The Ko-fi alternative that stays in Telegram
Ko-fi is a web-based tip jar and shop. Gategram is built for Telegram — native checkout, automatic delivery, no browser redirect.
Why Telegram creators switch from Ko-fi
Ko-fi redirects your Telegram buyers to a browser
You drop a Ko-fi link in your channel. Your buyer taps it, a browser opens, they see a Ko-fi page, need to enter payment details. Many won't complete the purchase because they were in Telegram and now they're somewhere else. Gategram keeps everything inside the app.
Ko-fi is a tip jar — not a content delivery system
Ko-fi is designed for "buy me a coffee" tips and a basic shop. It doesn't deliver content inside Telegram after payment. With Gategram, you sell content and the buyer gets it automatically as a Telegram message — file, text, or link.
Ko-fi Gold costs $6/month for basic features
Want to sell digital products on Ko-fi? You need Ko-fi Gold at $6/month. Gategram has no monthly fee — you pay 5% per sale via Telegram Stars. Zero sales? Zero cost.
Ko-fi wasn't designed for Telegram workflows
Ko-fi works for Twitter/X and YouTube audiences who are used to clicking links. Telegram users expect things to happen inside the app. Gategram is native to Telegram — the purchase dialog, the delivery, the entire experience stays in chat.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Gategram | Ko-fi |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Telegram creators | General creators (web-based) |
| Checkout | Native Telegram Stars | External Ko-fi page (browser) |
| Fee | 5% (Telegram Stars) | 0% on tips (Ko-fi Gold: $6/mo for shop) |
| Content delivery | Automatic in-chat message | Web shop delivery flow |
| Buyer account | Not needed | Optional but adds friction |
| Setup | Create an offer and share its link | Configure a web shop or supporter page |
| Mobile experience | One-tap Stars payment in Telegram | Mobile browser checkout |
Ko-fi for Telegram FAQ
Can I use Ko-fi on Telegram?
You can share Ko-fi links in Telegram, but buyers will be redirected to an external browser page to complete payment. Ko-fi has no native Telegram integration — no in-app checkout, no automatic content delivery in chat. Gategram is built specifically for Telegram with native Stars checkout.
Is there a Ko-fi alternative for Telegram?
Gategram is designed for one-time content sales in Telegram. It offers native Telegram Stars checkout, automated in-chat delivery, no monthly fee, and a platform fee capped at 5%. Check Ko-fi's current pricing for a direct comparison.
How does Ko-fi compare to Telegram Stars for tips?
Ko-fi uses an external web page, while Telegram Stars use Telegram's in-app dialog. Compare the steps, fees, and measured results for your own audience.
Stop sending buyers to a browser
Sell content where your audience lives — inside Telegram.