What’s the best way to start learning about Telegram MiniApp development to properly set requirements for developers?
Hello! I’m looking for recommendations on developing a Telegram MiniApp (Minihub) and want to become a more competent client.
Recently, I encountered an issue when ordering the development of a Telegram bot: in the technical specification, I described the main functionality in detail but didn’t include some important aspects (for example, the need for documentation and an admin panel). Although we discussed these requirements verbally, they weren’t formally included in the technical specification, so the developer didn’t implement them.
Analyzing the situation, I’ve concluded that a MiniApp would be much more suitable for my project than a regular bot. To avoid similar misunderstandings in the future, I need to learn how to create clear technical specifications and requirements.
I have several specific questions:
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What is the current market cost for developing a quality, advanced MiniApp (not a basic one, but with an interface, authentication, integrations, etc.)?
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Is it possible to understand the basic principles of MiniApp development in a couple of months to understand the architecture, development stages, and properly set requirements for developers?
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What good courses or resources would you recommend for someone without programming experience but with a desire to deeply study MiniApp development?
My goal is to become a more competent client and avoid mistakes when important details get lost due to lack of knowledge.
I’d be grateful for any advice and recommendations.
Getting Started with Telegram MiniApps: A Client’s Guide
Understanding Telegram MiniApps begins with learning their architecture, key components, and market realities. To properly set tasks for developers, you need to master the basic concepts of MiniApp development, including frontend technologies, authorization systems, methods of integration with Telegram API, and monetization principles. Targeted training for 2-3 months will allow you to confidently form technical requirements and evaluate developer competence.
Table of Contents
- Market Cost of MiniApp Development in 2024-2025
- Timeline for Mastering MiniApp Development Basics
- Recommended Resources for Learning MiniApp
- Key Aspects of Proper Task Setting for Developers
- Practical Steps for a Beginner Client
- Checklist for Verifying Technical Requirements
Market Cost of MiniApp Development in 2024-2025
The cost of developing a Telegram MiniApp varies significantly depending on the complexity of functionality, integrations, and design requirements. According to 2024-2025 market research, several price categories can be identified:
Basic MiniApps (simple applications like FAQ, chatbots):
- Cost: $500–$2,000
- Include: basic interface, simple navigation, core interaction functions
Medium-complexity MiniApps (with database and user authorization):
- Cost: $2,000–$10,000
- Include: registration/login system, database operations, content personalization, user account management
Advanced MiniApps (with complex integrations, admin panel, and advanced features):
- Cost: from $10,000 to $50,000+
- Include: complex logic, integration with external services, admin panel for management, extended analytics, payment systems
It’s important to note that as of July 2024, Telegram has over 950 million monthly active users, making MiniApps an attractive platform for businesses. In January 2025, payments within Telegram generated approximately $13.6 million, indicating monetization potential.
The cost of developing an “app like Telegram” (full-fledged messenger) is $100,000–$500,000, but this refers to a completely different scale of project, not MiniApps.
Timeline for Mastering MiniApp Development Basics
For a person without programming experience, it’s quite realistic to master the basic principles of MiniApp development in 2-3 months to understand the architecture, development stages, and properly set tasks for developers. Here’s a realistic learning plan:
First month (fundamental knowledge):
- Learning web development basics (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Understanding Telegram MiniApp architecture
- Studying Telegram Bot API and MiniApp SDK documentation
- Creating a simple “Hello World” application
Second month (in-depth study):
- Learning MiniApp frameworks (React, Vue.js, or native solutions)
- Understanding authorization system and user management
- Studying methods of integration with external APIs
- Creating a more complex application with a database
Third month (practice and deepening):
- Learning principles of creating admin panels
- Understanding monetization and payment integration
- Learning UI/UX best practices for MiniApps
- Analyzing existing solutions and their code
By the end of the third month, you will be able to confidently form technical requirements, understand developer proposals, and assess the realism of timelines and budgets.
