The media reported on Telegram's record profits and the growing number of users

Telegram messenger received $540 million in profit by the end of 2024, despite the criminal prosecution of founder Pavel Durov in France. This was reported by the Financial Times newspaper on May 22.

"The company has reached this mark for the first time, increasing revenue fourfold to $1.4 billion," the company's presentation to investors said.

Telegram's revenue in 2024 was generated, among other things, through advertising ($250 million), premium subscriptions ($292 million), as well as partner projects and ecosystem development. According to the publication, the profit was also provided by income related to the Toncoin cryptocurrency, which is used in payments within the platform.

In addition, Telegram's success occurred against the background of serious legal problems for Durov, who has been under investigation in France since August 2024. He is charged with allegedly failing to combat criminal content on the platform, including child pornography and terrorism. The Telegram founder denies the charges and calls the investigation politically motivated. He argues that the main reason for the persecution is geopolitics, not the fight against crime.

"Our platform continues to grow, and we are considering an IPO if market conditions are favorable," the newspaper quoted Telegram investment director John Hyman as saying.

The company, according to its own data, now serves more than 1 billion monthly active users and is managed by a team of 60 people. In 2025, Telegram plans to reach revenue of $2 billion and increase profits to $720 million.

​In order of harm: the number of thefts of Telegram accounts has doubled

How hackers steal profiles and what to do to improve the security of their data

On December 23, American entrepreneur Elon Musk praised Durov for Telegram's revenue in 2024. Durov added that for the first time in the three-year history of monetization, Telegram has become profitable.