Numerous technologies are emerging to support business growth. One of the latest innovations is the Telegram Mini App. This novelty excites both entrepreneurs and crypto enthusiasts, as it allows them to launch building custom software integrated with blockchain using Telegram's infrastructure. In this article, we'll explore the advantages of this technology and guide you on where to find and hire Telegram Mini App developers.

What are Telegram Mini Apps?

Pavel Durov recently announced a new enhancement to the Telegram ecosystem. Now, entrepreneurs and channel owners can create Telegram Mini Apps that users can access straight from the messenger without the need to exit the app, open the browser, or move to any other resource.

Mini Apps are loaded with the help of WebView inside Telegram. WebView is a technology that allows showing web content inside mobile apps. This technology allows users to access Mini Apps from a device with any operating system.

With the help of Mini Apps, users can access different services and additional functions including purchasing, booking, customer support, games, and solving many other everyday tasks without exiting Telegram. This makes Telegram not just a messenger but a superapp with many additional functions.

A similar idea was implemented in China within WeChat, a popular Chinese messenger. This feature is called the WeChat Mini Programs. Mini Programs are deeply integrated into the daily lives of users and comprise services like e-commerce, food delivery, and ride-sharing. Within six months of the launch, the WeChat mini apps were already used by 100 active users a day. Telegram Mini Apps might see a similar success.

Telegram Mini Apps offer a range of advantages and features that make using Mini Apps more engaging and development easier.

• Accessibility — users interact with these apps directly withinTelegram, which gives them a seamless experience.
• Versatility — Mini Apps are interactive and can have many kinds of features from simple forms and questionnaires to games and complex services.
• Cross-platform nature — Mini Apps are created with web technologies so they can function equally well on any device including smartphones, PCs, and tablets. They also work fine with any operational system, which means you can develop only one version of the app, and it can be accessed by users on any device.
• Data synchronization — since Mini Apps operate within Telegram, data and settings can sync between devices. Therefore, users can work with these apps from several devices, and all the data syncs automatically.
• Simple updating — Mini Apps are designed for rapid updates. Since they are stored on the server, new versions can be uploaded quickly, making updates accessible within the Mini App in just a few minutes.
• Monetization opportunities — Mini Apps support in-app payments and can be integrated with more than 20 payment providers including Google Pay and Apple Pay. It means users can purchase subscriptions and goods from the app. A Mini App can also be monetized with the help of ads in the app or a telegram bot.
• Blockchain compatibility — making blockchain understandable and accessible to a wider audience is one of the aims behind Mini Apps in Telegram. By building these apps on a blockchain, you can facilitate crypto payments with benefits like enhanced security, decentralization, and the capabilities of smart contracts.

With the help of Mini Apps businesses and startups can become accessible to a broad audience of Telegram that is 950 million monthly active users. With the help of interactive games and activities, businesses can engage customers and raise their brand visibility and simplify their workflows.

What expertise do developers need to launch a Telegram Mini App?

Telegram Mini Apps are usual web apps just launched with the help of Telegram. Therefore, these apps should go through all the stages that any other web app typically goes through. That's why when preparing to hire telegram mini app developers, you should remember to check their capabilities and expertise in the following areas.

UI/UX design. According to Telegram Mini App guidelines, the app should be responsive and designed with a mobile-first approach. All interactive elements of the app should mimic UI elements that already exist in the messenger, animations should be smooth, and the app should provide users with an intuitive and seamless experience. To achieve this, your development team needs to have a designer with robust experience and the ability to use up-to-date applications for interface design.

Frontend development. The client part of the Mini App can be developed with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and include any functionality supported by these technologies. A frontend developer executes the layout, creates interface animations, and does all the other development connected to the client part.

Backend development. When you hire telegram mini app developers, don't forget to invite a backend developer. The backend or a server part of the app is responsible for processing user requests, managing data, and executing the app's business logic, ensuring seamless communication between the app's interface and any external services or databases. A backend developer with skills in Node.js, Python, Ruby, PHP, or similar technologies will be necessary.

