On June 6, 2024, Telegram rolled out a new feature - an internal currency called Telegram Stars. These virtual "stars" are not cryptocurrency and have nothing to do with blockchain. In simple terms, you don't need to mess around with crypto wallets or any other blockchain nonsense to use Stars.

Stars are digital coins for buying all sorts of virtual goodies within Telegram. Want to purchase an e-book? Pay with Stars. Need access to an online course? Again, Stars come to the rescue. You can even buy in-game perks in Telegram games using these Stars now.

The mechanism of Stars is embarrassingly simple:

1. Users purchase Stars through in-app purchases on the App Store, Google Play, or via the @PremiumBot.
2. Stars are deposited into the user's internal balance on Telegram.
3. When purchasing digital stuff, Stars are deducted from the balance.
4. Developers and channel owners receive these Stars for the digital goods sold.

An important point: Stars fully comply with Apple and Google's rules regarding in-game currencies and digital goods. This means that no one will shut down the operation due to violations of the "stores" rules.

Interesting fact: as of September 2024, more than 400 million Telegram users interact with bots and mini-apps every month. This is just a massive crowd of potential Stars buyers.

There's a nice bonus for developers and channel owners - received Stars can be converted into the Toncoin cryptocurrency through the Fragment platform. In other words, virtual "stars" easily turn into quite real money.

Using Stars simplifies the process of buying digital stuff in Telegram to an absurd degree. There's no need to enter bank card details or go through complex authorization each time - it's enough to have the required number of Stars on your balance.

How to buy Telegram Stars and how much do they cost?

2 Stars can be acquired in several ways, each with its own peculiarities.

Purchase through App Store (iOS)

iPhone and iPad owners can buy Stars directly in the Telegram app. The process is extremely simple: open settings, find the Telegram Stars section, choose the desired amount, and pay through Apple ID. But there's a catch - Russian bank cards don't work. The workaround is topping up the Apple ID wallet through MTS and Beeline operators. It's a trick, but it works.

Purchase through Google Play

Android users from Russia are out of luck. Due to sanctions, Google has blocked the ability to purchase Stars through the Play Market. They have to look for alternative options.

@PremiumBot - a universal method

The official Telegram bot @PremiumBot is a real lifesaver. It works on all platforms, including the web version and desktop applications. The purchase process is elementary: launch the bot, select the option to buy Stars, specify the amount and payment method. Bank cards and some cryptocurrencies are supported. For Russians, it's the ideal way to bypass Apple and Google restrictions.

Fragment - for crypto enthusiasts

Fragment is Telegram's trading platform for buying digital assets. Here, Stars can be purchased with Toncoin - a cryptocurrency associated with the Telegram ecosystem. The process is a bit more complex: you need to register a Telegram wallet, synchronize it with Fragment, buy Toncoin, and only then exchange it for Stars. Sounds confusing, but in practice, it's quite quick.

Cost of Telegram Stars

The official exchange rate as of September 2024: 1 Star = $0.013 or approximately 1.2 rubles. However, you can't buy them individually - only in packages. The minimum set is 100 Stars. Here are examples of popular packages:

Important: The actual cost may vary depending on the purchase method and region. For example, when buying through Fragment, the price might be lower, but you need to consider cryptocurrency volatility.

Telegram periodically runs promotions, offering bonus Stars when purchasing large packages. For instance, you might get an additional 50-100 Stars as a gift when buying 1000 Stars. This is beneficial for active users, but it's not worth buying more than you plan to spend.

Purchased Stars are stored in your internal Telegram balance and can be used to buy digital goods, services, or send gifts to content creators. Bot developers and channel owners can convert received Stars to Toncoin through the Fragment platform, and then withdraw them as regular money.

Where and how can you spend Telegram Stars?

Telegram Stars open up new horizons for messenger users. This virtual currency transforms Telegram into a real digital bazaar where you can acquire a wide variety of digital goods and services.

Here's where you can splurge your stellar reserves:

• Merchant bots: These virtual vendors offer a whole range of digital goods. Want to buy an e-book? No problem! Need access to an online course? Easy! Bots accept Stars and instantly deliver what you desire.
• Gaming universes: For gamers, Telegram Stars are a real treasure. Now you can level up your character or buy a rare artifact without leaving your favorite messenger.
• VIP access: Closed channels and groups can now charge an "entry fee" in Stars. Want exclusive content? Pay with stars!
• Supporting creators: Liked a post? Now you can not just give a like, but send the author a stellar "tip". This encourages content creators to produce even higher quality material.

The process of paying with Stars is simplified to the max. See a product or service? Click the "Pay" button, and bam! - a payment screen opens right in Telegram. No redirects to third-party sites or entering card details. Everything is fast, simple, and secure.

For businesses and developers, Telegram Stars are a new gold mine. Now you can monetize your services right in the messenger:

• Online consultations: Experts can conduct paid sessions, accepting payment in stars.
• Virtual assistants: Helper bots can now offer extended functionality for Stars.
• Analytical services: Data processing, report generation - all this can be paid for with Telegram's internal currency.

