Telegram has turned from a chat app into a full economy, an ecosystem where creators and affiliate partners earn side by side. Millions already make a living here. With powerful tech, open architecture and over a billion monthly users, its shift to the next-gen platform is undergoing.
Think of WordPress: it was once a simple blog platform, then became a store builder, and finally gave way to more modern systems. Telegram is following a similar trajectory—but because it’s built on open and Web3-ready infrastructure, it’s shaping the future of online communities and affiliate economy.
Tools like InviteMember are helping make this future real. Years ago, InviteMember introduced Telegram-based subscription bots and affiliate programs suited for paid groups and channels. More recently, Telegram launched its own built-in affiliate program for mini-apps and bots. The built-in version is strong—but InviteMember offers broader flexibility for paid communities and recurring revenue.
This guide explains both affiliate options, shows setup steps, and helps you pick what fits your goals.
Telegram Affiliate Marketing
The scope here is creator‑run affiliate programs inside Telegram. Owners of paid groups, channels, or mini‑apps (and bots) issue tracked referral links and pay affiliates from within Telegram. The goal of these programs is to grow a Telegram‑based business by rewarding partners who bring paying members or customers.
Affiliates use unique tracking links they share with their audiences. When someone buys or subscribes through that link, the system records the sell and assigns a commission to that affiliate.
Two Options at a Glance
| Feature | Telegram’s Native Affiliate Program | InviteMember’s Affiliate Program |
|---|---|---|
| Main Use Case | Mini‑apps and bots inside Telegram | Paid channels and groups |
| Target Users | Developers and app owners | Creators, coaches, and community owners |
| Payout Type | Telegram Stars (in‑app currency) | Cash or crypto (external payment methods) |
| Commission Model | Per purchase | One‑time or recurring, customizable |
| Control | Managed by each mini‑app | Fully controlled by project owner |
| Setup | Join via My Stars → Earn | Enable in @InviteMemberBot |
| Integration | Native to Telegram mini‑apps and bots | Works with any Telegram community |
| Best For | Promoting bots, tools, or games | Monetizing memberships and courses |
Telegram’s native affiliate program
It’s built for mini‑apps and bots. Affiliates join a program in My Stars, copy a referral link, and earn Stars when referred users buy inside that mini‑app. Everything happens inside Telegram.
InviteMember’s affiliate program
It helps you grow paid Telegram communities. Project owners sell access to private groups or channels using one-time or recurring subscription plans. Each affiliate gets a unique link to share with their audience. Every time a referred member pays, the affiliate earns a commission. Owners control the commission rate, payout period, and minimum payout.
Choose Your Path
Promoting a single mini‑app? The native program is enough.
Running or launching paid groups or channels? InviteMember fits better.
Offering both? Run each program for its own product.
Set Up: Telegram’s Native Program (mini-apps and bots)
- Open the profile page of your mini-app or bot in Telegram. Only the creator account can activate the affiliate program.
- Tap Edit → Affiliate Program and set the commission rate (percentage of purchases) and the commission period (how long after the referred user joins that the affiliate earns).
- Save and launch the program. Once active, affiliates can go to Settings → My Stars → Earn inside Telegram, select your program, and tap Join — this instantly issues a unique referral link tied to their chosen Star balance.
- Affiliates copy their unique link and choose which Star balance (personal, channel, or app) will receive commissions. That balance choice cannot be changed later for that link.
- Affiliates share the link inside or outside Telegram. When a user clicks the link, starts the app or bot, and makes purchases with Telegram Stars, the affiliate earns commissions.
- Track performance and manage the program. The creator can terminate the program if desired but previous referrals still earn for the original period.
Set Up: InviteMember’s Affiliate Program (paid communities)
- In your InviteMember project menu (via your membership bot), go to Affiliate Program → Enable.
- Set the commission rate (the percent each affiliate will earn from referred sales).
- Define the commission “due period” (the number of days after a sale during which the commission is held) and set the minimum payout threshold.
- Choose payout methods – for example fiat via PayPal or crypto via CoinPayments.
- Invite affiliates by instructing them to send the
/affiliatecommand to your membership bot; the bot will generate unique referral links for them. - Monitor growth: track new subscriptions, affiliate conversions, and paid commissions. Adjust the program (rates or disable affiliates) if needed.
Content and Promotion Basics
Start with one clear benefit—not the link. Explain the problem the product or service solves and show the specific outcome a member can expect.
- Lead with the outcome first.
- Use one clear call to action per post.
- Pin your strongest post for new visitors and refresh it when your offer changes.
- Schedule reposts with enough space between them to avoid fatigue.
- Ask for feedback and update your copy based on common questions.
End by keeping your message consistent and trustworthy.
Tracking and Payouts
The native program reports Stars inside My Stars.
InviteMember reports sales and commissions in CSV files. You can export these files for accounting and bulk payouts.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid spammy placement of affiliate content. Ensure promotions appear only in channels or communities where your offer fits the niche and is welcome by members.
- Placing affiliate promotions in irrelevant groups undermines your brand and weakens trust.
- Neglecting a clear affiliate-link disclosure risks legal trouble and erodes credibility.
- Over-promising outcomes invites refunds, cancellations and affiliate churn.
- Changing commission rules without notifying affiliates damages relationships and future commitment.
FAQs
Do large audiences win by default?
No. Focused niches with real pain points often convert better than broad groups.
Can multiple programs run at once?
Yes. Keep each offer aligned with the audience.
How are payouts handled?
The native program pays in Stars inside Telegram. InviteMember supports cash or crypto through supported methods.
Can both systems run together?
Yes. Use the native program for mini‑apps and InviteMember for paid communities.
How do recurring commissions work?
InviteMember can mirror the subscription renewal cycle.
What post format works best?
Short headline, one value statement, one link, and one call to action.
In Short
When you match the right affiliate tool to your offer, your Telegram strategy becomes far more effective. If you’re promoting mini-apps or bots, the native affiliate program—with its Star-based payouts—is a good match. If you’re running paid communities, courses or subscription content in Telegram, then the InviteMember solution—with cash or crypto payouts and full control—is likely the better fit.
Whichever path you choose, keep your program transparent: disclose affiliate relationships, pay on time, and monitor performance consistently. Those three habits build trust, motivate affiliates, and turn your community into a dependable growth engine.
