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Telegram announced this week that it will allow users to turn gifts into NFTs on The Open Network using Telegram Stars, its in-app currency that is linked to Toncoin (TON), the native token of the blockchain network.
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,” which covers the cost of the blockchain fees.
While the Telegram blog indicates the feature is now live, Decrypt has not been able to access the feature in-app as of this writing.
When upgraded, the item takes on a new customized appearance built by Telegram artists, complete with secondary traits “including a background color, icon, and number.”
Users will then be able to transfer their Telegram NFTs to other users, or they can auction them on secondary TON marketplaces like Getgems.
The update is the latest in a string of moves that has brought Telegram further into the thick of Web3. Back in 2023, a self-custody wallet called TON Space launched on Telegram, allowing users to onboard and gain quick access to The Open Network. In early 2024, Telegram announced it would share ad revenue on its platform with channel owners, payable in TON.
A few months later, Telegram launched Stars, an in-app currency purchasable with fiat money that allows developers to sell digital goods and services via Telegram mini apps and games. Those Stars are then convertible for 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 Notcoin and Hamster Kombat.
According to a pseudonymous TON core developer, Dr. Awesome Doge, simple games and apps are just the start. Speaking to Decrypt in July, he expressed confidence that Telegram mini apps will grow more complex as independent companies seek to engage its massive user base.
As Telegram has leaned in, its preferred blockchain and its native token have made major leaps as well, with TON growing to become the 15th largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization according to CoinGecko. TON hit a new all-time high price last June when it traded for $8.25.
The Open Network was originally developed by Telegram under the name Telegram Open Network before regulatory scrutiny forced the company to abandon the project in 2020. Community developers stepped in to take over, leading to the current network.
TON has retraced 30% from its all-time high, 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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