Telegram Mini Apps (TMAs) have exploded in popularity, with Telegram reaching over 1 billion monthly active users in 2025 and approximately half of them engaging with Mini Apps on a regular basis. The TMA advertising market alone has hit impressive scales, with reports indicating a $10 billion ecosystem driven by high-engagement formats. As we head into 2026, the ecosystem is maturing: moving from experimental hype (like tap-to-earn games) to stable niches in gaming, productivity, Web3, and e-commerce. This shift creates massive opportunities for developers and publishers to generate sustainable revenue.
If you’re building or running a Telegram Mini App — whether it’s a clicker game, crypto tool, productivity bot, or entertainment hub — monetization is easier and more lucrative than ever. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover the top methods, why ads often lead the pack for passive income, how platforms like Adexium simplify the process, expected earnings, and tips to maximize your revenue in 2026.
Why TMA Monetization is Booming in 2026
- Massive Audience Reach: Over 500 million users interact with TMAs monthly, with seamless access (no downloads needed) leading to high retention and viral sharing.
- Maturing Ecosystem: By 2026, experts predict stable product niches with deeper TON blockchain integration, AI-enhanced features, and better payment options like Telegram Stars.
- High Engagement: Users spend significant time in-app, making formats like rewarded ads feel natural rather than intrusive.
- Diverse Revenue Potential: From passive ad earnings to direct sales, TMAs offer flexible models without app store fees.
The result? Developers are reporting thousands in monthly revenue, with some clicker games hitting $35k+ in a single month through smart ad integration.
Top 5 Ways to Monetize Your Telegram Mini App
Here are the most effective strategies for 2026, ranked by ease of implementation and passive income potential:
1. Advertising (The #1 Passive Income Winner)
Ads remain the top choice for most publishers because they’re hands-off once integrated. You earn from impressions or views without charging users directly.
- Key Formats:
- Interstitials: Full-screen ads shown between levels or screens (high CPM, up to $5–$6 in premium GEOs).
- Rewarded Videos: Users watch for in-app rewards — boosts engagement and retention.
- Banners & Native Ads: Subtle placements that blend seamlessly.
- Personalized Push-like: High CTR thanks to user data (e.g., inserting usernames).
Why It Wins: Passive, scalable, and non-disruptive when done right. Average CPM ranges from $1.5–$6 depending on GEO (Tier-1 higher), niche (gaming/crypto best), and traffic quality.
Platforms: Networks like Adexium make integration simple with lightweight SDKs, high fill rates, and global advertisers.
2. In-App Purchases (IAPs)
Sell virtual goods, boosts, or premium features directly in-app.
- Examples: Energy refills in games, custom skins, or ad-free modes.
- Tools: Telegram Stars or TON payments for seamless transactions.
- Best For: Gaming and entertainment apps with loyal users.
3. Subscriptions
Offer tiered access via Telegram Stars for exclusive content or features.
- Examples: Premium tools in productivity apps or ad-free experiences.
- Trend in 2026: Multi-tier subscriptions with recurring revenue.
4. Play-to-Earn & Token Rewards (Web3 Focus)
Integrate TON blockchain for crypto rewards, NFTs, or tokens.
- Popular in crypto/wallet apps and games.
- Potential: High virality in emerging markets, but regulatory risks in some GEOs.
5. Affiliate Partnerships & Sponsorships
Promote related products or partner with brands for sponsored features.
- Examples: Affiliate links in e-commerce tools or branded in-game items.
Many successful TMAs combine 2–3 methods (e.g., ads + IAPs) for diversified income.
Why Ad Monetization Often Outperforms Others
While IAPs and subscriptions can yield high ARPU from whales, ads provide consistent passive revenue even from free users. They’re ideal for apps with broad appeal:
- No need to convince users to spend money.
- Scales with traffic growth.
- High ROI: Optimized placements maintain user retention while earning $0.5–$6 per 1,000 impressions.
In 2026, trends like AI-optimized creatives and deeper personalization will push CTRs higher, making ads even more profitable.
How to Integrate Ads with Adexium: Step-by-Step
Adexium stands out as a developer-friendly platform tailored for TMA monetization, offering easy integration, competitive CPMs, and features like personalized ads.
- Sign Up: Register as a publisher on adexium.io.
- Get SDK: Download the lightweight JavaScript SDK.
- Integrate Code: Add simple snippets to your Mini App (supports banners, interstitials, rewarded, etc.).
- Configure Placements: Set frequency caps and triggers (e.g., after levels).
- Test & Launch: Use the dashboard to monitor fill rates and earnings.
- Optimize: A/B test formats for best performance.
Integration typically takes minutes, with no heavy backend required.
Expected Earnings in 2026: Real Benchmarks
Earnings vary by factors like:
- GEO: Tier-1 (US, Europe) higher CPM; emerging markets (India, Brazil) high volume.
- Niche: Gaming/crypto often $3–$6 CPM; productivity lower but steady.
- Traffic: 100k daily users can yield thousands monthly.
Realistic Examples:
- Mid-sized game: $5k–$20k/month from ads.
- High-traffic clicker: Up to $35k in peak months.
- Average Publisher: $1–$3 per 1,000 impressions, scaling with optimization.
Focus on quality traffic and non-intrusive ads to sustain growth.
Tips to Maximize Revenue in 2026
- Balance UX: Use rewarded formats and frequency caps to avoid churn.
- Optimize Placements: Show ads at natural breaks (e.g., level ends).
- A/B Test Everything: Creatives, timings, and formats.
- Target High-Value GEOs: Prioritize regions with premium advertisers.
- Combine Methods: Ads for base revenue + IAPs for upsell.
- Stay Updated: Watch for TON integrations and new Telegram features.
Conclusion: Start Monetizing Today
2026 is the year TMAs go mainstream, with stable niches and advanced tools making monetization more accessible than ever. Advertising through platforms like Adexium offers the easiest path to passive, scalable income — perfect for developers focusing on building great apps.
Ready to turn your TMA into a revenue machine? Sign up as a publisher on Adexium today and integrate ads in minutes. Your users stay happy, and your earnings grow.
What monetization method are you trying first?