Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — For the first time since its founding in 2013, the messaging platform Telegram closed the year 2024 with a profit of US$540 million, marking a significant turnaround from a US$173 million loss in 2023.

The company’s revenue more than quadrupled, reaching US$1.4 billion compared to US$342 million the previous year.

Revenue Sources: Subscriptions, Advertising, and Cryptocurrency

Telegram’s financial success in 2024 was driven by several factors.

The number of subscribers to the paid Telegram Premium service tripled, exceeding 12 million users, each paying approximately US$5 per month.

Advertising revenue also saw substantial growth, especially due to partnerships with major brands like Samsung.

Additionally, the company actively leveraged cryptocurrency opportunities.

In 2024, Telegram sold digital assets, including Toncoin, for hundreds of millions of dollars, significantly strengthening its financial position.

Legal Challenges Faced by Pavel Durov

Despite its financial success, Telegram encountered serious legal issues.

In August 2024, the company’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France on charges related to insufficient control over illegal content on the platform, including the spread of drugs and terrorist activities.

Following his arrest, Durov was released on bail of €6 million but is prohibited from leaving France and must report to the police twice a week.

Impact on the Company’s Future

Durov’s legal troubles raised concerns among investors and cast doubt on the company’s planned IPO scheduled for 2026.

Some investors expressed skepticism about Telegram’s business sustainability given the lack of a clear management structure and its reliance on a single leader.

Nevertheless, Telegram continues to develop its services, including integrating artificial intelligence and expanding content monetization options.

The company is also actively working to improve its content moderation system to comply with regulatory requirements and maintain user trust.