Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced that the number of Telegram Premium subscribers has skyrocketed, surpassing the 5 million mark. Durov, known for his anti-Russian stance, revealed this milestone, emphasizing the incredible growth that has occurred within a month, jumping from 4 million to 5 million premium users.
While this falls short of Durov’s earlier projection of 20 million premium users to cover Telegram’s costs, the accelerated growth rate is noteworthy. The path from 4 million to 5 million premium subscribers took merely a month, compared to the year and a half it took to reach the initial 4 million.
Telegram launched its paid subscription service in mid-2022, and Durov proudly asserted that Telegram Premium is the fastest-growing paid subscription in the history of messaging platforms. The numbers doubled in just five months and quadrupled within the last 12 months, showcasing its unprecedented success.
Despite the financial triumph, recent events surrounding Telegram’s role in spreading propaganda and hostility have raised concerns, prompting regulatory discussions in Ukraine. The National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting, in collaboration with other agencies, has been actively considering regulations to address the platform’s potential misuse.
Pavel Durov, an Emirati programmer of Russian origin, has been a controversial figure, particularly due to his anti-Russian sentiments. Despite his reluctance to be associated with Russia, he has faced criticism for his role in creating the now-banned Russian social network VKontakte. The geopolitical complexities surrounding Durov add an intriguing layer to Telegram’s remarkable journey in the ever-evolving landscape of social media.
