Telegram Ads in 2026: Complete Setup, Costs & Requirements Guide

Description

Introduction

In an era where messaging apps are evolving into full-blown marketing channels, advertising on Telegram has become one of the most potent tools for brands and advertisers. As of 2025–26, Telegram boasts hundreds of millions of active users and offers native ad placements, sponsored messages, and niche-community reach
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Telegram ads in 2026 — from what “how to advertise on Telegram channel” really means, to “Telegram ads guidelines”, “how to run Telegram ads”, “Telegram ads price / buy Telegram ads online”, and how “Telegram advertising works”. We’ll also include a real-world case study from RootLOGO, expert quotes for credibility, and actionable next steps.

1. What Are Telegram Ads?

1.1 Definition & Overview

Telegram Ads refer to paid-advertising placements inside the Telegram ecosystem — typically sponsored messages or posts that appear in public channels, groups, bots or feeds. Unlike standard banner or display ads, Telegram ads often blend into content streams and reach users in a more ‘native’ way.

1.2 Why Telegram Ads Matter in 2026

• Telegram is growing fast, with 800 million+ users and projections toward 1 billion.
• Because of its privacy focus and community model, many users engage more deeply.
• Lower competition means potential for higher ROI if you get in early.
• Case-studies show high CTR, conversions, and scalability for advertisers.

2. How Does Telegram Advertising Work?

2.1 Official Telegram Ads Platform

The official platform allows advertisers to run sponsored messages that appear in large public channels.

• Ads must be text (up to 160 characters) with a link to a Telegram channel, bot or post.
• Minimum CPM bid may be around 0.1 TON for 1,000 impressions.
• Advertisers select channels or categories manually.

2.2 Third-Party / Channel Placement Methods

Beyond official ads, many campaigns run via direct placement in Telegram channels (channel owners sell ad posts), via influencer integrations, or via ad networks that support Telegram placements.
These methods may allow more flexible creative formats (images/videos) or more niche targeting.

3. Setting Up Telegram Ads: Requirements & Guidelines

3.1 Account & Platform Setup

• Create or access your Telegram Ads account via the Telegram Ads site.
• Choose personal vs organisation/brand account.
• Ensure you have a payment method set up (TON or other as applicable).
• Verify your channel/bot destination: active, properly described, has a profile picture, etc.

3.2 Telegram Ads Guidelines (compliance)

• Follow official ad policies: no violence, illicit activities, or copyright infringement.
• Your ad copy must be concise, correct, and non-misleading.
• Channel destination must be stable; avoid frequent changes after moderation.
• For manual placements: use ethical, transparent deals; avoid fake views or engagements.

3.3 Targeting, Formats & Creative Specs

• Format: short text (up to 160 characters) + link + CTA.
• Creative: may include emojis or visuals (depending on placement type).
• Targeting: by channel category, language, geography.
• Ensure tracking is in place (UTMs, conversions) for optimisation.

4. Telegram Ads Price & Cost Models

4.1 CPM vs CPC – Which Model to Choose?

Telegram ad pricing often uses:

• CPM (Cost-per-thousand impressions): You pay for every 1,000 displayed impressions.
• CPC (Cost-per-click): Less common but available on some ad networks.

Which to choose:

• For brand awareness → CPM.
• For click-based performance → CPC.

4.2 Benchmark Costs by Vertical / GEO

4.3 Budgeting & Minimum Spend

• Official Telegram minimum deposit may be around €2,000 for the self-serve platform.
• Smaller campaigns via manual channel placements can start from a few hundred USD.
• Always build in a testing budget (10-20% of total) before scaling.

5. How to Advertise on Telegram Channel – Step-by-Step

5.1 Choosing the Right Channel / Audience

• Identify public channels (1,000+ subscribers) relevant to your niche.
• Match language, geography, and engagement — not just follower count.
• Example: For accessory shops, choose fashion or lifestyle Telegram channels.

