A Russian media outlet reports that microbloggers on closed Telegram channels earned nearly 1 billion rubles between April and September 2025 through paid subscriptions, donations, and merchandise. Tribute-Lenta analysis cited by Infox.ru indicates more than 8,300 authors with audiences under 500 followers generated income from paid subscriptions, donations, and tips totaling over 990 million rubles, with donors contributing an average of about 926 rubles. 

Over 5,500 creators supported channels with tips, accumulating more than 160 million rubles in tips. Roughly 130 microbloggers sold physical goods like merch, generating over 5 million rubles in combined revenue. The rise is attributed to growing demand for exclusive content in closed channels as mainstream media faces audience shifts, driving creators to monetize directly and enhance content quality through competition.

source: infox

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