Much like other social platforms, Telegram has tapped into the trend of in-app gifts and digital monetization systems. With more users joining Telegram channels and livestreams every day, the concept of gifting content creators is becoming a mainstream practice within the app. Telegram recently introduced its own virtual gifting system to support creators and offer users a way to express admiration or appreciation. These gifts are tied to Telegram’s digital currency — Stars — which users purchase to send gifts during livestreams and other broadcast content.
While many are familiar with nominal gifts such as stickers and emojis, few truly grasp how expensive some of these digital tokens can be. In this article, we’ll unveil the top 10 most expensive gifts on Telegram as of 2024, providing insight into their in-app value, real-world cash equivalent, and their symbolic prominence on the platform.
1. Golden Fort – 100,000 Stars
The Golden Fort is currently the most expensive gift available on Telegram. Valued at 100,000 Stars, it’s equivalent to approximately $1,000 USD, depending on regional conversion rates. This gift symbolizes unwavering loyalty and supreme appreciation, often used by top-tier supporters during mega livestream events.
When sent, the Golden Fort creates a prominent, animated 3D structure on the screen, triggering onlookers to take notice. This gift is so tall in digital hierarchy that only a handful of streamers worldwide have ever received it.
2. Space Yacht – 75,000 Stars
Joining the list of elite digital gifts is the Space Yacht. Valued at around $750 USD, this gift represents opulence, exploration, and luxury. The animation shows a futuristic yacht cruising through the cosmos, often triggering a series of effects in the chat for several seconds.
Being the second-most expensive, it’s typically reserved for moments of epic community celebration or as a thank-you for personal milestones of streamers and influencers.
3. Crystal Phoenix – 50,000 Stars
The elegant Crystal Phoenix comes in at roughly $500 USD worth of Stars. This legendary creature, symbolizing rebirth and strength, is frequently used in comeback moments or to recognize resilience and progress.
Streamers often acknowledge this gift in a heartfelt manner, pausing live content to thank the sender directly due to the Phoenix’s high monetary and symbolic value.
4. Diamond Whale – 40,000 Stars
At approximately $400 USD, the Diamond Whale ranks fourth. Known as a shout-out to powerhouse donors or “whales” (a common term in livestream culture), this gift is loud, bold, and impossible to miss.
The animated whale jumps across the screen, trailing diamonds and causing chat reactions to flood in. It’s often a benchmark for viewers looking to demonstrate elite support status.
5. Sky Castle – 35,000 Stars
The Sky Castle is a whimsical yet high-tier gift priced at about $350 USD. Towering over most animation effects in Telegram’s gifting catalog, this digital castle floats gracefully during live broadcasts, capturing the attention of all viewers.
This gift often marks the culmination of viewer-led donation chains, where a group may pool resources to present their favorite creator with a grand achievement.
6. Royal Lion – 30,000 Stars
For around $300 USD, users can send the spectacular Royal Lion. This gift evokes themes of courage, authority, and dominance. It’s a favorite among competitive entertainment content creators and gamers who frequent Telegram livestreams.
The Royal Lion bursts onto the screen with a majestic roar and is often paired with in-stream shoutouts or repost credits for top fans.
7. Emerald Dragon – 25,000 Stars
The Emerald Dragon sits comfortably in the middle of Telegram’s elite digital gift list. Worth about $250 USD, it emits a sequence of fire-breathing animations and sparks a thematic transformation on the chat interface.
This mythic creature is often viewed by the creator community as a symbol of enduring support. Regular viewers who are long-term followers frequently use this gift to make their presence known.
8. Starlight Party – 20,000 Stars
True to its name, the Starlight Party initiates a river of multicolor effects, energetic music cues, and synchronized text reactions in the comment thread. Valued at roughly $200 USD, it’s a high-energy addition to Telegram’s gift roster.
Streamers often experience any arrival of this gift as a morale boost, using its timing to transition into celebratory or highlight moments during their broadcast.
9. Rainbow Rocket – 15,000 Stars
Clocking in at about $150 USD, the Rainbow Rocket is a vibrant and inclusive symbol. It appeals to younger audiences and communities promoting creativity, pride, and diversity.
The rocket launches with sound effects and sparkly color trails, standing out in the chat. While not the most expensive, it offers notable recognition that makes it a popular choice among affluent casual viewers.
10. Frozen Heart – 10,000 Stars
Rounding out the top 10 is the elegant and mysterious Frozen Heart, valued at about $100 USD. Representing a quiet yet deep admiration, it’s known for its icy animation and ethereal aura.
Used by viewers who prefer to express support with emotional undertones rather than loud visual effects, this gift speaks volumes with silent sophistication.
How Telegram’s Digital Economy Works
Telegram has created a fully immersive virtual ecosystem with its gift system, enabling creators to monetize live interactions directly. Through Stars, users can purchase and send these digital tokens with real money. Telegram takes a percentage cut of the value, while the creator receives a payout based on established thresholds and payment processing terms.
The structure of this virtual economy mirrors Twitch, TikTok, and YouTube’s gifts—focused on incentivizing community support and rewarding interactive content.
Why Users Spend Hundreds of Dollars on Virtual Gifts
At first glance, spending hundreds—or even thousands—on digital animations might seem excessive. However, for many users, it’s about more than just the gift. It’s a form of digital patronage, public recognition, and emotional connection. Just as fans might purchase concert tickets, fan club memberships, or exclusive merchandise, Telegram users see expensive gifts as a way to contribute directly to their favorite content creator’s livelihood—and be acknowledged within the community for doing so.
Final Thoughts
Telegram’s introduction of a high-stakes digital gifting system has created a new financial dimension to online engagement. With gifts climbing into triple-digit and even four-digit USD equivalents, the company is embracing a future where creators thrive on user-driven support.
Understanding these expensive digital items is crucial for both users and creators navigating this evolving platform. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated patron, knowing what each gift represents—and its real value—can deepen your understanding of digital culture today.