This success comes as a result of a major shift in its financial and operational strategies. The platform expanded its content moderation efforts, introduced advertising services, and offered paid subscriptions, while also leveraging cryptocurrency to settle its debts.
As Telegram celebrates this milestone, it faces growing legal and regulatory challenges worldwide, particularly following the arrest of its founder, Pavel Durov, in France last August on charges related to illegal activities conducted through the platform. The company has emphasized that it is addressing these issues seriously and has paid off a significant portion of its debt.
Telegram has relied on unconventional funding methods, including the wealth of its founder and returns from cryptocurrencies like "Toncoin," which was partly developed within the platform. The service now boasts nearly a billion users, with 12 million paying subscribers, and has attracted major brands such as Samsung to advertise through its channels.
Telegram is currently valued at over $30 billion, and the platform is expected to continue expanding its advertising business, with plans for a potential IPO in 2026. However, its future remains tied to the fate of Durov, who could face imprisonment if the charges against him are proven.