Hello, community! Telegram Ads are gradually becoming an increasingly noticeable traffic source in affiliate marketing. However, many people are still not even aware of what formats are available here. So today, we’ll take a closer look at this topic and figure out the key advantages and disadvantages of this type of advertising.
Before we begin, let us remind you that we’ve already covered how you can save money on Telegram ads using stars. Definitely worth checking out!
What are Telegram Ads?
Telegram Ads are in-app advertisements within the messenger, and they are currently evolving rapidly. The format is relatively new, which means it comes with both its own advantages and drawbacks.
They appear as small ad units. While previously you couldn’t really experiment with creatives, now you can even add full videos. As shown in the screenshot below:
Ads are not shown in small channels — only in those with large audiences. This is important considering the pricing model — CPM. In other words, you pay for impressions, not clicks. Which can definitely be considered a downside.
In addition, more native ads are appearing, blending into the main content of the page a user is viewing. Essentially, they mimic regular posts. And by the time you’re reading this, there may already be new formats available.
But in essence, these are still ads — just placed in different positions, not only at the bottom of the feed as before.
You can also use Telegram Ads to buy placements inside Mini Apps. This was especially relevant during the peak of tap-to-earn apps. Back then, traffic could be converted by redirecting it to crypto offers. However, even today, you can come up with plenty of funnels for other verticals.
Features of Telegram Ads
This format is primarily ideal for those looking to drive traffic to their own channel. The funnel in this case is very simple and straightforward. Although, of course, you can also redirect traffic to external links.
However, it’s also important to consider some specific characteristics of this ad network:
- Moderation. It can sometimes be extremely slow, delaying campaign launches by several days. Moreover, working with gray verticals is quite difficult. Although, as seen in the screenshot example, running gambling offers is still possible even under these conditions.
- Targeted traffic. Ads are displayed in sources that are максимально наближені → closest possible to the product’s niche. They are only shown in channels with more than 1,000 subscribers.
- Lack of advanced analytics. Advertisers receive minimal data. This is not surprising given the CPM pricing model. The only optimization tool available is the ability to create a whitelist of channels where you specifically want your ads to appear.
And don’t forget the most important thing: Telegram Premium users do not see ads at all. In most cases, paid subscriptions are more common among Tier-1 and Tier-2 users. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that Telegram Ads are primarily about Tier-3 traffic.
Are there other types of ads in Telegram?
Of course, Telegram Ads are not the only way to get traffic from the messenger. However, it is the only official one.
At the same time, affiliates can still buy ads directly in channels. This format also has its own advantages, although the cost can be quite high, especially for channels with millions of subscribers.
On the other hand, you can achieve better targeting by purchasing placements in niche-relevant channels. Overall, it is easier to segment traffic and work specifically with your target audience. So in some cases, it is worth paying more to achieve a positive ROI and recoup your investment later.
Advantages of direct channel advertising
And here’s the most interesting part. By buying ads directly from large channel owners, you can bypass most of the limitations and drawbacks of Telegram Ads. Although, of course, not without some “buts.”
Let’s start with those. The first “but” is the price. Advertising in truly large channels can cost a fortune. So this is definitely not an option for those who want to experiment or work with a limited budget. If we consider smaller channels, then Telegram Ads, despite all its downsides, may still be the more перспективний → viable option.
The second “but” — you pay for the post, not for the result. This is not a CPC model, and not even CPM. The channel owner publishes your ad, and from there, you can only hope it gets seen and not skipped.
However, there are still advantages. The most important one is that it is much easier to promote products that do not pass moderation in Telegram Ads. Gray ads can still be removed, even as regular posts. But the chances are significantly lower.
Additionally, the ad post will be seen by all users — not just those without a Premium subscription. So when promoting products aimed at higher-income audiences, direct advertising is the better option.
Conclusion
Telegram Ads allow you to generate traffic even with a small budget. This can be useful when working with verticals where payouts are relatively low. For example, sweepstakes.
At the same time, direct advertising allows you to get higher-quality traffic, since even Premium users will see it. However, the cost of such ads can be quite high, making it harder to achieve a strong ROI.
Which format do you prefer? Share your thoughts in our Telegram community, the best affiliate marketing community in Ukraine!
With respect, Your Geek!
Frequently Asked Questions
Telegram Ads are in-app advertisements within Telegram that are actively developing and gaining popularity among affiliates. They usually appear as small ad units that can include not only text but also video. Ads are shown in large channels and operate on a CPM model, meaning you pay for impressions rather than clicks. Some formats can appear native and mimic regular posts.
The ad network has several нюансів → nuances: moderation can be slow, and campaign launches may be delayed by several days. Analytics are limited — advertisers receive minimal data and can only create whitelists of channels for ad placement. Telegram Premium users do not see ads, so most traffic comes from Tier-3 countries.
This format allows for more precise audience targeting and makes it easier to promote products that do not pass moderation in Telegram Ads. However, it is more expensive, especially for large channels, and payment is made for the publication itself rather than performance. On the other hand, the ad post is seen by all subscribers, including those with Premium.