How to Create a Telegram Mini App

Why not create a Telegram Mini App to turn chats into dynamic spaces for action and interaction? For that, use Telegram’s Bot API and Web App tools to craft games or shopping portals. As you make one, such a mini app will add power, ease, and creativity to every chat. So, if you need guidance for app development, this article is complete guidance.

What are Telegram Mini Apps?

Telegram Mini Apps are small web-based programs that run inside Telegram without leaving the chat. These apps use Telegram’s Bot API and Web App features for the user’s ease. So, using these innovative features, these apps offer tasks like payments, forms, shopping, games, or quick tools.

Users can open them directly from a bot or chat and return to the conversation without closing the app. Additionally, they remove the need for separate downloads or installations. Overall, a Telegram mini app stays light, quick, and easy to use and gives developers a space to build a creative experience inside Telegram’s familiar interface.

How Do Telegram Mini Apps Work?

When you want to know how to build a Telegram mini app, know that it’s working first. They work as web-based micro applications embedded directly within the Telegram environment. Therefore, to know what features they use to create an interactive experience, review the given details:

1. Core Components and Architecture

Telegram mini apps use common web tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and act like normal web apps hosted online. Additionally, the Telegram client loads them inside a safe WebView window, so they feel built into Telegram.

• Frontend Layer: Uses React, Vue.js, or plain HTML/JS for fast user interfaces.
• Backend Layer: Runs on Node.js, Python, or Go to manage login, data, and APIs.
• Bot Integration: Each mini app connects to a Telegram Bot that opens the app through chat buttons or links.

2. How Mini Apps Launch and Authenticate

When a user opens a mini app through a link or menu, Telegram loads a new WebView and sends initData. Hence, it loads the user’s ID, name, and sign-in details, and the backend checks this data. It confirms the user’s identity, and after this, the user can view the dashboards, play games, or shop without delay.

3. Telegram WebApp SDK Functions

Telegram’s JavaScript SDK helps mini apps interact with the Telegram interface.

• ready (): Tells when the app has loaded.
• expand (): Opens the app in full screen.
• close (): Ends the app instantly.
• Telegram.WebApp.themeParams: Matches the app’s color to Telegram’s light or dark mode. These tools make the mini app feel like part of Telegram while still running as a web app.

4. Payment and Blockchain Integration

As the developer creates a Telegram mini app, it supports built-in payments through Telegram and The Open Network (TON). Thus, users can pay with Google Pay, Apple Pay, or digital coins such as TON, BTC, or USDT. Additionally, payments take place inside the chats rather than outside the wallets. In this regard, developers can use TON or smart contracts through Web3 tools.

5. Hosting and Connectivity

Mini apps stay on outside servers like Vercel, AWS, or Firebase and load inside Telegram through their URL. When opened, Telegram displays the site through WebView. All user and server data moves over HTTPS to keep privacy and speed safe.

Common Use Cases for Telegram Mini Apps

Telegram Mini Apps are transforming how users interact within chats by turning conversations into interactive and functional spaces. From gaming and shopping to productivity and AI tools, these apps expand Telegram’s capabilities beyond messaging. Below are some of the most popular and high-performing use cases for Telegram Mini Apps in 2025.

1. Social and Entertainment Apps

Mini apps allow users to play games, share quizzes, or participate in interactive polls directly within a Telegram chat. For example, gaming bots can host trivia, leaderboards, and real-time challenges, keeping users engaged without leaving Telegram.

2. E-Commerce and Payment Tools

Businesses use Telegram Mini Apps to build lightweight shopping portals that support in-chat payments through Telegram or TON. Users can browse products, place orders, and make secure transactions all within a single chat window. This helps brands reduce drop-off rates and increase conversions.

3. AI Companions and Chatbots

With Telegram’s WebApp SDK and AI integration, developers can create personalized assistants or AI companions that respond to user queries, simulate conversations, or even provide emotional support. These AI mini apps enhance engagement and offer 24/7 interaction.

4. Event Booking and Ticketing Platforms

Event organizers can develop mini apps for booking tickets or RSVPs. Users can view upcoming events, book seats, and get reminders without leaving Telegram. This reduces friction and keeps the entire process centralized.

5. Productivity and Collaboration Tools

Many teams build task management or document-sharing mini apps to streamline collaboration. Whether tracking progress, setting reminders, or sharing resources, Telegram Mini Apps make workplace communication more efficient.

6. Educational Platforms

Telegram Mini Apps can host quizzes, tutorials, and language-learning sessions. Students can complete exercises, receive instant feedback, and access materials inside Telegram, making learning interactive and mobile-friendly.

