What are Telegram Stars
Telegram Stars is Telegram’s internal currency used to pay for digital goods and services within Mini Apps. Launched in 2023, the system enables fast and simple transactions directly inside the messenger — without external websites or third-party payment systems.
Stars are purchased with real money using Telegram’s built-in payment mechanisms. Once bought, they are added to the user’s internal balance. Payments in Stars can be made within bots or Mini Apps that support the feature.
What can be paid:
- in-game items, upgrades, and bonuses;
- advanced features within Mini Apps;
- paid subscriptions, stickers, and visual elements;
- any other digital product offered inside Telegram.
Everything happens in just a few taps. The user clicks the payment button, confirms the purchase, and completes the transaction — all without leaving Telegram.
Monetization and the connection to TON
Creators of bots and Mini Apps can accept Stars as payment. This allows them to monetize products inside Telegram. This is especially useful for games, educational tools, interactive platforms, and creative projects. Telegram provides developer documentation to set prices, manage purchases, and handle withdrawal options.
Earned Stars can be exchanged for TON, the blockchain-based cryptocurrency supported by Telegram. TON can be transferred to external wallets, spent, or converted into fiat currency. This system provides a real revenue channel for developers without requiring complex integrations.
Why Telegram Stars matter
Telegram Stars are more than just an in-app payment method. They’re part of Telegram’s strategy to create a native payment ecosystem. With Stars, Telegram builds a closed-loop economy where users spend, and developers earn — entirely within the platform.
This mechanism aligns with Telegram’s broader push into Web3 technologies. By integrating Stars with the TON blockchain, Telegram allows creators to monetize inside the app while also connecting to the decentralized world of digital assets. The system remains simple for end users — and powerful for developers aiming to grow within Telegram’s ecosystem.
