Telly Delivers 35,000 Free TVs with Continuous Ads
Telly made its debut in the home entertainment market in 2023 with an innovative yet controversial concept. The company offers customers dual-screen televisions at no cost, with the lower screen dedicated to continuous advertisements. This unconventional business model aimed to draw attention, particularly among budget-conscious consumers.
Telly’s Ambitious Projections and Current Reality
When Telly launched, company executives estimated shipping 500,000 televisions by the summer of 2023. However, recent reports by Janko Roettgers from Lowpass indicate a stark contrast. By the end of the third quarter in 2025, only 35,000 Telly TVs were in consumers’ homes. This figure emerged from Telly’s quarterly investor update, but the company has not officially commented on the report.
Customer Interest and Challenges
The unique offer initially sparked significant interest, with 250,000 pre-orders recorded by June 2023. Despite this promising start, Telly encountered substantial operational challenges. Reports show that 10% of TVs shipped through FedEx arrived damaged. Customers expressed frustration over delayed shipments and defective units on a dedicated Reddit thread.
Summary of Telly’s Situation
- Launch Year: 2023
- Initial Goal: Ship 500,000 TVs by summer 2023
- Current Shipments: Only 35,000 TVs delivered as of Q3 2025
- Pre-Orders: 250,000 by June 2023
- Damage Rate: 10% of shipments reported broken
As it stands, Telly’s venture into the television market illustrates the challenges of implementing a free product reliant on advertising revenue. The company’s future will depend on its ability to resolve logistical issues and maintain consumer trust.
