Telegram is one of the most popular messaging apps that always adds new features to meet business needs. One of its innovations is mini apps which were introduced in 2022. They are web apps within the messenger that can function as substitutes for websites or applications. They offer more functionality than Telegram bots and are developed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript technologies. As a result, mini apps can serve as custom software solutions that do not require significant time or financial resources, yet provide unique user experiences.

In this article, we'll look at how mini apps in Telegram work and give examples of how this technology can be used.

How do mini apps work?

Since mini apps are basically Telegram web apps, they function as a combination of web technologies and Telegram's bot API. They authenticate users directly via the messenger to provide them with seamless experiences and respond to their queries.

Mini apps support seamless authorization, built-in push notifications, dark mode, and integrated payments via 20 providers, making them a perfect choice for those who don't want to build a fully functional mobile application. They have flexible interfaces that can be adjusted to specific industry business needs, from food ordering to fitness assistance.

The mini apps are launched within the Telegram messenger and don't require complex design. They can adapt to the theme chosen by the user, seamlessly switching between light and dark modes accordingly. This feature is supported by Telegram's API, which allows an app to monitor and adjust to dynamic theme-based colors. Nevertheless, the Telegram web apps offer opportunities for full customization. For example, when a user opens a clothing catalog, a mini web app can display a webpage designed in the brand's style.

An app that is available for preview and can be launched by following a link or from the Telegram bot's profile is referred to as a main mini app. These apps are featured in the Mini App Store and can be launched in seven different ways, depending on the app's nature and the kind of input it will receive from users. These methods include an inline button, bot menu button, direct link, inline mode, attachment menu, and keyboard button.

Mini apps target Telegram users specifically, so, to use a service, a customer needs to install the Telegram messenger on their phone. However, it's not a disadvantage since the number of Telegram's monthly active users is over 950 million. The messenger has surpassed WhatsApp in monthly downloads, according to global statistics as of July 2024.

Mini apps can also be appealing to businesses whose target audience is located in countries that actively use the app. According to Statista's Consumer Insights survey, respondents who regularly use the app come from India, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, and Italy. These markets present significant opportunities for businesses to expand their reach and engage with users through the convenient channel of Telegram mini apps.

Now that we've discussed the mini apps concept and their prevalence, let's explore how different industries can profit from introducing their services via Telegram mini apps.

Industries overview

Since Telegram allows for creating flexible interfaces, these can be developed with simple features and algorithms that suit the industry needs. Let's discuss the features that a mini app might have in different industries.

Health and fitness

These are apps suitable for achieving goals and getting support along the way. A mini app can become a good tool for elaborating good habits. Such apps can send workout tips and healthy meal recipes, help track well-being, and progress. Some applications can serve as diet and mood diaries. Some, like Water Reminder, simply remind you to drink water.

Developing a mini app Telegram bot helps to test the ideas by implementing a specific type of app for a particular target audience. For example, an Office Gym Bot can remind you to stretch your back every half an hour. It has simple scheduling functionality and a few setting parameters, yet addresses a big issue of the office workers whose backs hurt on a daily basis.

Bookings

Telegram mini apps can become a convenient tool for all sorts of bookings, from hotel stays to table reservations at restaurants. Similar to choosing reminders in a sports app, a mini app can provide available booking details and connect with the hotel's or restaurant's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Additionally, these apps can send confirmation notifications and reminders to users, ensuring that reservations are well-organized and attended to.

Food delivery

In addition to table booking, restaurant functionality can be further extended with mini apps that help users choose, order, and pay for meals directly from the messenger. Telegram developers provide a good Telegram mini app example and show how this might look and feel in their fictional food ordering mini app, “Durger King.” Although this Telegram bot is fictional, it can easily be applied to any restaurant offering real food ordering.

Customer support

Telegram mini apps help customers to resolve issues related to orders. They can be programmed to instantly respond to frequently asked questions, directing users to informative resources or troubleshooting steps. If an issue cannot be resolved via the app, it can report the matter to human specialists, ensuring that customers receive the assistance they need without unnecessary delays. These apps can gather feedback and analytics, helping businesses understand common customer concerns and areas for improvement.

Management

Numerous telegram apps are designed to help manage communities, engage users, and streamline activities within group chats. These tools assist in tracking management tasks and supporting work processes. You might get ideas from mini apps in this field that offer features like recording income and expenses, removing messages about users joining or leaving the group, and sending messages directly to your Notion account. Additionally, some apps enable users to create checklists and to-do lists within the Telegram app, set watermarks on photos, GIFs, and videos, schedule calendar events, and manage tasks and meetings directly within the app.

E-commerce

There are Telegram apps such as Sellz that help launch a shop within the messenger with ready-to-use functionality. However, it's possible to create a mini app for e-commerce independently without Sellz, and custom software development agencies can help with that. A marketplace platform can have multiple features, including offering a product catalog, product cards, mailing, analytics, and supporting different currencies and payment systems, including cryptocurrency.

Games

Telegram mini apps have evolved to provide not just simple tapping games but also more intricate gaming experiences, made possible through the use of the Telegram API. For example, one of the most popular and old marble shooting games, Zumba Mania, is already available within the messenger. By integrating social features, gaming mini apps can also encourage friendly competition and collaboration, as users can challenge their friends or form teams, fostering a community around the game.

Education

Telegram mini apps serve as effective daily tools for language learning, making education more accessible and engaging through short, interactive sessions. Usually, these applications do not substitute fully-fledged apps but help improve a certain area of knowledge. For example, a mini app might assist users in expanding their vocabulary by delivering a new word or phrase each day, accompanied by example sentences or pronunciation guides. These apps can also incorporate interactive elements like quizzes or matching exercises, providing a dynamic learning experience that helps reinforce new concepts effectively.

Blockchain

A key component in advancing mini apps' functionality and robustness is the integration of blockchain technology, such as the TON (The Open Network) blockchain. TON is a decentralized blockchain originally introduced by Telegram and is designed for scalability, speed, and security. By using the TON blockchain, mini apps can use decentralized networks for operations such as secure payments, data privacy, and transparent transactions. However, blockchain technology doesn't have to be integrated solely for transactions; a mini app can also focus on blockchain-associated technologies such as cryptowallets, NFTs, or play-to-earn games.

All sorts of things

Telegram apps can facilitate a wide variety of ideas. For example, the OpenWeather mini app forecasts weather anywhere in the world. Another Telegram mini app example is CountUp which helps users track debts among friends or other groups. IMDb | Search Movie Titles makes it easier to share movie recommendations by allowing users to find movie trailers on IMDb by their titles. Restoration Face app provides users with simple editing tools to colorize or improve photos. The list could go on and on, as mini apps are an easy-to-implement business tool, and the number of ideas for various purposes is virtually endless.

To sum up

In conclusion, people are spending a lot of time on social media apps, with an average of 143 minutes each day in 2024. This makes these platforms a great opportunity for businesses to connect with and attract more customers who are interested in their services. The Telegram mini app is a new feature in the world of social media. As more people show interest in the Telegram messenger, this app can be a useful tool. It not only provides value for businesses but also makes it easy for users who already use Telegram because they can stay within the app they love.

The best thing about mini apps is that they can serve the needs of any industry, and creating them doesn't take much time or effort. If you're looking for someone to help you launch your app, we would be happy to do it for you. To get in touch with our team about your mini app idea, please fill out the form below.