Telegram Mini Apps

Telegram Mini Apps (TMA) are web applications built with HTML, CSS and JavaScript that run directly inside Telegram chats, groups or channels. They leverage Telegram’s built‑in UI, authentication, and payment APIs, allowing developers to reach Telegram’s large user base without requiring a separate installation.

Overview#

Telegram’s audience is estimated at ~900 million users. Mini Apps open inside the messenger on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux, and can be launched via bot menu buttons, direct links, or inline messages. Built‑in bots provide interactivity and state management for the apps.

Core Features#

Cross‑platform execution – runs in the same Telegram client where the user is already logged in.
Low entry barrier – standard web stack; no app‑store approvals needed.
Seamless wallet integration – uses TON Connect to link wallets such as Wallet, Tonkeeper, MyTonWallet, etc., without exposing seed phrases.
Native payment support – accepts TON, Jettons, and Telegram’s Stars currency.
Bot‑backed backend – a Telegram bot can store state, send notifications and trigger actions.
Monetization options – in‑game purchases, subscriptions, advertising, and referral rewards.

Monetization & Advertising#

Developers can earn revenue through:

In‑app purchases or subscriptions paid in Stars or TON.
Advertising via Telegram Ads, which can be purchased with $TON.
Referral programs using start_param links for partner payouts.

Creation Process#

Create a bot with BotFather using /newbot.
Register the Mini App via BotFather’s /newapp command and link it to the bot.
Host the web app on an HTTPS server with a valid SSL certificate.
Set the launch button:
- Use /setmenubutton to attach the Mini App to the bot’s menu, or
- Provide a direct link with /myapps → “Edit link”.

Only HTTPS links with a valid SSL certificate are accepted; plain IP addresses work only in test environments.

Notable Mini Apps#

Wallet – Telegram‑built crypto wallet with P2P market and multi‑checkout features.
TapFantasy – Play‑to‑Earn MMORPG;.
The Open League – Aggregates grant‑program projects and provides direct links to liquidity pools on STON.fi and DeDust.
STON.fi – Decentralized exchange on TON with HTLC‑based trades, accessible inside Telegram.

Ecosystem Tools#

Telegram Apps Center – catalog of third‑party bots, Mini Apps and games; reports 1.2 million active users per month and up to 150 k launches per application.
Trending Apps channel (t.me/trendingapps) – showcases new Mini Apps; each post can reach up to 50 k users.
Developer SDKs – @twa-dev/sdk, @telegram-apps/sdk, @tonconnect/ui-react.
Documentation – core.telegram.org/bots/webapps, docs.telegram-mini-apps.com, and TON Foundation docs (docs.ton.org/develop/dapps/telegram-apps/).