Telegram rolled out version 11.0.0 on its 11th anniversary, August 14. The update brings several new features and opportunities for content creators to earn money through channels. Here are three main ways they can do this:
- Monthly subscriptions: Fans can pay a small fee each month to access exclusive content in their favorite channels.
- Paid reactions: Viewers can show their appreciation for a post by sending a paid ‘star’ reaction, similar to the Super Thanks feature on YouTube.
- Paid media: Creators can post hidden photos, videos, or other media on their channel that can be unlocked with payment (star).
Users can make payments using Telegram’s in-app currency called Stars. Creators can then convert these stars into Toncoin, The Open Network cryptocurrency. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Stars feature on Telegram and how creators can now make money through their Telegram channels (not available in groups).
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What Is the Stars Feature on Telegram
Telegram has launched an in-app digital currency called Stars a couple of months ago. Roughly, 83 Stars is equals $1.
Initially, users could purchase Stars from Telegram and use them to buy digital products from Telegram bots like ebooks, online courses, or items in Telegram games. Now, with V 11.0.0 update, users can also use Stars on Telegram channels for monthly subscriptions, paid reactions, unlock media. As mentioned, creators get paid with the Toncoin cryptocurrency.
In simple terms, instead of using real cash to buy products or subscribe to channels, you can buy Stars and then use them for various purposes within the Telegram platform.
Let’s explore how to access the Stars feature on Telegram, enable these monetization options as a creator, and get paid in cryptocurrency.
Detailed Guide: Here’s a deep explainer on what all the icons and symbos on Telegram app mean. This will help you get the most out of your experience.
How to Get the Stars Feature
The Stars feature is already available for everyone. Just make sure that you are on the latest version of the Telegram app.
On Android, tap on the hamburger menu > Settings > My Stars. Here, you should be able to purchase Stars. On iPhone, the option is currently not available in the Settings. However, you can buy Stars from the Premium bot channel on Telegram on both iPhone and Android. Alternatively, you can also buy Telegram Stars from the Fragment website.
How to Create Star Subscription for Telegram Channel
Telegram offers a flexible approach to channel subscriptions. Instead of charging a single price for the entire channel, you can create different invite links with customized prices. This allows you to decide who pays what. For example, you can charge 500 Stars for users from your YouTube channel, only 100 Stars for your Discord community, and invite Patreon users for free.
Here’s how you can create invite links and set the subscription price:
- Open your channel on Telegram, click on the channel name at the top.
- Go to Channel Settings > Channel Type > Manage Invite Links > Create a New Link.
- Enable Require Monthly Fee option. Enter the number of Stars users need to pay when joining via this link. Once done, copy the link and share it with your users.
When users open the link, they’ll be prompted to pay with Stars. If they don’t have enough Stars, they will see an option to buy more directly from that screen. Remember, Telegram takes a commission from transactions involving Stars, but the company hasn’t specified how much yet.
Note: You can also control when the invite link expires creating a sense of urgency in your fans.
How to Get Paid Star Reactions on Telegram Channel
The Paid Star Reactions feature is available on all public channels on Telegram. However, it is not enabled by default. Once activated, users can react using Stars with custom prices for posts on your channel. Unlike channel subscriptions, Telegram does not take any cut from Star reactions, meaning users are paying directly to you.
To enable Paid Reactions on your Telegram channel:
- Open the channel, tap on the name at the top and go to Channel Settings > Reactions.
- Enable Enable Paid Reactions.
- Once done, click on Update Reactions to save the changes.
Now, when you post something in your channel, users can long-press the post and select the Star reaction. In the pop-up, they will choose the number of Stars to send ranging from 1 to 2,500 Stars, and send them.
How to Post Paid Media on the Telegram Channel
You can share paid hidden media on public channels that users can unlock with a specific number of Stars as paymnet.
To send paid content:
- Open your Telegram channel.
- Tap on the paperclip icon to add media > select the photo or video you want to send > tap on the three-dot menu > select Make this content paid option.
- Then, enter the number of Stars needed to unlock the media and send it. Users will have to pay the required number of Stars to view the media.
How to Withdraw Stars From Telegram
Once a user pays with Stars, you can check the rewarded Toncoins in the Telegram Wallet channel. Simply search for the Wallet channel on Telegram and complete the setup process. Connect your wallet to the Fragment website, as the Stars system is managed by Fragment Corp.
The Toncoins will be reflected in your wallet 21 days later. After that, you can either convert them to cash or use them for ads. However, the withdrawal process is currently a bit clumsy and requires some knowledge of cryptocurrencies to get started.
We do not recommend anyone to invest or trade in crypto tokens as they are volatile and remains largely unregulated right now.
