Telegram founder Pavel Durov has announced that by the end of July, the popular messaging app will roll out a Mini App store and an in-app browser with built-in Web3 capabilities.
Durov also shared plans to combat scams by displaying users’ registration month and country on their public profiles. Additionally, Mini Apps will include features to label channels, adding an extra layer of decentralized, third-party verification.
Telegram has recently witnessed a significant surge in blockchain-based mini-apps, highlighted by the success of innovative platforms such as Notcoin and Hamster Kombat. These mini-apps have quickly gained traction by leveraging straightforward tap-to-earn mechanics that appeal to a broad audience.
According to Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, Hamster Kombat has emerged as one of the fastest-growing games ever, boasting an extraordinary growth rate of 239 million users within just three months of its launch. Notcoin has also achieved notable success, with 35 million players engaging with the game in its initial months.
The rapid adoption of these mini-apps underscores the growing popularity of blockchain gaming on the Telegram platform.
Most of these mini-apps are developed on The Open Network (TON), a blockchain technology closely integrated with Telegram.
TON’s Total Value Locked (TVL) has been on a consistent upward trend, currently at $768 million. This steady increase in TVL reflects the growing confidence and investment in the TON blockchain, with no indications of a slowdown in sight.
In addition to the proliferation of Web3 mini-app games and the growing adoption of the TON blockchain, Telegram has made several critical updates to enhance the use of cryptocurrency within its ecosystem. These updates include introducing direct support for cryptocurrency wallets within the Telegram app, which facilitates seamless transactions and management of digital assets.
Furthermore, Telegram has introduced the ability to make ad payments using TON tokens. It has implemented a revenue-sharing model where channel owners receive 50% of ad revenue from their channels.
Durov has expressed strong confidence in the future of cryptocurrency, highlighting his commitment to the space by revealing that he has held Bitcoin for the past decade. This long-term investment in Bitcoin underscores his belief in the enduring potential of digital currencies and their role in the future of financial transactions.
