What is a Telegram Mini App?
A Telegram Mini App is a web application built into the messenger that allows users to access a service without installing separate programs. A Mini App interacts directly with Telegram, using its built-in authorization, access to chats, notifications, and payment systems. This allows you to create a convenient service integrated with the messenger's ecosystem, whether it's an online store, a booking system, or a work tool.
Key features of Mini Apps:
Launch without installation — users open the app directly in Telegram.
Interface flexibility — you can use any web framework, such as React, Vue, Flutter, or Angular.
Interactivity — Mini Apps allow you to create complex interfaces and animations.
Integration with the Telegram API — access to user data, the ability to send messages, process payments, and interact with bots.
Advantages of using Telegram Mini Apps
Mini Apps offer a number of significant advantages over other platforms. They allow you to create convenient services directly within Telegram.
Creating and maintaining such an application is cheaper than a regular mobile app. There is no need to publish it on the App Store and Google Play or adapt it for different platforms.
Mini Apps support payments, orders, customer support, and can be integrated into existing business processes.
A multi-million reach of the Telegram audience, which has hundreds of millions of active users.
Main use cases
Telegram Mini Apps provide opportunities for many areas:
Mini Apps can be used for online stores where you can conveniently place orders, provide detailed product catalogs, and make payments directly in Telegram.
Service companies can use them for booking services, conducting online consultations, and integrating with CRM systems for convenient customer management. Mini Apps have also entered the gaming industry, allowing for the creation of interactive entertainment with full integration into the Telegram API.
Financial services can implement transfers, payment systems, and investment tools, making all these processes available directly in the chat.
How to create a Telegram Mini App?
Creating a Telegram Mini App requires an understanding of the technologies and tools used. In this chapter, we will look at the main programming languages, frameworks, and resources that will help a developer quickly master the mini-app development process.
What programming languages and technologies are used to develop a Telegram Mini App
The following languages and technologies can be used to develop a Telegram Mini App:
Technology | Description |
|---|---|
JavaScript | The main language for working with the interface via WebView in Telegram. |
HTML and CSS | Used for interface markup and styling. |
Node.js | Server-side, suitable for asynchronous requests and integration with the Telegram API. |
Telegram API | Allows sending messages, managing bots, and working with user data. |
Webhook and REST API | Used for interaction with the server and external services. |
Flutter | Allows developing cross-platform web applications for Telegram Mini Apps. |
React | A framework for creating dynamic web applications with a component-based architecture. |
Vue.js | A lightweight framework for building responsive interfaces. |
Angular | A framework for creating complex web applications. |
Django / Flask | Python frameworks for server-side development. |
Where to find documentation and useful resources
To start developing a Telegram Mini App, the main source of information is the official Telegram documentation. It includes all the details on creating mini-apps and working with the Telegram API, making it an indispensable tool for developers:
In addition, the following resources will be useful:
GitHub: open repositories with examples of mini-apps that can be used to study the code.
Telegram Developer Community: developer communities where you can exchange experiences and get advice from colleagues.
Guide to developing a Telegram Mini App
This chapter shows the process of creating a Telegram Mini App — from registering a bot to linking it to a web application. A Mini App works through a bot, so the first step is to configure it in BotFather and get an API token. Next, we will look at the requirements for the web application, how to host it on a server, and how to connect it to Telegram. This guide will help you prepare the foundation for your Mini App, after which you can choose a convenient technology stack for further development.
1. Creating a bot in Telegram
A Mini App works through a bot that sends a link to the application to users.
To create a bot:
Open Telegram and go to BotFather.
Send the /newbot command and follow the instructions.
Specify the bot's name and its unique username (it must end with 'bot', for example, my_mini_app_bot).
Get the API token – you will need it to integrate the Mini App with Telegram.
You can also configure:
Bot description – /setdescription
Commands – /setcommands
Avatar – /setuserpic
2. Developing the web application
A Mini App is a regular web application adapted to work in Telegram.
Main requirements:
HTTPS support (a secure connection is mandatory).
Correct display on mobile devices and in the desktop version of Telegram.
Ability to interact with the Telegram Web Apps API.
If the application has only a static interface (e.g., a simple form or a product catalog), you can get by with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. For more complex solutions (e.g., order processing or authorization), a server-side part will be required.
3. Hosting on a server
Telegram requires the Mini App to work over HTTPS.
Hosting options:
Free services for static sites – Vercel, Netlify, Firebase Hosting.
Cloud servers – Yandex Cloud, Mail.ru Cloud, Selectel.
Your own hosting – if full customization and control are required.
When hosting, it is important to make sure that the site is accessible via a direct link and loads without errors.
4. Linking the Mini App to the bot
For users to be able to open the Mini App, it needs to be linked to the bot
using the /setdomain command in BotFather:
Open BotFather.
Enter the /setdomain command.
Specify the URL where your application is hosted (e.g., https://my-mini-app.vercel.app).
After this, Telegram will consider this domain trusted and allow it to be opened inside WebView.
5. Adding a button to launch the Mini App
For users to be able to open the Mini App, the bot must send them a button with a link to the application.
To do this, you can use an inline button (it needs to be programmed into the chatbot's logic, which will be in the message from the bot) that will appear in the chat with the bot and allow opening the Mini App with a single tap.
6. Testing and launching
Before distributing the Mini App, it must be tested on different devices:
On mobile Telegram (Android and iOS) – make sure the interface is responsive.
On the desktop version of Telegram – check if the application displays correctly.
Also check:
Launching the Mini App through the bot.
The display and operation of the interface.
The correctness of data transfer between the Mini App and the bot.
Problems and limitations of Mini Apps
The Telegram Mini Apps API has a number of limitations that can affect the functionality of mini-apps:
Mini Apps run in a WebView container, which can reduce performance when performing complex and resource-intensive tasks, especially on low-performance devices.
