What are Telegram Mini Apps? A Guide to its Development Process

950 MILLION! This monthly active user count of Telegram may leave you in shock. Its user-friendly design, feature-rich platform, and strong commitment to user privacy may attract some more users in the future. Business owners can also use this app via various sources. One of its advanced features is Telegram Mini Apps.

These mini-apps work inside the Telegram app, allowing for a smooth and integrated user experience. In this guide, we’ll explain what Telegram Mini Apps are, what are their benefits, and walk you through the development process step-by-step. We’ll also discuss ways to make money from these mini-apps.

What are Telegram Mini Apps?

Telegram Mini Apps, also known as Telegram Web Apps or Telegram Bot Web Apps, are small web applications that run within the Telegram app. They let developers create interactive and rich experiences without requiring users to leave Telegram. Instead of downloading and installing a separate app, users can access these mini-apps directly within Telegram, making it easy for them to interact with your content or services.

These mini-apps use Telegram’s bot API and special links to offer a flawless experience. They are great for creating surveys, managing online stores, or offering personalized services all within Telegram.

Top Benefits of a Telegram Mini App

1. Excellent Integration: Telegram Mini Apps work smoothly within the Telegram platform. Users can interact with the app without leaving Telegram, making for a more matching and natural experience.

2. No Installation Required: Other than traditional apps, Telegram Mini Apps don’t need to be downloaded or installed. Users can start using the app right away, which can lead to higher engagement because it’s easier to get started.

3. Improved Engagement: With Telegram’s messaging features like stickers and inline keyboards, you can create highly engaging experiences. This can lead to more interaction and a better user experience.

4. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Since Telegram Mini Apps are built using web technologies, they work on different devices and operating systems. This confirms a consistent experience for all users, regardless of their device.

5. Instant Updates: Updates to your mini app are immediately available to users because it’s web-based. This means you don’t have to worry about users downloading updates, they will always have the latest version.

How to Build a Telegram Mini App

There are multiple phases involved in creating a Telegram Mini App, ranging from configuring your development environment to actually launching the application.  

Step 1:  Development Environment

Your development environment needs to be set up before you begin coding. This means installing a web server and building up a Telegram bot.

1. Create a Telegram Bot:

➤ Open the Telegram app and search for BotFather.
➤ Send the command `/newbot} to initiate a conversation with BotFather.
➤ Follow the instructions to name your bot and create a username.
➤ BotFather will give you a bot token. Save this token because you’ll need it to connect with the Telegram API.

2. Set Up Your Web Server: 

➤ You need a web server to host your mini app. This can be a server running Node.js, Python, or another technology that supports web applications.
➤ Make sure your server supports HTTPS, as Telegram requires a secure connection.

Step 2: Develop Your Mini App

1. Create Your Web Application:

➤ Build your web application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You can use frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js to make development easier.
➤ Verify your app is responsive and works well on different devices.

2. Integrate Telegram’s Web App API:

➤ Telegram provides a JavaScript SDK to help you connect your app with Telegram. Add this SDK to your web app to enable communication between your app and Telegram.
➤ Use the Telegram Web App API to access user information like their Telegram ID and chat details.