After 7 years of financing it out of his own pocket, Pavel Dorov reveals that Telegram will charge money for premium services in the future, but stressed: what is free today – will remain free. In addition, the company will launch an advertising network that will be used by channel and group managers
Telegram. Source: Pixabay
In a surprising announcement, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Dorov announced today (Wednesday) some very interesting changes that will reach one of the most popular communication platforms in the world. He said the company would soon reach half a billion active users, and should take some steps to fund that growth.
“This is Telegram’s way”
Dorov wrote that in order to generate a profit that will keep the company afloat, and stop paying for it out of pocket as it has done so far, we are likely to see changes in the familiar platform. He clarifies that all the features that currently exist in the app will remain free even after the changes, but added that in the future, paid features will be added for businesses and heavy users, he said. “Regular users will be able to continue using the telegram for free, forever,” he added.
He added that all telegram parts intended for communication – such as individual or group chat boxes – would remain ad-free. However, Dorov has announced that Telegram will set up a built-in advertising platform in an app through which channel managers can display advertisements.
The new platform will try to eliminate the existing situation where managers display advertisements through third-party providers or privately. Dorov emphasized that the goal in creating the advertising platform, apart from bringing money into the company’s coffers, of course to keep this ship afloat, is to “create a platform that is convenient for users and maintains their privacy.”
According to Dorov, if Telegram starts making money, its user community will also benefit from the move, and by creating the advertising network, executives are likely to see an increase in traffic depending on the size of the channel.
Want to transfer payment to users
Dorov added that by adding paid features like stickers at an additional cost, Telegram will be able to roll out those profits to artists who created the same stickers. “We want the millions of Telegram – based creators and small businesses to thrive – which will enhance the experience for our users,” Dorov wrote, adding: “This is Telegram’s way” – a very thick reference to the Star Wars universe “Mandalorian” series. The founder of Telegram has not revealed when all of these changes are supposed to happen in practice.
Dorov opened his post with reference to the continued growth of the app he created and stressed that the company does not have many options other than looking for ways to make money. He very quickly ruled out the possibility of an exit and the sale of the company and had to sting the rival: “We will not sell the company like the founders of WhatsApp. The world needs an independent telegram, as a place where users receive a high level of respect and service. ” For the past 7 years, Dorov has paid out of pocket out of all the company’s expenses, which are estimated at millions of dollars. However, at its current growth rate, the app is expected to reach a record number of users – half a billion – which is probably heavy on the successful entrepreneur as well.
Oshri Alexelsi
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