How Telegram Data Is Used in Advertising

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Telegram has long positioned itself as a privacy-first platform, promising minimal data collection and no third-party ad tracking. Unlike social media giants like Facebook or Instagram, Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, has repeatedly stated that the app does not sell user data or expose users to invasive advertising. However, the introduction of sponsored messages and potential monetization features has sparked new discussions around how Telegram uses user data in advertising.

Telegram’s Advertising Model
Telegram introduced sponsored messages in late 2021 as its first form of advertising. These are short, text-only ads shown in public channels with over 1,000 subscribers. Telegram emphasized telegram data that these ads are non-intrusive, do not track users, and are strictly based on the topic of the channel—not on individual user data. For example, if you're browsing a tech-related public channel, you might see a sponsored message related to software or gadgets.

Crucially, Telegram claims that it does not analyze private chats, contact lists, or behavior outside of public channels for ad targeting. This approach significantly differs from other platforms that build detailed user profiles using a wide range of data points, from browsing habits to location history.

What Data Telegram Collects
While Telegram does not engage in aggressive data collection, it still gathers some basic information necessary for functionality and security. This includes:

Phone number (required for account creation)

IP address and device information

Username and display name

Public channel and group participation

Importantly, Telegram says this data is never used to build ad profiles. Instead, sponsored messages are targeted solely based on the content of the public channel being viewed, not the individual viewer. This means that all users in a particular channel see the same sponsored message, regardless of their personal data or activity elsewhere on the app.

No Third-Party Trackers
One of Telegram's standout features is its commitment to not integrating third-party trackers. Most other free apps use embedded trackers from ad networks like Google or Facebook to collect user data across platforms. Telegram has opted not to include these, which limits the ability of external companies to monitor user activity.

This design also means advertisers on Telegram cannot access detailed user demographics, making the platform less attractive for data-driven ad campaigns. Instead, advertisers must focus on content relevance and community interest within specific public channels.

Looking Ahead
Telegram has indicated that it may continue developing monetization features to support the platform’s growth. This could include premium services or expanded ad capabilities. As this happens, the company’s commitment to user privacy will be put to the test. For now, however, Telegram’s advertising model remains relatively conservative compared to industry norms.

Conclusion
Telegram uses a minimal and privacy-conscious approach to advertising. Sponsored messages are limited to public channels and are not based on individual user data or behavior. While Telegram does collect some basic user information, it does not use this data for personalized ads. For privacy-minded users who are wary of being tracked across the web, Telegram currently offers one of the least invasive ad experiences among major communication platforms.