Telegram announced this week that it will allow users to convert gifts to NFTs on the Open Network via Telegram Stars, its in-app currency. toncoin (ton)the native token of the blockchain network.
GiftsAnnounced by Telegram in October, they are animated artwork and custom messages that can be rendered within Telegram and then displayed on a user's profile.
The new feature is part of Telegram's first update of 2025, which will allow users of the messaging app to exchange more than 20 gifts like jelly beans and Santa hats to collectors, aka NFTs, for “little Telegram stars,” covering blockchain payments.
Although the Telegram blog indicates that the feature is now live, Decrypt As of this writing, it has not been able to access the in-app feature.
When updated, the item will have a new customized look developed by Telegram artists, with secondary features “including background color, icon and number”.
Users can transfer their Telegram NFTs to other users, or they can be auctioned on secondary ton marketplaces like GetGames.
Telegram gifts can be converted into NFTs that can be traded on the Open Network (TON). Image: Telegram
The update is the latest in a string of moves that has brought Telegram into the thick of Web3. Come back in 2023, A self storage wallet called Ton Space It started with Telegram, which allows users to quickly join the open network. In early 2024, he announced that he will do Telegram Share ad revenue on his platform. With channel owners, paid by the ton.
A few months later Telegram stars startedAn in-app currency that allows developers to sell digital goods and services through Telegram mini-apps and games that can be purchased with fiat currency. Those stars can then change for a ton.
The addition of Telegram's gaming ecosystem and other simple mini-apps to earn Telegram revenue attracted millions of players and eventually led to massive crypto token airdrops – just like those. Notcoin And Hamster Kombat.
Simple games and apps are just the beginning, according to ToneCore developer Dr. Grom Doge. to speak Decrypt In July, He expressed his belief that As independent companies seek to engage the massive user base, Telegram's mini-apps become more complex.
As soon as Telegram went on tilt, the blockchain of choice and its native token made a big leap. A new all-time high was hit last June when it traded at $8.25 a ton.
Open Network was originally developed by Telegram under the name Telegram Open Network, and the regulatory control company took over in 2010. Community developers stepped in to take over the project before forcing it to abandon the project in 2020, leading to the current network.
Ton has returned an all-time high of 30%, but is still up 165% on the year, trading at $5.79 at the time of writing.
Edited by Andrew Hayward.
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