What is a Telegram Bot? - Definition & Meaning
Learn what a Telegram bot is, how the Telegram Bot API works, and why Telegram is a popular platform for deploying AI chatbots and automated assistants.
Definition
A Telegram bot is an automated program that runs within the Telegram messaging platform and can communicate with users via text, buttons, images, and files. Telegram bots are controlled via the Telegram Bot API and can function as AI assistants, notification systems, or interactive tools.
Technical explanation
Telegram bots communicate via the Telegram Bot API, an HTTP-based interface supporting two methods for receiving updates: polling (your server periodically asks the API for new messages) and webhooks (Telegram automatically sends messages to your server endpoint). Webhooks are more efficient for production environments. A bot is created via @BotFather in Telegram, which generates a unique API token. The Bot API supports rich interaction capabilities: inline keyboards (buttons below messages), reply keyboards, inline queries (search results from other chats), file uploads up to 50 MB, location sharing, group chat integration, and channel posts. For AI chatbots, the conversation model is ideal: messages are received via webhook, processed by the LLM (with RAG context), and the response is sent back via the sendMessage endpoint. Telegram supports Markdown and HTML formatting in messages, useful for displaying structured AI responses. Rate limits allow up to 30 messages per second to the same chat and 20 messages per minute in groups.
How OpenClaw Installeren applies this
OpenClaw Installeren automatically configures the Telegram bot integration as part of your AI assistant deployment. During the installation process, you enter your Telegram Bot Token (obtained via @BotFather), and our system configures the webhook connection, message processing, and LLM integration. Your Telegram bot is operational immediately after installation and answers questions based on your knowledge base.
Practical examples
- An AI customer service bot on Telegram that answers product questions 24/7, displays inline keyboards for product categories, and routes complex questions to a human agent.
- An internal team bot on Telegram that helps employees with company information: leave procedures, IT support procedures, and contact details — all through natural conversation.
- A notification bot that automatically sends alerts to a Telegram group when critical events occur in a business system, such as new orders or server alerts.
Related terms
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