focused channels.
Advertiser Campaign Setup
Advertisers create campaigns through Telegram’s official ad platform at promote.telegram.org. They specify the channel topics and languages to focus on, write their ad text, set budgets, and bid for impressions.
Cost Model
Telegram ads work on a CPM (Cost Per Mille) basis — advertisers pay per 1,000 impressions. This allows for budget control and cost-efficient reach.
Ad Review Process
All ads undergo an overview to ensure compliance with Telegram’s content policies. Only approved ads are shown in channels.
Why Are Telegram Ads Different?
Feature Telegram Ads Typical Social Media Ads
User Tracking ❌ No tracking or profiling ✅ Extensive user tracking
Ad Format Text-only sponsored messages Rich media (images, videos)
Placement Public channels only Multiple places (feeds, stories, etc.)
User Privacy High priority Often compromised
Ad Experience Minimal disruption Can be intrusive or overwhelming
Benefits for Advertisers
Highly engaged niche audiences in public areas channels
Privacy-first platform attracts users wary of invasive ads
Simple, fast-loading ads for naturally into Telegram’s chat format
Control over spend and targeting via topics and languages
No competition from intrusive ad formats
Who Should Advertise on Telegram?
Telegram ads are specially effective for:
Crypto and blockchain projects
Tech startups and SaaS companies
Educational services and courses
Gaming communities
Content creators and influencers
Telegram ads work by delivering simple, non-intrusive sponsored messages to relevant audiences in public areas channels — all while maintaining a strong persistence for user privacy. For advertisers, this means reaching engaged communities with no drawbacks of invasive tracking or overwhelming ad formats.