
Telegram Stars are Telegram's internal virtual currency. Their main purpose is to purchase digital goods and services in mini-apps and bot stores, as well as support content creators (channel authors).
How does it work?
1. Usage: You spend Stars in chats with bots or in mini-apps. For example:
• Purchase a virtual item in a gaming bot.
• Get a premium feature in a service bot (for example, transcribe a video).
• Pay for a subscription to exclusive content from a channel author.
• Donate directly to the creator using the ✨ Donate button under a post.
2. For developers and creators: Stars spent by users can be withdrawn into real money (Telegram converts Stars into Toncoin). This is the primary monetization method for developers of mini-apps and popular channels.
Stars is NOT a subscription. It's like tokens in a slot machine, which you buy in bulk and then spend on whatever you want within the platform.
In simple terms:
• Want to buy a sticker pack from a bot or support your favorite blogger? You need Stars.
• Want to download gigabyte files and convert voicemails to text? You need Premium.
The two systems exist in parallel and complement each other, developing Telegram's economy and functionality.