Telegram Bots development. A Mini App is usually accessed by users through the Telegram Bot. Telegram bots handle authentication, sending/receiving messages, and inline mode integrations necessary for making actions within the app without loading it. For this, you will need a tech specialist proficient with the Telegram Bot API to manage interactions between Telegram and your app. This job can be done by a Telegram Bot developer or by a regular backend developer who can set up bots.

Blockchain development. If your app requires cryptocurrency payments, you might need a developer with experience in blockchain technology. This includes understanding cryptocurrency wallets, blockchain transactions, and potentially smart contracts if dealing with programmable blockchain environments like Ethereum.

As you can see, one specialist is not enough to develop a Telegram Mini App and there will be a need to find a team with a minimum of 4–5 specialists. Each developer can work within their specific domain or take on tasks from different areas. For example, a backend developer might have experience in bot development or blockchain integration, so additional specialists in these areas might not be necessary.

When starting a tech project, don't forget to find a project manager or a product manager who will guide the project work, monitor if all the requirements are fulfilled, and communicate with stakeholders.

Where can you find and hire Telegram Mini App developers?

Taking into account everything mentioned above, we can conclude that Telegram Mini App developers are regular web developers who create web apps and websites. To find such engineers you need to understand what hiring method is convenient to you and evaluate the skills of potential candidates. Depending on your hiring strategy, you can choose one of the following resources to search for specialists.

Freelancers

When embarking on a telegram mini app development path, finding reliable contractors and deciding on the right team structure is crucial. Freelancers can be a viable option, offering flexibility and specialized skills without the commitment of a full-time team. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if this approach aligns with your project goals.

➕ On average, freelancers are more cost-effective to hire compared to full-time workers. They also make the development process flexible since a company can scale the team of freelancers up and down based on available resources. This can help startups and small businesses manage budgets more efficiently while still accessing quality talent.

➕ Some freelancers bring niche skills and experience to the table. You may have an entire team consisting of full-time employees and invite a freelancer who has experience in Telegram API integration or blockchain development to work with you on a project basis. This would also be convenient since you won't be limited by geography and be able to find the right specialist even if there are only a few of them in your area.

➖ To develop a Telegram Mini App, you need a team of designers and developers. A team consisting entirely of freelancers might not be convenient because freelancers are mostly independent specialists, and you will need all of them to communicate and sync with each other. You will need to turn a group of separate freelancers into a team, and this can require some time and resources.

Full-time workers

If your Telegram Mini App is going to be one of the key monetization resources, it's worth hiring an in-house team. When managing such a project it might be convenient and profitable to combine in-house workers and freelancers. However, this approach also comes with its own set of challenges that you have to take into account when you hire Telegram Mini App developers.

➕ Full-time employees are always available and often more integrated into the company culture and processes, and they will better collaborate towards your business goals. Also, if you have a team in the same physical location or a timezone, the communication between teammates goes smoother which reduces delays and misunderstandings that can occur during remote work.

➕ Upon completing the development process, you'll have specialists intimately familiar with the app's architecture, features, and any custom solutions implemented. This familiarity allows them to more effectively troubleshoot issues, make updates, and implement new features when needed. This approach not only addresses development needs but also ensures seamless maintenance.

➖ Building an in-house team can be significantly more expensive than hiring freelancers, due to salaries, benefits, workspace, and other overhead costs. More than that, recruiting full-time employees is often a longer and more involved process, which can delay the start of the development phase.

Outsourcing agencies

Although Telegram Mini Apps is a new technology, there are already some outsourcing agencies that offer to develop a ready-to-operate Mini App. Outsourcing the development of a Telegram Mini App to an external agency can be a strategic move for businesses, particularly when in-house resources are limited or when specific expertise is needed.

➕ When partnering with an outsourcing agency, you don't have to spend time searching for all the specialists on the team yourself, your third-party contractor will already have all of them. Agencies that start working on the project typically employ seasoned professionals with diverse skill sets, including specialized knowledge in areas like Telegram bots and blockchain. Even if some specialists stop participating in the development process, agencies usually have a pull of available specialists for substitutes.

➕ Agencies often have experienced project managers who ensure the project stays on schedule and meets defined objectives, providing regular updates and handling any issues that arise. You don't have to manage the team yourself and can only check the updates that your third-party contractor provides.

