Telegram’s Premium subscribers have soared past the 5 million mark, according to an announcement by Pavel Durov, the platform’s non-conformist founder. The milestone comes with a notable acceleration in growth, witnessing an impressive jump from 4 million to 5 million premium subscribers in just one month. Durov had earlier set a minimum target of 20 million to cover all premium costs.
Telegram introduced its paid subscription in mid-June 2022, and the recent surge marks a significant achievement. Durov expressed his gratitude to subscribers, emphasizing Telegram Premium as the most successful and fastest-growing paid subscription among all messengers. The number of Premium subscribers doubled in just five months and quadrupled within the last 12 months, surpassing the 4 million user milestone.
The surge in Telegram’s popularity is noteworthy, especially in Ukraine, where the platform has become a crucial communication tool and a primary news dissemination platform amid the ongoing conflict. The war has amplified Telegram’s role, making it a vital means of communication and news sharing.
Despite its success, Telegram faces scrutiny over issues like the lack of end-to-end encryption in regular chats, which only exists in “secret chats” and calls. Concerns about the platform being a potential tool for spreading propaganda and hostility have led to discussions at state levels, with Ukrainian authorities considering regulations for the messenger.
Pavel Durov, a Russian-born Emirati programmer, remains a controversial figure, known for his aversion to being labeled Russian. However, his stance on the war in Ukraine and his association with the now-banned Russian social network vkontakte add layers of complexity to his persona. As Telegram’s Premium subscriber base continues to surge, the platform’s role in the ongoing discourse surrounding online safety and regulation takes center stage.