Recommended Resources for Learning MiniApp
Online Courses and Platforms
1. Official Telegram Documentation
- Telegram MiniApp Documentation - basic principles and API
- Telegram Bot API Documentation - for understanding bot capabilities
2. No-Code Development Platforms
- Directual - allows creating MiniApps without coding, ideal for understanding architecture
- Twa Developers - tools and guides for developers
3. Educational Platforms
- EJAW - Telegram Mini App Development Ultimate Guide 2025 - comprehensive guide
- Solulab - How to Build Telegram Mini Apps - step-by-step guide
Books and Materials
1. Practical Guides
- MiniApp interface development
- Payment system integration
- MiniApp performance optimization
2. Communities and Forums
- Reddit - r/TelegramMiniApps - discussions and experience
- Specialized Telegram channels about development
3. Video Tutorials
- YouTube channels about web development
- Webinars from MiniApp experts
- Case studies of successful projects
Learning Tools
1. Development and Debugging
- Telegram Web Apps Playground
- Chrome DevTools for debugging
- Postman for API testing
2. Design and Prototyping
- Figma for interface creation
- Adobe XD for prototyping
- Tilda for quick prototyping
Key Aspects of Proper Task Setting for Developers
1. Clear Description of Functional Requirements
Technical Specification Structure:
- Application goals and objectives
- Target audience
- Key functions and usage scenarios
- Design and UX requirements
Example Formulation:
"The application should include:
- Registration/authorization via Telegram
- Personal user profile
- Ability to create and edit content
- Payment system integration
- Admin panel for content moderation"
2. Technical Requirements
Required Elements:
- Technology stack (React/Vue.js/native JavaScript)
- Performance requirements
- Integrations with external services
- Security requirements
Example:
"Technology stack:
- Frontend: React + TypeScript
- Backend: Node.js + Express
- Database: PostgreSQL
- Hosting: Telegram MiniApp Platform"
3. Admin Panel Requirements
Key Admin Panel Functions:
- User management
- Content moderation
- Analytics and statistics
- Application settings
- Payment management
Important: The admin panel should be a separate web application accessible through a browser, not inside Telegram.
4. Documentation Requirements
Required Documents:
- Technical architecture description
- API documentation
- User guide
- Installation and setup instructions
Practical Steps for a Beginner Client
Step 1: Competitor and Market Analysis
What to Do:
- Study successful MiniApps in your niche
- Analyze their functionality and UX
- Determine unique features of your project
Tools:
- Telegram MiniApp Directory
- Analysis of competitor applications
- Target audience surveys
Step 2: Creating MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
MVP Structure:
- 3-5 key functions
- Basic design
- Simple authorization
- Main user scenario
Estimated MVP Cost: $3,000-$8,000
Step 3: Gradual Application Development
Development Plan:
- Iteration 1: MVP + basic functions
- Iteration 2: UX improvement + new features
- Iteration 3: Full functionality + analytics
Step 4: Testing and Launch
Stages:
- Alpha testing (internal)
- Beta testing (with user involvement)
- Public launch
- Monitoring and feedback collection
Checklist for Verifying Technical Requirements
Basic Requirements
- [ ] Clear description of application goals and objectives
- [ ] Definition of target audience
- [ ] List of key functions
- [ ] Design and UX requirements
Technical Requirements
- [ ] Selected technology stack
- [ ] Performance requirements
- [ ] List of integrations with external services
- [ ] Security and privacy requirements
Administrative Functions
- [ ] Description of admin panel
- [ ] User management functions
- [ ] Content moderation system
- [ ] Analytics tools
Documentation and Support
- [ ] Requirements for technical documentation
- [ ] User guide
- [ ] Support and maintenance conditions
- [ ] Application development plan
Budget and Timeline
- [ ] Detailed work estimate
- [ ] Realistic development timeline
- [ ] Payment terms
- [ ] Warranty obligations
Using this checklist, you can avoid situations where important requirements remain unfulfilled due to a formal approach to creating technical specifications.
Conclusion
Learning Telegram MiniApp development is an investment in your project’s quality and effectiveness of communication with developers. With 2-3 months of targeted training, you will acquire sufficient knowledge to:
- Properly set tasks - you will be able to create detailed technical requirements, including all necessary components from authorization to admin panel
- Evaluate developer competence - you will be able to understand the realism of proposals and assess the professionalism of teams
- Control quality - you will be able to verify that the result meets your expectations and market requirements
- Effectively manage the project - you will understand development stages, risks, and ways to minimize them
The MiniApp market is actively growing - over 950 million Telegram users and increasing monetization indicators ($13.6 million from payments in January 2025) make this platform attractive for businesses. By starting to learn today, you can create a competitive application and avoid the mistakes that led to problems in your previous project.
Don’t be afraid to start with the basics - even basic knowledge of web development and understanding of MiniApp architecture will give you a significant advantage as a client. Use the recommended resources, practice creating simple applications, and gradually delve into more complex aspects of development.
Sources
- How to Hire Telegram Mini App Developers in 2025 - CyberPanel
- Telegram Mini App Development — Ultimate Guide 2025 - EJAW
- Develop A Telegram Mini App: 5 Proven Steps Guide - DevTechnosys
- Telegram Mini Apps and TON - Directual
- How Much Does it Cost To Develop an App Like Telegram - NimbleAppGenie
- Telegram Mini App Development Company - EvaCodes
- How to Build Telegram Mini Apps: A Step-by-Step Guide - Solulab
- Telegram Mini Apps Development Company - Redwerk
- All you should know about Telegram Mini Apps in 2024 - Directual Blog
- Telegram Mini App Development - Blocsys