The application can only access the camera or microphone with the user's permission, but the functionality is limited to standard scenarios — for example, taking photos or scanning QR codes. Full integration with device sensors, geolocation, or Bluetooth is not possible.
The functionality of Mini Apps is directly tied to the Telegram API, which limits developers in their choice of third-party libraries and technologies for interacting with the user or server.
Telegram Mini App for business: is it worth using?
Telegram Mini Apps allow businesses to integrate their services directly into the Telegram messenger. This provides users with convenient access to functionality without the need to download separate applications, making interaction with the brand faster and more convenient.
Telegram Mini Apps significantly simplify authorization and interaction with customers, thanks to the existing registration in Telegram.
However, like any new technology, using this tool requires a careful approach to understand if it is suitable for your business and its goals. It is important to consider the features and limitations of the platform to effectively integrate it into business processes.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a Telegram Mini App for business
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
No need to download an app; authorization is automatic through Telegram. | Functionality and customization options are limited compared to full-fledged mobile applications. |
Telegram has a huge audience, and a Mini App allows for quick and effective interaction with users. | Your business will depend on changes in Telegram's policies and functionality. |
Ability to integrate with other Telegram services to enhance convenience and functionality. | Not for all types of businesses: More suitable for services with simple functions, such as consultations, selling goods, or services. |
Creating a Mini App can be significantly cheaper and faster than developing a full-fledged application. | Difficulties in tracking and analyzing user behavior compared to separate mobile applications. |
As a business grows, the capabilities of a Telegram Mini App may become insufficient for performing more complex tasks. |
Cost of developing Telegram Mini Apps
Creating Telegram Mini Apps is a flexible process, and its cost depends on many factors: project complexity, scope of functionality, level of integration with external services, as well as the team's experience and development region. Let's break down what prices you can expect for different types of projects.
1. Simple applications
Cost: from 100,000 to 200,000 rubles.
Such solutions are focused on performing one specific task and do not require complex logic or integrations. Examples:
- Landing pages with information about a product or service.
- Forms for feedback or orders.
- Simple calculators or quizzes.
Example: A Mini App for calculating delivery costs or displaying current promotions.
Features: Number of screens — 3–5, basic integration with the Telegram API, minimal backend requirements.
2. Medium-complexity applications
Cost: from 200,000 to 600,000 rubles.
These projects require more in-depth development, including integration with external services, database work, and user authentication. Examples:
- Mini-stores with a shopping cart and payment.
- Services for booking appointments.
- Applications with a personal account and order history.
Example: A Mini App for online food ordering with a connected payment system.
Features: Number of screens — 10–12, requires a backend for data storage, integration with the Telegram API and third-party services.
3. Complex multifunctional services
Cost: from 600,000 to 1,500,000 rubles and higher.
These are full-fledged products with extended functionality that often become part of a business's ecosystem. Examples:
- Financial applications with wallet integration.
- Games with leaderboards and in-game purchases.
- CRM systems with customer management and analytics.
Example: A Mini App for managing orders in a restaurant with CRM integration and sales analytics.
Features: Dozens of screens, complex business logic, integration with multiple external services, high server load.
Examples of Telegram Mini Apps
Among the interesting examples of Telegram Mini Apps are:
1. Ozon fresh - a platform for quickly ordering fresh produce and everyday goods.
2. BEGY - a platform for the running community. It brings together athletes, coaches, running clubs, and event organizers.
3. Shopper Bot - a tool for monitoring discounts. It tracks price changes on Ozon, Wildberries, Lamoda, and AliExpress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to know how to program to create a Mini App?
To create a Telegram Mini App, you need basic knowledge of web technologies (JavaScript, HTML, CSS) or cross-platform tools like Flutter. Practical programming skills are also required. If you only have theoretical knowledge but no experience, development can be challenging. However, with ready-made tools and frameworks, the process can be significantly simplified.
Are there any limits on the number of Mini App users?
Currently, Telegram does not limit the number of users who can use a Mini App. However, it is important to consider possible server-side limitations, such as performance, number of requests, and bandwidth, which may limit the number of concurrent users.
How to test a Mini App before launch?
To effectively test a Mini App before launch, follow these steps:
1. Local testing
Write the code for your mini-app and make sure it runs in a local environment (e.g., on your computer or a development server).
During development, actively use debugging tools (e.g., the browser console or developer tools) to find and fix bugs. This will help you ensure that the application runs smoothly.
Check that all key application features (e.g., buttons, forms, data processing) are working. Make sure the interaction with the Telegram Bot API is configured correctly.
2. Testing in Telegram's WebView
Make sure your application displays and works correctly in Telegram's WebView on different devices (Android, iOS, Windows, Mac). Since the Mini App will run in a single WebView container, it is important to check compatibility with various platforms.
Check that the application's interface adapts to different screen sizes and scales correctly on all devices.
3. Publishing a test version
Publish a test version of the mini-app for a limited number of users (e.g., your company's employees or testers). This will help you get real feedback and identify potential bugs that were not noticed in the previous stages.
Set up a system for collecting feedback and bug reports from users (e.g., through feedback forms or dedicated Telegram channels) to promptly address issues.
Use analytics to track how users interact with the application and analyze potential problems in the interface and functionality.
4. Using performance testing tools
Use tools to monitor the loading speed and performance of your application. For example, you can use Google Lighthouse to analyze performance and accessibility, as well as WebPageTest for speed testing.
Use security analysis tools to ensure your application is protected from vulnerabilities. Conduct tests for XSS (cross-site scripting), SQL injection, and other common threats.
Test how your application handles high loads (e.g., a large number of users) to ensure it will work stably during peak loads.