Telegram Glossary
Clear, plain-English definitions of the Telegram terms every channel, group and mini-app operator should know.
B
Bot API
The Telegram Bot API is the official HTTP interface developers and tools use to build bots that send messages, moderate groups, run mini apps and accept payments.
BotFather
BotFather is Telegram's official bot for creating, configuring and managing your own bots, including issuing the API token each bot needs.
Broadcast
A broadcast is a message delivered to many recipients at once — for example a channel post to all subscribers, or a bot message sent to everyone who started it.
C
Captcha
A captcha is a verification challenge shown to new Telegram group members — such as tapping a button or solving a puzzle — to prove they are human before they can post.
Channel vs Group
A Telegram channel is a one-to-many broadcast where only admins post and subscribers read, while a group is a many-to-many chat where all members can talk.
Commission
A commission is the percentage fee deducted from a Telegram sale — by the platform, app store or a third-party tool — before the seller receives the net proceeds.
S
Slow Mode
Slow mode is a Telegram group setting that limits how frequently each member can send a message — for example, once every 30 seconds.
Storefront
A storefront is a native in-Telegram shop — typically a mini app — where users browse your products and complete payment with Stars or TON without leaving the app.
Supergroup
A Telegram supergroup is a large, powerful group type that supports up to 200,000 members and adds advanced admin, moderation and history features.
T
Telegram Stars
Telegram Stars are an in-app virtual currency that users buy inside Telegram and spend on digital goods and services in bots and mini apps.
TON (The Open Network)
TON (The Open Network) is a blockchain integrated with Telegram that powers crypto payments, wallets and on-chain settlement for bots and mini apps.