Telegram is a popular messaging app launched in 2013 that allows users to communicate securely. In addition to one-on-one and group messaging, Telegram also supports channels – a broadcast tool that enables sending messages to an unlimited number of subscribers.
Channels are a great way to broadcast updates, share knowledge and build communities around specific topics. As a marketer, educator or business owner, having your own Telegram channel positions you as an authority and allows you to directly engage with your target audience.
This comprehensive guide will teach you how to create your own Telegram channel in just a few easy steps.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Get the Telegram App
If you don’t already have Telegram installed on your device, you’ll first need to download the app:
- On iPhone – Go to the App Store and search for “Telegram Messenger”. Download and install the app developed by Telegram LLC.
- On Android – Go to the Google Play Store and search for “Telegram”. Download and install the app by Telegram LLC.
- On PC – Go to telegram.org and download the desktop app for your operating system.
Telegram has mobile apps for both iOS and Android phones and tablets, as well as desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux. You can use any of these apps to manage your Telegram channels.
Step 2: Create a Telegram Account
Once you have the Telegram app installed, launch it and tap Sign Up. You will have the option to register with your phone number or by user name.
- Using a phone number allows finding and messaging contacts who also use Telegram. However, your phone number will be visible to all channel members.
- A username keeps your contact details private but can be more difficult for people to find.
For privacy and ease-of-use, I recommend registering with a phone number. Enter your country code, phone number and tap Next.
Telegram Registration Screenshot
Telegram will send a 5-digit confirmation code via SMS. Enter this code and you will be registered on Telegram.
Step 3: Set a Profile Name and Photo
Before creating your Telegram channel, take a minute to setup your profile:
- Tap the hamburger menu (3 horizontal lines) in the top left.
- Choose Settings > Edit Profile.
- Add your first and last name or a nickname. This will be displayed to your channel subscribers.
- Tap on your blank photo and select Take Photo to set a profile picture.
Setting a custom name and photo ensures your channel has a professional appearance from the very beginning.
Step 4: Create New Channel
You are now ready to create your first Telegram channel:
- Open the hamburger menu and select New Channel.
- Enter your new channel’s name, description and profile photo.
- The name can be changed later but will be seen by anyone joining your channel. Keep it short and descriptive.
- The description appears on the channel info page. Use it to explain the purpose of your channel.
- Upload a relevant channel avatar image – this will be displayed next to channel posts.
- Toggle channel privacy settings:
- Public – Anyone can view and join the channel. Good for building a large audience.
- Private – Must be approved to view channel. Better for niche communities.
- Tap Create Channel when you are done.
That’s all there is to it! Your new Telegram channel is now ready to start sending messages.
New Telegram Channel Screenshot
Step 5: Invite Users to Join Your Channel
Now that you have a Telegram channel, you need subscribers!
There are a few ways to promote your channel and invite members:
- Share Channel Link – Every channel has a custom telegram.me URL that can be shared via other channels, email, websites and social media. Direct interested users to join via this link.
- Add Admins – Assign trustworthy users as channel admins to help manage and promote the channel. Admins can also invite new members.
- Pinned Message – Pin a channel intro message explaining the purpose of your channel. Ask new users to join via a clickable telegram.me link.
- Cross Promote – Leverage your existing social media accounts and contacts to let followers know about your new channel.
To check who has already joined, tap the channel Members tab. Use analytics to see total subscribers, views and interaction over time.
Step 6: Send Your First Channel Message
Sending messages to your channel subscribers works much like any other Telegram chat:
- Open your newly created channel from the Telegram chat list.
- Compose your broadcast message in the message field as you normally would. You can use text, images, videos, gifs and other content.
- When ready, hit the Send arrow to post your message to all channel subscribers.
That’s all there is to it! All channel members will immediately receive your broadcast message.
First Message Screenshot
Tip: You can pin important posts to the top of your channel so new subscribers see them first.
Some ideas for your first channel broadcasts:
- Introduce yourself and the purpose of the channel.
- Share an interesting photo, video or article.
- Poll subscribers to find out what content they want to see.
- Outline channel rules and guidelines for members to follow.
Experiment to see what your subscribers most engage with. You can check message views, forwards and comments for each post.
Advanced Channel Management Tips
Managing a popular Telegram channel takes more than just sending broadcasts. Here are some pro tips:
- Add Admins – Assign channel admins to help manage growth and engagement. Admins can also post messages.
- Moderate Comments – Review and approve user-generated comments before they appear publicly. Prevents spam.
- Slow Mode – Limit how frequently members can post to prevent overwhelming conversations.
- Anti-Flood – Restrict how many messages a user can send within a window to stop spam.
- Ban Users – Block abusive or disruptive subscribers from posting and viewing.
- Stickers & Bots – Enhance your community with custom emoji, stickers and chatbots.
- Analytics – Study channel insights to optimize content and growth strategy. Identify your most engaged subscribers.
With the right promotion and community management, Telegram channels can reach tens of thousands of subscribed users. The tips above will help you operate a thriving channel on any topic.
You Now Know How to Create a Telegram Channel
You should now have all the knowledge needed to create your own Telegram channel, invite members and start broadcasting messages.
Channels are a free and powerful tool for building engaged communities around your brand, business, website or niche interests.
To summarize, you can now:
- Download the Telegram app on mobile or desktop
- Setup a user profile with name and photo
- Create new public or private Telegram channels
- Customize channel name, description, image
- Invite subscribers via direct link or promotions
- Post text, media and documents to your subscribers
- Analyze performance with built-in channel stats
- Assign admins to help manage your growing community
- Moderate comment, restrict spammy users and ban as needed
Still have questions? Search Telegram’s official FAQ or contact support.