5.2 Crafting High-Performance Ad Copy & Creative

• Write a compelling headline: “Join 120,000+ investors on our VIP Telegram channel — free for limited time!”
• Use mobile-optimized visuals if the placement allows.
• Include a clear CTA: “Join Now”, “Get Access”, “Download”.
• Make sure your channel or landing page is active and visually appealing.

5.3 Launching & Tracking Your Campaign

• Set your CPM or CPC bid, budget, placements, and targeting.
• Use UTMs and conversion tracking for accuracy.
• Run the first campaign for 7–14 days and monitor results.

5.4 Optimizing and Scaling

• Review CTR, CPL, and ROI metrics.
• Reallocate budget to top-performing channels.
• A/B test your creatives and targeting options.
• Scale gradually once you hit your ideal CPA or CPL.

6. Buy Telegram Ads Online – Where & How

6.1 Official Telegram Ads Dashboard

Log in to your Telegram Ads account, select account type, fund it (TON or accepted currency), and launch your campaign.

6.2 Alternative Platforms & Marketplaces

You can also buy placements through third-party platforms or directly from channel owners.
This method gives flexibility in creative formats but requires manual coordination.

6.3 Payment Options & Currency

Official Telegram Ads support TON and sometimes traditional payments.
Always verify your account and use trusted payment channels.

7. Real-World Case Study: RootLOGO & Telegram Ads

RootLOGO published a case study on paid advertising for Telegram channels:

• A crypto channel spent $1,000 on ads, achieved CTR 4.2%, and CPL ≈ $0.65 (1,530 new members in 14 days; 72% retention after 30 days).
• Their strategy combined Meta Ads for awareness and Telegram ads for conversions.
• Key takeaway: Don’t send cold traffic directly to Telegram. Use a landing page funnel for best results.

For business owners, the same logic applies:

• Drive traffic through a landing page, then to Telegram.
• Track subscriber engagement over 7, 14, and 30 days.
• Use urgency (limited-time offers) and consistent posting to retain users.

8. Advanced Tactics & Best Practices for 2026

8.1 Combining Telegram with Email / Omnichannel

Pair Telegram ads with email or other channels for higher ROI.
Example strategy: capture leads via a form, then invite them to Telegram for exclusive deals.
Retarget inactive users through bots or broadcast messages later.

8.2 Retargeting, Mini-Apps & Bots

Telegram now supports bots and mini-apps. You can direct ad traffic to a bot that automates onboarding, collects data, or offers coupons.
Retarget users who clicked but didn’t subscribe using reminder messages or bot triggers.

8.3 Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Don’t change your channel’s username or title right after launching ads.
• Test multiple creatives — RootLOGO recommends at least 3–5 versions.
• Don’t ignore retention; measure engagement and subscriber activity.
• Make sure your channel content matches your ad promises.

9. Summary & Call-to-Action (CTA)

Telegram ads in 2026 offer an exciting, high-engagement, and under-utilized space for digital marketers. Key takeaways:

• Learn how Telegram advertising works (official vs manual placements).
• Follow platform guidelines and keep your account compliant.
• Use CPM or CPC pricing strategically.
• Test, track, and optimize your campaigns regularly.
• Apply RootLOGO’s insights for better conversion and retention.
• Integrate Telegram with other channels and bots for a complete funnel.
• Avoid common pitfalls and focus on sustainable audience growth.

Ready to Get Started?

✅ Step 1: Create your Telegram Ads account.
✅ Step 2: Allocate a test budget (e.g., $300–500).
✅ Step 3: Prepare 2–3 ad variations and choose targeted channels.
✅ Step 4: Launch, track, and optimize for 7–14 days.
✅ Step 5: Scale up when you hit profitable results.

Ready to grow your brand on Telegram?
Don’t wait for competitors to dominate — contact our support team today to get personalized guidance and launch your Telegram ad campaign with RootLogo’s expert assistance.