Telegram Stars is the platform’s internal currency that users can spend on digital goods and services within Telegram bots, mini‑apps, and paid channel content. It can be converted to Toncoin through the Fragment service.
Overview#
Telegram introduced Stars in the summer of 2024 to comply with Apple App Store and Google Play payment requirements, allowing developers to monetize without using external crypto‑payment methods. Users purchase Stars via the App Store, Google Play, or dedicated Telegram bots, and spend them on stickers, themes, games, premium mini‑app features, and paid media in channels.
Purchasing Stars#
Stars are sold in packages ranging from 50 to 2,500 units. Prices vary by region and purchase method.
Via App Store / Google Play
- Open Telegram → Settings → Telegram Stars.
- Choose the desired amount.
- Complete payment through the built‑in store interface.
Via @PremiumBot
- Open a chat with @PremiumBot.
- Follow the prompts to select the number of Stars and pay.
Via @DurgerKingBot
- Open @DurgerKingBot and tap Start.
- Choose Order Food, then select Cake in the top‑left corner.
- Click Buy to purchase Stars.
Use Cases#
- Stickers, themes, and games – available since Telegram 10.14.1.
- Paid mini‑app features – developers can lock premium content behind Stars (e.g., educational or entertainment apps).
- Channel paid content – creators set a price; users pay Stars to unlock media, which are then converted to Toncoin via Fragment.
- Stars reactions – users can react to channel posts with Stars.
Benefits for Developers#
- Access to Telegram’s 900 million‑plus user base.
- Minimal transaction fees: up to 5 % for users.
- Ability to reinvest earned Stars into Telegram Ads with near‑zero developer commission.
Technical Integration#
Telegram’s Bots API lets bots send invoice messages with a payment button that triggers the in‑app payment flow. Payments are processed exclusively in Stars. To use the API:
- Register the bot with @BotFather.
- Implement invoice generation and handling according to the Bots API documentation.
Example Mini‑Apps#
- Major – users buy Star packs (1 000–25 000) to boost rankings.
- Gatto – a Tamagotchi‑style pet simulator where Stars purchase eggs, clothing, and premium tickets.
- @Call (CallegramBot) – offers subscription‑based premium notifications and calendar integration.