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If you’ve spent even a week in the crypto world, you already know – Telegram isn’t just another chat app. It’s the lifeblood of crypto communities.
From early token launches to airdrop groups and DeFi announcements, this platform is where new projects are born, discussed, and hyped.

In March 2025, Telegram platform hit 1 billion active users globally, with India among the largest audiences & in Sep 2025 Telegram hit 450M daily users, with 33% engaging in crypto activities.

Telegram users By Country 2025

Source : World Population Review

According to the CoinGecko Survey Report Most Crypto Users Spend Time on These Three Platforms – X, Telegram & Youtube.

CoinGecko Report Shows Most Crypto Users Spend Time on These Three Platforms

Source : Coingecko

That stat alone should make every crypto founder pause and think: “If my audience lives here, shouldn’t my ads live here too?”

In a time when Twitter’s algorithms hide your posts and Google Ads ban crypto promotions, Telegram Ads emerge as a quiet revolution – a native, privacy-first way to reach the world’s most active crypto audience. 

But do you know how to use this powerful platform to grow your crypto project without wasting your budget?  Let’s explore  how Telegram Ads work, the different formats available, and why they’re becoming a must-use tool for crypto projects in India.

What Are Telegram Ads and Why Are They Exploding in 2025?

Telegram ads are promotional messages and sponsored content placed within Telegram channels to reach highly targeted audiences.

Unlike traditional ads, these don’t track users or invade privacy. Instead, they integrate seamlessly into Telegram’s ecosystem, powered by the TON blockchain for funding and transactions.

So why are they booming now?

Because Telegram’s user base isn’t just massive – it’s crypto-native. Many of these users already hold tokens, follow project channels, and actively participate in airdrops or staking events.

That means your conversion potential is higher, and your marketing costs are lower – especially compared to noisy, over-saturated social platforms.

Types of Ads in Telegram 

There are three main ways to get your ads in front of Telegram users: run ads through Telegram itself, buy spots directly from channel owners, or work with KOL’s. Here’s how:

1. Sponsored Messages (Official Telegram Ads)

These are Telegram’s native ad format, served automatically within large channels.
Sponsored Messages appear like regular posts, but they’re clearly marked as “sponsored.”

Sponsored Messages in Telegram Ads


You can target users by:

  • Channel topic or interest (e.g., DeFi, NFTs, Bitcoin)
  • Language and region (perfect for India-focused crypto campaigns)
  • Device type

Why it works: Sponsored Messages maintain trust because they blend into community-driven conversations without feeling intrusive.

2. Manual Channel Placements (Native Ads or Seeding)

This method is old-school but powerful. You collaborate directly with Telegram channel admins to post your content as part of their feed.

These channels might have names like:

  • Crypto India Daily
  • DeFi Alpha News
  • Airdrop Tracker 24/7

Manual placements often outperform traditional ads because admins act as gatekeepers, recommending your project to their loyal community.

3. KOL Marketing via Telegram Channels

KOL (Key Opinion Leader) marketing on Telegram connects crypto projects with influential voices in the blockchain space. These influencers have established credibility and loyal followers who trust their recommendations. Crypto-focused KOLs in India have significant sway over investment decisions and community sentiment, making them valuable partners for project growth and awareness.

These campaigns are more authentic than ad placements. When a KOL says,

“I’ve been testing this DeFi project – it’s legit,”
their followers listen.

Comparison of Ads in Telegram


How to Run Telegram Ads for Crypto Projects?

Now that you know the formats, let’s go step-by-step through how to set up, launch, and optimize Telegram Ads.

Step 1: Set Up Your Business Account and Understand Fragment

Start by creating an official Telegram Channel or Bot for your project.

Telegran Business Account Setup


Then, access the Telegram Ads Platform through https://ads.telegram.org 

Telegram Ads Platform Log in


Since Telegram Ads are powered by TON (The Open Network), you’ll need to fund your ad account using TON coins, which can be purchased from exchanges like Binance or OKX and linked through Fragment – Telegram’s native auction platform.

