While most eyes are on Solana, and other major Web3 players, Telegram is silently developing its own niche in the decentralized universe, fueled by the revival of TON (The Open Network).
The project that was once abandoned, now enables crypto wallets, dApps, NFTs, mobile applications, and everything else through the Telegram application.
With more than 900 million users and growing integration of Toncoin, Telegram isn’t just testing the waters; it is positioning itself as a serious competitor in the Web3 landscape.
In this article, we will elaborate on the strategies Telegram is using to build TON’s decentralized ecosystem and explain how the platform might be the underdog in the next crypto wave.
What Is TON and Its Connection to Telegram
TON (The Open Network) started as a blockchain project created by Telegram in 2018, with a simple goal to make blockchain fast, easy to use, and ready for large-scale adoption. with Telegram’s massive user base as its launchpad.
However, after legal battles with the U.S. SEC in 2020, Telegram completely abandoned the project, or at least it appeared to the public. Instead of just dying, the project was taken to a new life by a strong passionate community of developers who rebranded it as The Open Network and continued with it under the sponsorship of the TON Foundation.
In a surprising turn, Telegram has re-embraced TON in recent years and has now integrated features like the Telegram Wallet, Toncoin, and Mini Apps that run on the TON blockchain are natively supported on the platform.
Today, TON is increasingly becoming more than an experiment as Telegram aims to use it as infrastructure for their Web3 communications, bridging social communication with decentralized tools and finance in a way no other messaging platform has done.
How Telegram Is Integrating Web3 via TON
Telegram is bringing Web3 to the masses with TON providing its fast, low-fee blockchain. From crypto payments in chats to decentralized apps:
Toncoin: The Engine of Telegram’s Crypto Ecosystem
Toncoin, the primary currency of the TON blockchain, lies at the center of the change in Telegram’s Web3 focus. It enables the execution of transactions, smart contracts, and staking within the network.
As part of its integration with the Telegram Ecosystem, it has implemented Toncoin into the app so users can send or receive crypto as easily as messaging.
This effortless method of doing things lowers the barrier to crypto adoption and ensures that Toncoin has practical utility beyond mere speculation.
As Toncoin gains traction and is listed on more exchanges, it’s fast becoming a key part of Telegram’s Web3 strategy, supporting everything from microtransactions to in-app payments within the Telegram ecosystem.
Telegram Wallet and TON Space
Telegram’s built-in crypto wallet is a game-changer for users onboarding to Web3. In a few taps, users can activate Telergan Wallet, which supports Toncoin and other digital assets.
Users now have complete control of private keys with the launch of TON Space, a self-custodial wallet, which is vital for full decentralization. Unlike many blockchain tools that require extra apps or browser extensions, Telegram makes wallet access native and intuitive, highlighting a no-friction experience, which makes crypto practical for everyday users, all while keeping security and simplicity at the forefront.
Mini Apps & dApps
Following the recent messenger update, users can now access lightweight decentralized applications directly on the messaging app. Developers can now create Web3 products like games, marketplaces, and finance tools that feel like native Telegram features.
For users, there’s no need to switch apps or install anything extra. It’s a plug-and-play decentralized experience framework. Whether you’re trading NFTs, Playing games, or Managing Tokens, the TON brings the full power of dApps into a chat-based interface.
This form of integration allows developers to tap into the massive market of Telegram users, adding real value and growth to the ecosystem’s network and utility.
NFTs and Gaming
Telegram is also stepping into NFTs and blockchain gaming, both powered by TON. Users can buy, sell, and showcase NFTs directly within the app, no third-party wallet or platform is needed. This holds the potential for digital collectibles, In-game assets, and exclusive community membership.
Support for Telegram NFTs is already being used for avatars and digital items in TON-based games, many of which operate as mini-apps.
With features such as instant transfers and built-in wallets, Telegram users can access NFTs with unparalleled ease. It is an approach aimed at users that seamlessly bring blockchain gaming and digital ownership into everyday chat systems.
Why Telegram Is Poised to Win in Web3
Telegram has something most crypto projects dream of, a global user base of over 900 million people. This helps Telegram get a head start in bringing Web3 to the mainstream.
Unlike other platforms that face difficulties with onboarding, Telegram provides blockchain tools integration on its interface, including wallets and NFTs. Everything works on the familiar Telegram interface.
This duality of Telegram sets it apart, noted in its simplicity and scale. Telegram removes low adoption barriers in crypto which makes it easier for users: no separate apps or complex setups. With its fast, lightweight design and strong community culture, Telegram is positioned to make Web3 useful and user-friendly.
Telegram is adopting Web3 by building on TON and supporting developers through Mini Apps and Toncoin payments. If any platform can bring blockchain stealthily to the people without them realizing it’s “Web3,” it’s Telegram.
Recent Developments & Partnerships
Telegram teaming up with The Open Network (TON) has boosted its Web3 presence, through strategic partnerships and technological advancements, solidifying its position in the Web3 landscape.
TON Becomes Telegram’s Exclusive Blockchain
In January 2025, Telegram and the TON Foundation took their partnership further by making TON the go-to blockchain for Telegram’s Mini Apps. Now, any Mini App on Telegram that uses blockchain will run exclusively on the TON network, further securing user experience as well as security.
Additionally, Toncoin has become the only crypto accepted for non-fiat payments across Telegram services, like Premium subscriptions, ads, and Stars.
Ethena Labs and TON Foundation Introduce Stablecoins to Telegram
In May 2025, Ethena Labs partnered with the TON Foundation to add USDe and sUSDe synthetic stablecoins into the Telegram ecosystem. The staked version, sUSDe has been branded tsUSDe, allowing more than a million Telegram users to hold savings in dollars, denominated directly within the app.
This integration can be done via Wallet in Telegram which is a custodial wallet, as well as the non-custodial TON Space wallet. Furthermore, tsUSDe is supported by other major TON-compatible wallets, including Tonkeeper and Tonhub. To encourage usage of tsUSDe, users can earn a 10% annual yield paid in TON tokens, as well as Ethena rewards for balances up to 10k tsUSDe per wallet.
Conclusion
While Telegram may not be making loud headlines in the Web3 space, its actions speak volumes. With the integration of wallets, Toncoin, Mini Apps, NFTs, and stablecoins, Telegram is quietly developing a decentralized ecosystem within its messaging app.
With a massive user base and seamless crypto tools, it’s leading the movement towards mass adoption of blockchain technology. As TON grows, Telegram is more than a messaging platform; it’s transforming into the portal to Web3 for millions across the globe.