➖ The business that partners with an agency becomes reliant on the agency for updates and maintenance, which can be problematic if the agency's priorities shift or if the need for quick changes arises post-launch.

How do you understand that you found the right Telegram Mini App developer?

When you hire Telegram Mini App developers, you should follow similar principles as when you hire regular web or mobile developers. There are a few key things that you need to evaluate before handing a project out to any third-party contractor with whom you are going to sign a contract. Here's a short checklist.

• Feedback from past partners — feedback from review aggregators like Clutch and Goodfirms can help you gather insights into the candidate's reliability, work ethic, and performance in previous roles.
• Portfolio and past projects — to find out if the agency or a freelancer has enough experience in your business domain, check your candidates' case studies and project outcomes. With the help of the portfolio, you will be able to evaluate the tech skills of the contractor and check their ability to deliver on key objectives and solve problems creatively.
• Communication skills — effective communication is crucial when hiring Telegram Mini App developers, especially if you plan to work with remote tech contractors. Ensure your initial interactions with an agency or freelancer are seamless and take note of how promptly they respond to your inquiries. Opt for contractors who are in your time zone to coordinate more easily and ensure there are no language barriers that could complicate collaboration.
• Project management skills — if you choose an IT agency as your contractor, find out who will manage the project and how much the work of the project manager costs. This point is crucial because the project manager is the one who makes the development process transparent for you. They are responsible for making regular demos, communicating your requirements to the project team, and answering all your questions about the process.
• Corporate website — if you are planning to delegate Telegram Mini App development to a software development outsourcing company, check its website first. Usually, the website reflects the design and engineering skills of the company members and can give you a sense of what the team is capable of. Moreover, corporate websites can display cases and parts of the portfolio to help you make the right choice.

Telegram Mini App examples and experienced developers

To demonstrate more capabilities of Mini Apps and make your hiring process easier we have decided to provide some examples of such apps and give some links to software developers who are capable of developing such an app. The Telegram app team recently ran a contest where developers had to create a useful Mini App. Here are a few examples of winning Mini Apps.

Office gym bot

An application for people who want to start exercising but are always missing the right timing. This Mini App that sets a training schedule. A user connects with the bot, sets a schedule, and starts receiving notifications to exercise.

Apartment booking app

Another winning Mini App allows users to book an imaginary hotel for their vacation. The app uses mocked hotel info and pictures, while users can view apartment lists, cards, and prices, and make payments. The app's design looks clean and includes high-quality imagery and smooth screen transitions.

Although all apartments in the app are imaginary, it can easily be turned into a fully-fledged booking app with real apartments. With such an app, users can book hotels from their vacations straight from the Telegram channel of the tourist agency without transiting to other resources.

Online meeting planner

Here's the Mini App that gives the ability to manage your calls calendar inside Telegram. Users can integrate the app with their Google Calendar, insert call links into the schedule, and get reminders about upcoming calls.

Doctor appointment app

MedSyncbot is a Telegram Mini App for fictional healthcare bookings. Users can book appointments with made-up doctors or book medical tests. They select from a list of imaginary doctors or tests, choose time slots, and provide patient details to finalize appointments.

There are many other interesting Mini App ideas presented in the contest entries. Some of them are simple and seem to be more concepts rather than fully-fledged apps. Therefore, they can be recreated by one developer or a pair of tech specialists. However, if you are planning to develop a feature-rich app, it's worth hiring a team of Telegram Mini App developers. Here's a list of outsourcing software companies that you can partner with for Telegram Mini App development.

OmiSoft

Rating: 5.0 ⭐️

Hourly rates: $25–$49

OmiSoft is a software product development company, specializing in cutting-edge AI and Blockchain solutions. With a strong focus on technologies such as chatbots and conversation AI, natural language processing, AI recommendation systems, and machine learning, OmiSoft crafts applications across diverse business domains including healthcare, finance, telemedicine, insurance, and more. Clients appreciate OmiSoft for their clear communication and alignment with project goals, as well as their capacity to deliver innovative ideas, provide regular updates, and ensure timely project completion.

