Key Takeaways
- Pavel Durov shared that a Telegram mini app made in two days went viral.
- The app reportedly generated revenue of $500k in ten days.
- Mini apps are soaring in popularity.
A Telegram mini app developed in just two days has generated $500k in revenue in ten days, according to CEO Pavel Durov.
The app highlights the growing popularity of lightweight web applications that have hooked a large portion of Telegram’s 950 million users.
Mini App Goes Viral
In an update on his channel on Nov. 14, Durov said a mini app made by a developer had gone viral.
“For the past ten days, it’s ranked in the Top 4 grossing mini apps on Telegram.”
The mini app was created solely by one developer in two days, deploying the design concept, client-side code, and server-side code.
“Inspired by my own solo journey when I created VK in 2006, he tackled every element himself,” Durov said, “This is the power of hard work, determination, and the Telegram mini app platform.”
What Are Mini Apps?
Mini apps are lightweight applications that operate within a larger platform or service. They offer specific functionalities without requiring a standalone download.
Pavel Durov’s Telegram games exemplify this concept. They are integrated into the messaging app and allow users to play directly through chat interfaces. These games leverage Telegram’s Bot API to deliver interactive experiences, ranging from simple puzzles to multiplayer competitions.
Mini apps can enhance the host platform’s ecosystem and user engagement without demanding significant storage or compute installations.
Telegram’s Gaming Success
Telegram’s mini app platform has been a significant driver for blockchain gaming. With Telegram’s colossal audience, developers have been provided a massive stage for their creations.
Games like Hamster Kombat and Notcoin have seen significant success through their simple, fun “tap-to-earn” mechanics.
Mini apps can introduce features like crypto wallets and tokenized rewards without requiring users to navigate complex external platforms.
In July, Telegram, Notcoin, and Helika Gaming announced they had partnered to help bring new gaming experiences to the decentralized messaging platform.
The strategic partnership aimed to capitalize on the success and momentum of Notcoin and Hamster Kombat.
Kurt Robson is a London-based reporter at CCN, specialising in the fast-moving worlds of crypto and emerging technology. He began his career covering local news in Cornwall after graduating from Falmouth University with First Class Honours in Journalism. There, he cut his teeth on everything from council meetings to missing swans.
He quickly rose through the ranks to become a frontline journalist at several of the UK’s leading national newspapers. Over the years, he has interviewed musicians and celebrities, reported from courtrooms and crime scenes, and secured multiple front-page exclusives.
Following the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kurt shifted his focus to technology journalism—just ahead of the AI boom. With a natural curiosity and a trained eye for emerging trends, he has found a new rhythm in reporting on innovation.
At CCN, Kurt's work focuses on the cutting edge of crypto, blockchain, AI, and the evolving digital world. Drawing on his background in people-first reporting and his deep interest in disruptive tech, Kurt delivers stories that are insightful, entertaining, and human-centric.
