How to Create Your Own AI Telegram Assistant That Works!

Transform your smartphone into an AI-powered assistant that handles text and voice seamlessly. Want hands-free interaction while driving or on-the-go? Using Telegram with an N8N workflow can give you precisely that: a system that intelligently responds with text when you type and voice when you speak. Let’s dive into the essential steps and tips for getting your assistant up and running smoothly.

🤖 Step 1: Creating Your Telegram Bot

Making Your BotFather Credentials

To integrate Telegram with N8N, start by making a Telegram bot through BotFather. Follow these instructions to get your Access Token—the key that connects your bot with N8N workflows.

1. Search for “BotFather” in the Telegram search bar (look for the blue checkmark ✅).
2. Type /start to view available commands.
3. Create a new bot by typing /newbot.
4. Give your bot a unique name and username that ends in bot. For example:

• Name: SGP AI Assistant
• Username: SGPAssistantYouTubeBot

1. Copy the access token from BotFather. You’ll use this in N8N.

Example: Once the bot is set up, test it by typing “test” into Telegram. With the workflow linked, your assistant will reply!

💡 Pro Tip: Double-check the reply message for accuracy by using N8N’s test functionality.

🚀 Step 2: Setting Up Your N8N Workflow

Trigger Module Configuration

Here’s where the magic happens! N8N workflows allow you to route messages (text or voice) appropriately by using switch statements.

• Text Input: Messages without a file ID are routed directly to ChatGPT.
• Voice Input: When there’s a file ID, the workflow processes and transcribes the audio using ChatGPT before routing the response.

🧰 Steps:

1. Trigger Setup: Use Telegram’s webhook trigger in N8N to capture messages. Ensure you input the correct access key.
2. Routing Messages:

• Add a switch module to differentiate between text and audio.
• Route text messages to ChatGPT directly.
• Pass audio message file IDs to transcription modules first.

1. Testing: Pin the input data to maintain consistency during your tests.

💡 Pro Tip: While testing audio inputs, avoid manual errors by pinning inputs before stepping through individual modules.

🔊 Step 3: Perfecting Audio Playback

The Opus Format Secret

A critical part of this workflow is ensuring audio replies play natively in Telegram. Without proper formatting, replies may break or render as generic MP3 files—less intuitive and harder to use.

🧰 Steps:

1. Process the audio file using ChatGPT’s transcribe a recording functionality.
2. Route transcribed text back into ChatGPT to generate responses.
3. Convert ChatGPT responses into audio using the Opus format.

Example:
Sending a test voice note → “Hey, could you help me brainstorm some ideas for N8N workflows?” → Your assistant should reply audibly like: “Sure! Here are a few ideas for beginners…”

💡 Pro Tip: Always set the response format to Opus. It ensures the waveform visual appears in the reply, making messages ergonomic for users to interact with.

🛠️ Step 4: Adding Intelligence to Your Assistant

Voice and Text Versatility

The smart assistant isn’t just fancy—it’s practical. It adapts to the mode of your communication:

• Text replies for typed inputs via Telegram.
• Voice replies for hands-free scenarios, like driving.

🧰 Steps:

1. Configure ChatGPT’s module to dynamically build responses based on file type (text vs audio).
2. Ensure the final output respects user constraints—if using audio playback, convert textual responses into synthesized voice.

Example:
When you’re on the go, simply ask:
➡️ “What’s the weather in New York today?” (voice input)
✅ Output: A voice-based reply like “Sunny, with a high of 72 degrees. Perfect weather for a stroll!”

💡 Pro Tip: Use additional validation logic for audio file types to ensure compatibility. This prevents accidental triggers from images or irrelevant files.

🌟 Why Use This Setup?

Real-Life Benefits

From brainstorming YouTube ideas to hands-free task management, adding an AI assistant to Telegram saves time and keeps your workflow smooth. Imagine the convenience of using your AI for:

• Hands-free planning while driving 🚗.
• Quick task automation without switching apps 📱.
• Enhanced accessibility for users with visual impairments 🦯.

Key Advantages:

1. Dual Functionality: Text and voice-based interaction.
2. Streamlined Automation: With N8N workflows, every step integrates seamlessly.
3. Native Audio Replies: Easy-to-use communications for mobile-friendly applications.

💡 Fun Fact: The Opus format is optimized for high-quality audio in minimal file sizes. It’s widely used in voice-over-IP (VoIP) apps like Zoom and WhatsApp!

📚 Resource Toolbox

Here’s everything you need to learn more and improve your setup:

1. Telegram BotFather
   Use BotFather to manage bot settings, get API tokens, and configure advanced bot behaviors.

2. N8N Automation Platform
   Build workflows that connect Telegram, ChatGPT, and more. Perfect for scalable automations.

3. ChatGPT’s API
   Integrate AI into workflows for intelligent replies. Use it for both transcription and generation tasks.

4. Opus Codec Documentation
   Learn about the audio format used for native Telegram audio responses.

5. No Code Architects Community
   Access workflow templates, courses, and daily calls for deeper insights into automation.

6. Content Academy FREE
   Explore free courses to expand your knowledge on AI-powered tools and content workflows.

🔗 Making It Yours

With the outlined steps and tools, anyone can build an AI Telegram Assistant tailored to their needs. Whether you use it for task management, creativity bursts, or accessibility solutions—this system is versatile and scalable.

Imagine the possibilities: hands-free brainstorming on your next big project while driving, instant text replies for busy days, and native audio interactions that feel just like a regular conversation.

🎯 Take Action: Start deploying your assistant today and experience a genuinely interactive AI-powered tool at your fingertips.

Happy Automating! 🚀