“Telegram Now Profitable”: CEO Pavel Durov Announces $1 Billion Revenue, Tripling Premium Subscribers in 2024
In an announcement on X, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov reported that the messaging platform has become profitable. According to Durov, the platform’s premium subscriber count tripled in 2024, reaching over 12 million users.
Durov stated that Telegram’s total revenue has surpassed $1 billion this year, with cash reserves of over $500 million, not including cryptocurrency assets. The company’s advertising revenue has also increased several times over the previous year.
Telegram is now profitable 🏆
📈 This year, the number of Telegram Premium subscribers tripled, exceeding 12 million. Our ad revenue also increased a few times. Telegram’s total revenue in 2024 surpassed $1 billion, and we are closing the year with more than $500 million in cash…
— Pavel Durov (@durov) December 23, 2024
The announcement comes as Telegram manages its debt obligations. The company had issued approximately $2 billion in debt over the past four years. Durov reported that they repaid a portion of this debt in Fall 2024, taking advantage of favorable bond prices.
The revenue growth follows Telegram’s implementation of new monetization features in 2024, including Stars, Gifts, Giveaways, Mini Apps, the Affiliate Platform, Telegram Business, and Telegram Gateway. Durov noted these developments show how social media platforms can achieve financial sustainability while maintaining independence and user rights.
The announcement received acknowledgment from other tech industry figures, including X owner Elon Musk.
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— Pavel Durov (@durov) December 23, 2024
Durov concluded his statement by noting that “there’s a lot of work ahead” for the messaging platform.
The development marks a change for Telegram, which has focused on user privacy and independence while working toward financial sustainability.