7. Live Streaming and Real-Time Communication

Developers can integrate ZEGOCLOUD’s WebRTC SDK to enable live audio or video sessions within Telegram Mini Apps. From live classrooms and team meetings to social voice chat rooms, ZEGOCLOUD makes it easy to embed real-time communication features seamlessly into Telegram’s interface.

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Why Build a Telegram Mini App?

When developers view the Telegram mini apps tutorial, the thought of its need comes to their mind. Hence, this section reveals the importance and hypes of such apps with a few points given ahead:

• Access to a Massive Global User Base: Telegram has over 1 billion monthly users who stay active for hours daily. Thus, a mini app connects directly to this audience without app installs, ads, or tracking limits.
• No Downloads or App Store Restrictions: Unlike other applications, mini apps open right inside the Telegram chats. Hence, they need no store approvals, installation, or extra fees to apply. Above all, all the updates reach everyone instantly across the globe.
• Fast, Frictionless User Experience: Users stay in one place since these apps open inside Telegram. So, this facility limits the need for redirects or signups, and just one tap gives full access to the features.
• Easy to Build: Mini apps use standard web tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Hence, this lower cost and time while one codebase runs on iOS, Android, and Desktop.
• Built-In Monetization and Communication Tools: Telegram supports stars, crypto payments, and free push alerts. Hence, developers can send direct updates or messages to users and keep engagement high at no extra cost.

Telegram Bots vs Telegram Mini Apps

Most amateur developers get confused between Telegram Mini Apps and Telegram Bots. So, to know if they differ in terms of functionality or complexity, here is the detailed table:

Metric	Telegram Bots	Telegram Mini Apps
Purpose	Automate simple tasks, send info, and handle queries	Deliver full interactive experiences (games, shops, tools)
Interface Type	Text-based with buttons and commands	Graphical, web-based UI inside Telegram
Development Tech	Telegram Bot API, Python, Node.js, Java, etc.	Web tech (HTML, CSS, JS) + Telegram WebApp SDK
Complexity	Simple to build and deploy	More complex, it requires front-end and web hosting
User Interaction	Command-driven (text, inline buttons)	Rich interactions (forms, images, videos, gestures)
Access Point	Chat window, inline queries, menus	Accessible via chat, bot commands, or direct link
Integration Level	Limited to the chat environment	Deep integration with Telegram’s UI and services
Performance	Fast for lightweight tasks	Slightly heavier but supports multimedia and animations
Monetization Options	Limited (ads, referral links)	Rich (in-app purchases, crypto/TON, subscriptions)
Authentication	Auto via Telegram ID	Secure sign-in with Telegram data + tokens
Cross-Platform	Works only inside Telegram	Works across Telegram + any WebView-enabled browser
Web3/Blockchain Support	Not supported	Fully supported through TON and smart contracts
Use Cases	Customer service, alerts, reminders, chatbots	Games, e-commerce, finance, Web3 tools
UI/UX Design	Basic, text-heavy	Customizable, responsive, app-like
Update Process	Bot API updates manually	Live updates on hosting, no user action needed
Learning Curve	Beginner-friendly	Intermediate to advanced (web dev background)

How to Build a Telegram Mini App

Building a Telegram Mini App is simpler than it seems. These apps work as lightweight web experiences connected to a Telegram bot, using Telegram’s Bot API and WebApp SDK.

Before you start, it’s worth noting that with ZEGOCLOUD, you can take your Mini App beyond static interactions. ZEGOCLOUD provides an all-in-one real-time communication SDK that enables voice, video, and AI-driven chat directly within Telegram. Its WebRTC-powered engine ensures smooth performance, global low latency, and easy integration with just a few lines of code.

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Here’s how you can build one from scratch and integrate real-time features with ZEGOCLOUD.

1. Create an H5 Application

Start by developing a basic web app using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
For example, create an index.html file:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <title>Hello Telegram Mini App</title>
</head>
<body>
  <h1>Hello Telegram Mini App</h1>
</body>
</html>

Deploy this file to any web server or hosting service such as Vercel, AWS, or Firebase.
Once deployed, you can access it through its URL (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/index.html).

2. Create a Telegram Bot Using BotFather

• Open Telegram and search for @BotFather (the verified bot with a blue checkmark).
• Click Start, then run the /newbot command.
• Give your bot a name and a unique username.
• BotFather will provide an API token — save it securely.

This token allows your bot to connect with your mini app later.

3. Link Your Web App to the Bot

Use BotFather to connect your bot with your hosted web page.
Inside the BotFather chat, run /setmenubutton or /setdomain, then paste your app’s URL.

When users open the bot, they’ll see a button that launches your Telegram Mini App directly inside Telegram’s chat interface via WebView.

