Telegram has announced that its currency, Telegram Stars (linked to The Open Network), will now allow users to exchange gifts for NFTs via The Open Network. Toncoins (TON)The native token of blockchain networks.
Gifts, unveiled by Telegram in October, are a collection of animated artworks and custom messages that can be given and then displayed on a user's profile in Telegram.
The new feature is part of Telegram’s first update of 2025, and will allow users of its messaging app to upgrade more than 20 existing gifts—like Jelly Bunny and Santa Hat—to collectibles, aka NFTs, for a “small amount of Telegram Stars,” This covers the costs of blockchain fees.
Telegram’s blog states that this feature has now been launched. Decrypt The feature is still not available in the app as at this time.
Upgraded items have a customized look created by Telegram’s artists. They also include secondary traits “including a background color, icon, and number.”
The users can then transfer the Telegram NFTs they have earned to another user or sell them at auction on secondary TON markets like Getgems.
Telegram has been making a number of changes to bring it closer into Web3. Then, in 2023. A self-custody Wallet called TON space Telegram launched The Open Network, which allows users to quickly access and join. Telegram has announced that it will launch The Open Network in early 2024. Share ad revenues on its platform With channel owners, payment is in Tons.
Few months later Telegram launched StarsThis in-app money can be bought with fiat currency, and allows Telegram Mini Apps and Games to allow developers sell digital products. The Stars will then convert to TON.
The addition coincided with the rise of Telegram’s tap-to-earn gaming ecosystem and other simple mini apps, which drew millions of players and ultimately led to massive crypto token airdrops—like those from Itcoin The following are some examples of how to get started: Hamster Kombat.
A pseudonymous TON developer named Dr. The first step is to create simple apps and games. Talking to Decrypt In July, He showed confidence Telegram’s mini-apps will become more complex, as new companies try to reach out to its large user base.
Telegram is announcing its intention to invest in blockchain technology. Its native token TON and Telegram’s chosen blockchain have both made huge strides. According to CoinGecko TON has risen to the position of 15th most valuable cryptocurrency based on market capitalization. TON traded at an all-time record price of $8.25 in June.
Telegram originally created the Open Network under the Telegram Open Network name, before regulatory issues forced Telegram abandon the project by 2020. Eventually, community developers took control and created the network.
TON, which is currently trading at $5.79, has retraced 30 percent from its previous high. However, it still represents a gain of 165% for the entire year.
Andrew Hayward is the editor