Telegram Limits: An Overview of Restrictions

Telegram Limits — restrictions on user activity. They are created to maintain stability, protect users from spam, and regulate load. Understanding these restrictions helps everyone who uses the messenger, from ordinary users to owners of complex bots or services.

This material gathers the main Telegram limits: for chats, channels, bots, applications, and files, as well as practical conclusions on how to work with them.

Why Telegram imposes restrictions

Any platform faces the same problems: abuse, automated spam, infrastructure overload, and service quality degradation. Restrictions allow Telegram to:

• reduce the amount of spam and mass abuse;
• protect user accounts from hacks and blocks;
• ensure stable message delivery;
• maintain API functionality for developers;
• control automation and mass mailings.

It is important to understand: limits are not directed against users or developers. They set boundaries within which the system can develop sustainably.

General Telegram limits

There are a number of basic restrictions that apply to all users regardless of usage scenarios.

Messages

• The maximum length of one message is up to 4096 characters.
• The length of media captions is usually up to 1024 characters, for Premium it may be higher.
• You can edit a message within 48 hours after sending.
• The limit for scheduled messages is up to 100, scheduling is possible up to 365 days in advance.

Files and media

• The maximum file size for a regular user is up to 2 GB.
• Separate Bot API restrictions apply to bots (historically about 50 MB per send).
• You can send up to 10 files in one media message (album).

Account restrictions include limits on the number of actions over a short period of time. For example, suddenly adding a large number of contacts or mass messaging can lead to temporary blocking.

There are limits on sending messages, especially when communicating with new users. Telegram closely monitors spam-like behavior and may restrict the ability to message unfamiliar contacts.

For content organization, there are restrictions on the number of folders and chats within them. This is important for active users managing a large number of dialogues and channels.

Additionally, Telegram limits the size of files available for sending and the total amount of saved data. These limits directly depend on the type of account and subscription.

Restrictions for chats and groups

Participation in conversations

• One user can be in approximately 500 groups and channels simultaneously.

Groups

• Regular group — up to 200 members.
• Supergroup — up to 200,000 members.
• The number of administrators is usually up to 50.
• A limited number of bots can be added to one group (approximately up to 20).

Channels

• The number of subscribers is formally unlimited.
• The number of administrators is comparable to groups — about 50.

Chats and groups are the foundation of communication in Telegram. However, they are subject to clear rules.

There is a limit on the number of participants in a group. Basic groups support a limited number of users, after which a transition to the supergroup format is required. This affects the communication architecture and the capabilities of administrators.

There can be several administrators in a group, but their roles and functions are limited. Telegram clearly delineates management rights to prevent abuse.

There are limits on publications and the frequency of sending messages in active groups. With a sharp increase in activity, the system may temporarily slow down delivery.

Restrictions also apply to the use of stickers and video messages, especially in mass or automated applications. These measures are aimed at reducing load and protecting users from intrusive content.

Restrictions for channels

Channels in Telegram are often perceived as an unlimited space for growth, but this is not entirely true.

Formally, Telegram does not set a strict ceiling on the number of subscribers. However, there are hidden restrictions related to the frequency of publication and audience behavior. Channels with sharp growth and abnormal activity may be subject to automatic checks.

Restrictions also affect interaction with users. Mass reactions, comments, and external links are analyzed by the system, especially if the channel is used for commercial purposes.

Channel administrators are also subject to a limit on the number of channels managed from one account. This is important to consider when scaling project networks.

Restrictions for Telegram bots

Restrictions for Telegram bots are one of the most sensitive in Telegram, especially for developers and automation services.

Sending messages

• A bot can send approximately 1 message per second to one user.
• In a group, the limit is approximately up to 20 messages per minute.
• Mass mailings are limited to approximately 30 messages per second in total.

Files via bot

• Bots have a restriction on the size of files sent (according to the Bot API documentation).

Commands and interface

• Maximum of about 100 commands via BotFather.
• Up to 50 inline results per request.
• Restrictions on the length of the bot's name and description.
• One user can create a limited number of bots (approximately 20–40).

Limits for bots concern the number of messages a bot can send over a certain period of time. These restrictions protect users from spam and unauthorized mailings.

There is a restriction on processing incoming messages and requests. Exceeding the allowable threshold may cause the bot to temporarily stop responding or receive an API error.

Under telegram bot limits are understood the cumulative restrictions of the Telegram API, including request speed, the number of outgoing messages, and permissible interaction scenarios.

It is important to note that bot limits differ from account limits. A bot is not a full-fledged user and operates strictly within the specified functions. Attempts to use a bot as a replacement for an account almost always lead to sanctions.

Additionally, Telegram strictly limits mass mailings via bots, especially if users have not given explicit consent to receive messages.

Limits for developers and services

For developers, Telegram provides a powerful API, but with clear boundaries.

Limits for developers include:

• restriction on the number of API requests;
• limits on parallel connections;
• restrictions on working with media files;
• control over response frequency.

These restrictions directly affect the architecture of the service. Incorrect design can lead to failures, message delays, and bot blocks.

Special attention is paid to services that interact with a large number of users simultaneously. Telegram monitors suspicious patterns and may temporarily restrict functionality.

Restrictions for users

For ordinary users, limits are often imperceptible, but with active use, they become apparent. These measures are aimed at preventing abuse.

Sending messages

• Mass messaging to unfamiliar users can lead to temporary restrictions or blocking.
• Frequent repetitive actions (adding contacts, group invitations) can also trigger sanctions.

Managing chats

• There is a limit on the number of public groups and channels created by one account.
• The number of folders — up to 10 for regular users and up to 20 for Premium.
• One folder can contain up to 100–200 chats.
• Pinned chats — up to 5 for regular users and up to 10 for Premium.

Stickers and GIFs

• You can add up to 200 sticker packs.
• The number of favorite stickers is limited (the limit is higher for Premium).
• There are technical restrictions on the size and format of stickers.

Additional important facts

Ignoring limits almost always leads to problems. It is much more effective to consider them at the design stage:

1. For users, it is important to avoid sudden spikes in activity and automated actions.
2. Administrators should plan the structure of chats and channels in advance, distribute roles, and monitor the frequency of publications.
3. Developers should monitor message queues, request speed limits, error logging, and work with the API within permissible values.

And remember: attempts to bypass restrictions through third-party tools almost always end in blocks and loss of access.

Understanding the restrictions allows not only to avoid sanctions but also to build sustainable projects within Telegram. In the conditions of growing automation, working within limits becomes a competitive advantage.