EvaCodes

Rating: 5.0 ⭐️

Hourly rates: $25–$49

EvaCodes specializes in blockchain development and delivers Telegram Mini Apps featuring cross-chain capabilities and integrated crypto wallets. Their technical expertise empowers businesses to optimize decentralized exchanges and smart contracts, resulting in secure, blockchain-driven applications that are designed for scalability.

Merge Rocks

Rating: 4.9 ⭐️

Hourly rates: $25–$49

If you consider hiring Telegram Mini App developers, Merge Rocks is a noteworthy choice. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, including product design, UX/UI design, web design, and web development. With the ability to provide urgent design services and develop software from the ground up, Merge Rocks showcases exceptional skills in both design and development. Known for tackling complex projects, they consistently deliver solutions that are not only visually compelling but also technically sound, often surpassing client expectations.

Peiko

Rating: 5.0 ⭐️

Hourly rates: $25–$49

If you're looking to embark on Telegram Mini App development, Peiko is a trusted partner to consider. Established in 2017, Peiko has earned numerous accolades for excellence in blockchain development from prestigious platforms like Clutch, Goodfirms, and DesignRush. They develop applications across a variety of industries, including Blockchain, Fintech, Retail, E-commerce, Healthcare, and Travel. Clients appreciate Peiko for their proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issues. This forward-thinking mindset helps avoid problems before they occur, ensuring that projects stay on track and meet deadlines.

Ronas IT

Rating: 4.9 ⭐️

Hourly rates: $50–$99

If you are planning to hire Telegram Mini App developers, our team is also eager to help. Our team has vast experience in working with mobile and web technologies and is ready to integrate blockchain technology into your commercial apps. We have been on the market since 2007, helped more than 200 startups and middle-sized businesses to launch their apps, and received several awards on Clutch, Goodfirms, and DesignRush.

We already have some web development projects that can be launched within the Telegram ecosystem and perfectly match its format. These apps are already released but they could be integrated with Telegram bot API and become a Mini App.

One such example is UK Retreats, a mobile-first web app where users can find luxurious apartments in the UK. Our team has created a design for the app and developed it with the help of React on the frontend and Laravel on the backend. The features of the app include a map of stays where users can see available accommodations, cards with detailed apartment descriptions, and owner info. The app has already launched on the market and brought the owner 850 new customers. The customer was satisfied with our work and stayed for post-launch maintenance.

How much does it cost to hire Telegram Mini App developers?

There is no precise answer to how much Telegram Mini App development costs. As with all software development projects, it would depend on the complexity of the product and the rates an agency or a freelancer charges. Many Mini Apps are integrated with blockchain technology. According to Clutch, the average cost of hiring a blockchain development company is $25–$49 per hour. Most of the blockchain development projects at the platform cost as follows.

To understand how much it costs to hire Telegram Mini App developers, we analyzed some applications at UpWork and Fiverr. According to this data, prices are the following:

• Simple tap-to-earn games integrated with the TON blockchain can cost from $100 to $3,500 on the highest service tier.
• A complex crypto wallet or other FinTech product can cost from $30,000.
• A Telegram bot necessary for integrating the Mini App with the Telegram ecosystem can cost from $50 to $1,000

These are not precise numbers and it's better to negotiate at the project price and find out what rates different freelancers and agencies offer.

Wrapping up

The niche of Telegram Mini Apps is relatively new and not yet widely occupied. These applications are essentially regular web apps that can include a variety of features and operate across different business domains. To determine if you need such an application, consider whether your audience is active on Telegram. This type of app is particularly beneficial if your business is evolving in the Web3 space, as it allows for blockchain integration and cryptocurrency payment options.

The process of hiring Telegram Mini App developers is similar to hiring developers for any other software. As usual, to hire suitable candidates, you need to select a hiring model and assess their technical expertise and reliability. There are already a good number of freelancers and companies on the market ready to offer Telegram Mini App development services, and you just need to choose the ones that fit your needs.

You can also consider Ronas IT as your Mini App development contractor. We'll design an intuitive interface for your app, develop it with up-to-date web technologies, integrate it with the blockchain you choose, and help you with the release.