Telegram Introduces NFT Marketplace with TON Blockchain Integration

Telegram has launched a new NFT marketplace feature on January 21, 2025, using the TON blockchain for its gifts, allowing users to mint and trade NFTs.

The introduction of NFTs in Telegram increases Web3 utility and could potentially boost user engagement and digital asset adoption on the platform.

Telegram’s partnership with the TON Foundation marks a significant shift in the app’s offerings by integrating NFT-based gifts. Telegram Gifts, now minted on the TON blockchain, are available to users globally. Manuel Stotz, President of the TON Foundation, emphasized the aim for explosive growth, collaborating with Telegram to reach over 500 million users by the decade’s end. “After laying the foundations in recent years, TON is now ready for explosive growth in 2025. The renewed and exclusive partnership with Telegram is a crucial step in our journey.” [citation]. Developers are urged to adapt their applications to the new specifications, with up to $50,000 in advertising credits offered by the TON Foundation.

The integration may affect digital asset markets, notably Toncoin, as the native asset for transaction fees and NFT activities within the Telegram ecosystem. The TON Foundation’s incentives are likely to drive developer engagement, further shaping the platform’s outlook. Bitcoin will also play a role as it is introduced to the TON network through TOKENization as tgBTC, promoting market integration and increased decentralization opportunities.

This NFT marketplace launch represents an essential advancement for decentralized applications and blockchain adoption. Historical precedents indicate that NFT integration into major platforms increases token demand. The TON blockchain is set to attract more developers and users, signaling wider market engagement.