Step 2: Overview of the Telegram Ads Interface

Before you launch your campaign, get familiar with the Telegram Ads dashboard. Here’s what you’ll see and how each part works:

Overview of telegram ads. interface


With this interface overview, you get a clear map of all the tools-making your ad creation process smoother, cleaner, and a lot less stressful.

Step 3: Choose Your Ad Objective and Format

Selecting the correct ad format depends on your campaign goals.

What’s your goal?

  • Awareness: Grow followers or visibility for your crypto launch.
  • Engagement: Drive users to join your community or Telegram group.
  • Conversion: Get them to buy tokens, stake, or participate in an airdrop.

For crypto projects, Sponsored Messages + Channel Seeding work best because they combine official credibility with real community trust.

Step 4: Target the Right Channels and Audiences

Telegram Ads allow channel targeting-pick from curated lists relevant to your project (e.g., DeFi, NFT, meme coins).

  • Use tools like Telemetr, TGStat to identify top Indian crypto channels by audience and engagement.
  • For manual placements, vet channel admins, check engagement rates (not just member counts).

Step 5: Optimize Your Ad Copy & Add Promoted URL 

You only get a few lines, so make them count. Focus on clarity, benefits, and urgency.

Good example: “Join India’s top crypto launchpad 🚀 | Get early access to 2025’s biggest IDOs | Tap to join.”

Avoid overpromising – Telegram’s algorithm can limit spammy-sounding ads.

Keep tone conversational and confident. Imagine speaking to a community of traders, not selling to strangers.

Direct promotion of external website links in Telegram’s native ad platform (Telegram Ads) is generally not allowed. Ads must link to Telegram destinations such as channels, bots, or mini-apps using t.me/ links to keep users within Telegram’s ecosystem. However, if your goal involves promoting external websites, you can explore third-party ad networks.

Step 6 – Budget, Schedule, and Launch Your Ads

Telegram Ads operate with CPM bids (cost per 1,000 impressions). You can start with as low as 20 TON ($10–$15) CPM depending on your targeting.

  • Best timing: During market hours when traders are active
  • India optimal times: 6-9 AM IST and 7-11 PM IST
  • Use A/B testing: Run multiple ad variations to find what works
  • Before launch: Verify all links, project details, and calls-to-action

Step 7: Monitor Performance Metrics

Track these essential metrics throughout your campaign:

  • CTR (Click-Through Rate): How engaging your message is
  • CPA (Cost Per Acquisition): Helps measure ROI
  • Engagement Rate: Clicks, joins, and conversions
  • Best Performing Channels: See which categories or communities respond best

Things to Remember Before Your First Campaign

Even the best projects can waste ad spend if they don’t get the basics right. So before launching your first campaign, there are a few important things you need to set up and get ready.

1. KYC Requirements for Payments

Fragment requires identity verification to fund advertising accounts. Indian users need to provide Aadhaar, PAN, or passport information. Complete KYC within 24-48 hours to avoid campaign delays. Crypto-related ads face stricter verification procedures, so ensure all project documentation is legitimate and compliant.

2. Data Protection Laws

Compliance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) is mandatory. Any user data collected through your campaigns must be protected and used only for specified purposes. Maintain transparent privacy policies and honor user preferences regarding communication. This legal compliance protects your project from penalties and builds user trust.

3. Avoid Misleading Advertisements

Telegram has strict rules. Do not use fake ROI, “guaranteed double returns”, or deceptive images. Always disclose risk and avoid anything pump-and-dump. Build legitimacy by using professional branding, verified channels, and clear project information. Avoid other common mistakes that harm your campaign because projects that appear transparent and professional see 2-3x better conversion rates than those seeming rushed or suspicious.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Telegram Ads in Crypto

Telegram Ads are the best-kept secret in India’s crypto marketing boom. With direct access to real, engaged communities-and cost-effective campaigns powered by Toncoin-you can launch tokens, build DeFi protocols, or promote NFT collections exactly where your audience lives.

If you’re launching your first campaign, start small, test with real data, and optimize fast. When you blend careful targeting, honest communication, and strong analytics, Telegram Ads can deliver ROI and real growth for your crypto project.

Ready to take your crypto marketing to the next level? Try the step-by-step guide above-and see how Telegram Ads can power your project’s next phase.

Medium