Telegram Becomes Profitable for the First Time with $1 Billion Revenue

The messaging app achieves profitability after 11 years, despite facing global scrutiny over content moderation and legal challenges.

Telegram reported over $1 billion in revenue for 2024, fueled by ads, premium subscriptions, and business-level offerings.
The app now has 12 million premium subscribers and $500 million in cash reserves, excluding cryptocurrency assets.
CEO Pavel Durov announced that the company has paid off a significant portion of its $2 billion debt and is exploring a potential public offering.
Telegram has faced international criticism for hosting misinformation and illegal content, with several governments contemplating bans or sanctions.
Durov, currently under legal restrictions in France, stated that the company is increasing content moderation efforts, including hiring contractors and using AI tools.