4. Add Interactive Capabilities with Telegram WebApp SDK

Telegram provides a JavaScript SDK that helps your app interact with Telegram’s UI.
Here are a few useful methods:

• ready() — confirms when your app is loaded
• expand() — expands to full screen
• close() — closes the app instantly
• themeParams — adapts colors to Telegram’s light or dark mode

These help your app feel native within Telegram while remaining web-based.

5. Enhance Real-Time Interaction with ZEGOCLOUD

Once your Telegram Mini App is live, you can add real-time voice, video, or chat features using ZEGOCLOUD’s RTC SDK. ZEGOCLOUD offers a WebRTC-based SDK that integrates seamlessly into web apps, making it perfect for Telegram Mini Apps that need live collaboration or communication.

Here’s a quick example of how to integrate a ZEGOCLOUD video call feature:

import { ZegoExpressEngine } from "zego-express-engine-webrtc";

// Initialize
const zg = new ZegoExpressEngine(APP_ID, SERVER);

// Login to room
zg.loginRoom("demo_room", token, { userID: "user1", userName: "Jessie" });

// Publish and play streams
const localStream = await zg.createStream();
zg.startPublishingStream("stream_1", localStream);
document.querySelector("#localVideo").srcObject = localStream;

zg.on("roomStreamUpdate", (updateType, streamList) => {
  if (updateType === "ADD") {
    const remoteStream = zg.startPlayingStream(streamList[0].streamID);
    document.querySelector("#remoteVideo").srcObject = remoteStream;
  }
});

With this setup, your Telegram Mini App can support live calls, streaming sessions, or AI voice chat, all running directly inside Telegram’s interface without switching apps.

6. Test Your Telegram Mini App

Search for your bot on Telegram, click Start, and tap the button that opens your app.
You’ll see your web app running smoothly inside Telegram with real-time audio or video powered by ZEGOCLOUD.

How to Monetize Your Telegram Mini App

You can monetize mini apps in multiple ways after you know how to build a Telegram mini app in detail. So, here are the best methods that you can follow to generate sustainable income in 2025:

• In-App Purchases: Mini apps can sell digital goods or premium features inside Telegram. Also, users can unlock game boosts, buy extra storage, access special filters, or collect NFTs. This model works well because users already trust Telegram’s secure system and can complete purchases with one quick tap.
• Subscription Plans: Developers can add monthly or yearly plans that unlock exclusive tools or spaces. So, users may pay for private chat rooms, trading dashboards, or premium communities. Hence, subscription creates a steady income and keeps users engaged for longer since they receive consistent access to valued features.
• Advertising and Sponsored Content: Mini apps can include ads that fit naturally into the interface using services like AdsGram, Monetag, or PropellerAds. So, these can appear as banners, short video spots, or rewards. Above all, the ads stay smooth and non-intrusive, so users engage more often and developers earn consistent ad revenue.
• Direct Sales and E-Commerce: Such mini apps can also work as small stores inside Telegram, and creators can sell digital goods. This includes eBooks, artwork, or NFTs, and even physical items like merch or accessories. Hence, this method helps small sellers and creators while keeping all the transactions inside Telegram’s setup.
• Affiliate Marketing and Brand Partnerships: Mini apps can include referral links or product promotions that match their niche. A finance mini app can link to an exchange, or a gaming app can feature partner items. So, as the users stay within Telegram, affiliate promotion feels natural and drives strong engagement and conversion.

Conclusion

Summing up, the Telegram mini app opens new paths for creators and brands inside a trusted and global chat platform. So, review the details given in this guide regarding their working and monetization. However, for real-time voice, video, and chat features, developers can rely on ZEGOCLOUD for smooth integration and growth.

FAQ

Q1: What is a Telegram Mini App?

A Telegram Mini App is a lightweight web application that runs directly inside Telegram using its WebApp and Bot APIs. It allows users to interact with games, tools, or shopping apps without leaving the chat.

Q2: Do I need coding skills to create a Telegram Mini App?

Yes, basic knowledge of web development (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) is needed. Telegram Mini Apps are essentially web apps loaded inside Telegram via WebView.

Q3: How do I start creating a Telegram Mini App?

First, use BotFather on Telegram to create a bot, then set a WebApp URL that links to your hosted web app (for example, an H5 page). Users can open your app through that bot.

Q4: Can I use React or Vue to build the Mini App?

Yes, Telegram Mini Apps can be built using any modern front-end framework like React, Vue, or plain JavaScript. They are just web apps hosted online.

Q5: Is there any cost to create or host a Telegram Mini App?

Telegram itself is free, but you’ll need to cover hosting or API service costs (if you use third-party SDKs or servers).