Telegram has six different link formats. Each one does something different. This guide covers all six, when to use each, and how to create them.
The 6 Telegram Link Formats#
| Format | Example | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Username | t.me/durov | Public users, channels, groups with a username set |
| Phone | t.me/+15551234567 | Users who do not have a public username |
| Public group/channel | t.me/telegram | Same as username - channels and groups use it too |
| Private group invite | t.me/+abc123XYZ | Private groups, anyone with the link can join |
| Bot | t.me/yourbotname | Send users to a bot to start a conversation |
| Bot deep-link | t.me/yourbotname?start=PARAM | Bot conversations with campaign attribution or flow context |
Telegram is worth having a link for even though it isn't a core Instant Reply channel: broadcast channels are the default way crypto and trading communities distribute calls and updates, and Telegram is the dominant chat app (ahead of WhatsApp) in several markets, including Russia, Ukraine, and Iran. If your audience overlaps with those communities or regions, a working t.me link matters more than it does for a typical US/UK business.
1. Username Links#
Format: https://t.me/USERNAME
Works for users, public channels, and public groups that have set a username. Recipient does not need to know your phone number. Safest format because it reveals nothing personal.
To set your username: Telegram > Settings > Username > pick a unique handle. Done. Your link is live.
2. Phone Number Links#
Format: https://t.me/+15551234567 (note the + prefix, country code, digits only)
Works for anyone with a Telegram account, even if they have no username. Downside: reveals the phone number to whoever clicks. Use only when username is not an option.
3. Channel and Group Links (Public)#
Public channels and groups use the same username format: https://t.me/CHANNELNAME.
To find your channel's username: open the channel > tap the name at the top > look for the @ handle. That is your link.
4. Private Group Invite Links#
Format: https://t.me/+RANDOM_HASH (the + distinguishes private invites from public usernames)
To get one: open the group > tap the group name > Invite Link > generate or copy. The hash is unique to your group. Anyone with the link can join - there is no application step.
You can revoke an invite link from the same menu. New link, old one stops working.
5. Bot Links#
Format: https://t.me/yourbotname
Identical to username format but the recipient lands on a bot instead of a user. Telegram shows a "Start" button when the user opens the chat for the first time.
6. Bot Deep-Links with Start Parameter#
Format: https://t.me/yourbotname?start=PARAM
The most powerful Telegram link. When the user presses Start, your bot receives /start PARAM as the first message. Two big use cases:
- Campaign attribution. Different start params per campaign source:
?start=tiktok,?start=instagram-bio,?start=email-sig. Your bot logs which channel sent each conversion. - Flow routing. Send users to specific flows from the first message:
?start=demo-request,?start=support-ticket,?start=newsletter-signup. Bot reads the param and triggers the right flow.
Where to Share Telegram Links#
- Instagram bio: Edit Profile > Website. Paste t.me link.
- TikTok bio: Profile > Edit > Website. Paste t.me link.
- Email signature: One-tap contact for anyone who reads your emails.
- Website button: Add a "Chat on Telegram" button next to your WhatsApp link button.
- QR code: Generate a QR for the link. Print on packaging, business cards, in-store signs.
- Ads: Use as the destination URL in click-to-chat ads.
How to Track Clicks#
Telegram does not provide built-in click analytics. Three workarounds:
- URL shortener. Wrap the t.me link with Bitly or Rebrandly. The shortener logs each click before redirecting.
- Bot start parameter. If your destination is a bot, use unique start params per campaign. Your bot's logs become your analytics.
- UTM-wrapped redirect. Put a server-side redirect under your own domain (e.g., yoursite.com/r/tg-ig) that 302s to the t.me link and logs the click with UTM source.
Common Issues#
- Link opens browser instead of app. Default behavior on first click. Once Telegram is installed and the OS knows to handle t.me links, future clicks open the app.
- Username changed, old links break. Telegram does not redirect old usernames to new ones. If you rename, update every link you have shared.
- Private group link revoked. Old link stops working immediately. Generate a new one and update.
- Spam-blocked. If you share a t.me link too often in short succession across public groups, Telegram may flag your account. Stay reasonable.
Generate Your Telegram Link#
Use the free Telegram Link Generator at the top of this page to create any of the 6 link formats in seconds. No login required.
Related Tools#
- Telegram Link Generator
- WhatsApp Link Generator
- Instagram DM Link Generator
- WhatsApp QR Code Generator
Want More Than Just a Link?#
Instant Reply gives you a shared team inbox + AI replies for WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger DMs - so every DM you send people to gets answered in seconds. 7-day free trial, no credit card.
Related: WhatsApp link generator guide · Instagram DM link guide
Test the destination before publishing#
Open the link on iOS, Android, and desktop; test while signed out when possible; confirm the username or bot still exists; and verify every start parameter is encoded. For printed links or QR codes, keep a redirect you control so the destination can change without replacing the asset.
