How to Set Up Automatic Reposting from Telegram to VKontakte

How to Set Up Automatic Reposting from Telegram to VKontakte for Free

You can set up automatic reposting from a Telegram channel to a VKontakte group for free using n8n — a visual automation builder that allows you to create complex workflows without programming. To do this, you’ll need to create a Telegram bot, set up a channel webhook, and connect the VKontakte API through n8n, then configure a trigger for new messages and an action to post them to the group.

Table of Contents

• What is auto-reposting and why do you need it
• Setting up auto-reposting with n8n
• Ready-made bots for automatic cross-posting
• Alternative free methods
• Problems and limitations of auto-reposting
• Conclusion

What is auto-reposting and why do you need it

Auto-reposting is the process of synchronizing content between different social platforms, where messages from one source are automatically posted to another. For Telegram channel and VKontakte group owners, this is a powerful tool for:

• Expanding reach: Posts are simultaneously visible to audiences on both platforms
• Saving time: No need to manually duplicate content
• Synchronizing content strategy: A unified content plan for all platforms

As marketing specialists note, cross-posting automation can increase audience activity by 30-50% through synchronized reach [source].

Setting up auto-reposting with n8n

n8n is a free visual automation builder that allows you to create complex workflows without programming. To set up reposting from Telegram to VKontakte, follow these steps:

Preparatory Work

1. Register for n8n:

   • Go to n8n.io and create a free account
   • Install the local version or use the cloud version

2. Create a Telegram bot:

   • Message @BotFather in Telegram
   • Execute the /newbot command and set a name for your bot
   • Save the API token — you’ll need it for setup

3. Get a VKontakte API key:

   • Register as a developer at vk.com/dev
   • Create a new application
   • Copy the application ID and access key

Setting up the workflow in n8n

1. Install Telegram Webhook:

   javascript

   // Code for setting up webhook in n8n
   await $telegram.request({
     method: 'setWebhook',
     url: 'https://your-n8n-url.com/webhook/telegram'
   });
   

2. Create a trigger for new messages:

   • In n8n, add a “Webhook” node
   • Configure it to receive messages from Telegram
   • Select the event type “Message”

3. Configure reposting to VKontakte:

   • Add a “VK API” node
   • Select the “wall.post” method
   • Configure the publication parameters:
     json

     {
       "owner_id": -group_identifier,
       "message": "{{ $json.message.text }}",
       "from_group": 1,
       "attachments": "{{ $json.message.photo }}"
     }
     

4. Testing and launching:

   • Test the workflow with a test message
   • Activate the workflow

It’s worth noting that n8n allows you to create complex content processing logic, including filtering by keywords, changing post formats, and adding hashtags [source].

Important: n8n has a free tier with limitations on the number of workspaces and execution frequency. For continuous operation, a paid plan may be required.

Ready-made bots for automatic cross-posting

There are ready-made solutions for automatic reposting that don’t require setup:

1. Zen Bot (Dzen)

Yandex’s bot allows duplicating posts from Telegram to Dzen, as well as other platforms:

• Supports automatic formatting
• Works without delay
• Free for non-commercial use

2. Repost Bot

Specialized bot for cross-posting:

• Supports Telegram → VK
• Automatic link addition
• Free tier with limitations

3. AutoPoster

Multifunctional automation service:

• Supports up to 5 platforms
• Works on a schedule
• Free trial period

As experts note, ready-made bots are easier to set up but less flexible compared to n8n [source].

Warning: When using ready-made bots, be careful when granting access rights to your channels and groups.

Alternative free methods

1. IFTTT (If This Then That)

Free platform for automating simple scenarios:

• Create “Telegram → VK” recipes
• Supports basic reposting functions
• Limited free tier

2. Zapier

IFTTT alternative with broader capabilities:

• Integration with Telegram and VK
• Visual scenario builder
• Free tier up to 1000 operations per month

3. Custom Telegram bot

For advanced users:

# Example of a simple bot in Python
import telebot
import vk_api

bot = telebot.TeleBot('YOUR_TELEGRAM_TOKEN')
vk = vk_api.VkApi(token='YOUR_VK_TOKEN')

@bot.message_handler(content_types=['text', 'photo', 'video'])
def repost_to_vk(message):
    if message.chat.type == 'channel':
        vk.method('wall.post', {
            'owner_id': -GROUP_ID,
            'message': message.caption or message.text,
            'from_group': 1
        })

Tip: For simple tasks, I recommend using ready-made bots, while for complex scenarios, use n8n or your own bot.

Problems and limitations of auto-reposting

Technical limitations

• Delays: Auto-reposting may have delays from several seconds to several minutes
• Formatting: Not all formatting elements are preserved during cross-posting
• Media files: Limitations on file size and type

Legal aspects

• Copyright: When reposting others’ content, you must comply with copyright law
• Terms of use: Some platforms restrict automated content

Recommendations for solving problems

• Use a buffer delay for synchronization
• Set up automatic formatting through n8n
• Add unique elements to each post

As digital marketing experts note, auto-reposting should complement, not replace, unique content for each platform [source].

Conclusion

You can set up automatic reposting from a Telegram channel to a VKontakte group in several ways:

1. n8n — the most flexible option for complex scenarios, requires time to set up
2. Ready-made bots — a simple, quick option for basic needs
3. IFTTT/Zapier — for simple automations without programming

Recommendations:

• For beginners: start with ready-made bots
• For intermediate users: use n8n with step-by-step instructions
• For advanced users: create your own bot with extended features

Important: Test the system before mass use and always maintain the ability for manual control over content.

For more detailed information on setting up a specific method, it’s recommended to study the documentation of the platform you choose for automation.

Sources

1. Information about n8n for creating Telegram bots
2. Guide to marketing automation via Telegram
3. Tips on digital marketing and cross-posting