It's important to note that Telegram Stars is not just another virtual currency. It's an entire ecosystem that continues to evolve. In the future, we expect an expansion of the possibilities for using Stars, which will make the economy within Telegram even more dynamic and diverse.

Using Stars for payments in Telegram has several advantages:

• Lightning speed: Transactions happen instantly, without tedious waiting for payment processing.
• Convenience: There's no need to leave the chat or enter card details with each purchase.
• Versatility: Stars can be used to pay for any digital goods and services in the Telegram ecosystem.

Telegram Stars are transforming the messenger into a full-fledged platform for digital commerce, opening up new opportunities for users, content creators, and developers alike.

How can developers and content owners earn money using Telegram Stars?

Telegram Stars open up new monetization horizons for digital content creators. This internal messenger currency allows for the monetization of virtually any digital product or service within the Telegram ecosystem.

Selling digital goods

Developers can offer a wide range of digital products for Stars:

• E-books and PDF files (e.g., cryptocurrency guides or recipe collections)
• Audio and video content (courses, podcasts, exclusive interviews)
• Digital images and NFTs (unique avatars, collectible stickers)
• Virtual items in games (skins, boosters, in-game currency)

The @DurgerKingBot, for example, successfully trades virtual burgers and drinks for Stars. This shows that even unusual digital goods can find their buyers.

Monetizing services

Stars open up opportunities for payment of various online services:

• Individual consultations (financial advice, psychological help)
• Coaching sessions (business coaching, fitness training)
• Access to educational courses (language lessons, programming)
• Personalized recommendations (style, diet, travel)
• Analytical reports (marketing research, financial forecasts)

Many educational channels have already implemented a system for paying for access to online courses through Stars, which has significantly simplified the purchasing process for users.

Monetizing channels and groups

Channel and group owners can now use Stars for:

• Organizing paid access to private channels (VIP communities, exclusive content)
• Unlocking premium content (extended versions of posts, additional materials)
• Creating a donation system (supporting authors, funding projects)

Some analytical channels already offer exclusive forecasts for a certain amount of Stars, allowing them to monetize expertise directly.

Integration into bots and mini-apps

Bot and mini-app developers can implement Stars for:

• In-game purchases (additional levels, characters, resources)
• Activating paid features in utility bots (advanced functionality, ad removal)
• Setting up subscriptions to services (monthly access to content or services)

For example, a translator bot can offer basic functions for free, while advanced features, such as translating specialized texts or audio, can be offered for Stars.

Monetization process

To start earning Stars, developers need to:

1. Integrate the Stars payment system into their bot or mini-app using the Bot API (this requires basic programming skills)
2. Set up the purchase process for users (usually this happens in one click, which increases conversion)
3. After a purchase is made, Stars are automatically credited to the developer's balance
4. Received Stars can be converted to Toncoin through the Fragment platform (exchange rates may fluctuate)

Important: When using Stars for monetization, it's crucial to strictly adhere to Telegram's rules and app store policies. Violating these rules may lead to the bot or app being blocked.

What limitations and peculiarities should be considered when using Telegram Stars?

Telegram Stars, the messenger's internal currency, has become entangled in a web of restrictions. Let's start with the fact that buying Stars through Google Play in Russia is like trying to reach for the moon. Damn those sanctions! And it's not just Russia - other countries may also face issues due to local laws. So before getting excited about this new feature, it's worth checking if it works in your region.

For regular users, Stars are reminiscent of gold in a computer game - you accumulate them, spend them, but can't cash out. You can't convert them to real money or cryptocurrency, nor can you gift them to a friend. It's a digital dead end of sorts. However, within Telegram, you can go all out with them - buying digital goods and services as if you're in some futuristic online store.

Important! Stars cannot be used to pay for physical goods or Telegram Premium subscriptions. So if you were dreaming of buying a new smartphone with "stars" - sorry to burst your bubble, you'll have to shell out real money.

Developers have it slightly better. They can convert received Stars into Toncoin through the Fragment platform. Sounds like science fiction, but it's reality. However, they need to follow Telegram's rules for using Stars in bots and mini-apps. Otherwise, you can quickly find yourself on the outside of this digital economy.

As for safety and refunds - it's pretty strict. Buy Stars - forget about refunds. It's like a casino - you put money in, but you can't get it back. So before buying, it's worth thinking seven times and buying once.

Now about the exchange rate. One Star equals $0.013. Seems like small change, but it's nice. However, don't rush to celebrate - the rate can vary depending on the purchase platform. That means buying through iOS, Android, or the web version can result in different Star prices. It's like a miniature currency exchange.

The minimum amount for purchasing Stars is usually 100 units. That's about $1.30 - just enough for a virtual coffee in some future Telegram cafe. But for developers to withdraw Stars to Toncoin, they might need more substantial amounts. The exact figures are shrouded in mystery. Presumably to keep the intrigue alive.

All in all, Telegram Stars are like a roller coaster. It's thrilling and a bit scary at the same time. But if you figure out all the nuances, you can get a lot of enjoyment from this digital economy. The main thing is not to forget common sense and not to spend your last penny on virtual stars.