Amid all of this uncertainty, Telegram is betting big on NFTs as a way to make their ecosystem great again. The unconventional platform has rolled out an intriguing “gifts” feature. First and foremost, it gives you the ability to send digital presents to one another and it introduces you to the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). However, can these Telegram presents really put TON back within the limelight?
The Allure of Upgradable Gifts
Overriding all this NFT mania are the really special qualities behind Telegram gifts. What makes these gifts different from traditional NFTs is that these gifts are upgradable, creating an extra layer of collectability and potential value appreciation. RetainAI The process randomly drops traits, ensuring a unique appearance at each upgrade. This surprise element is exactly what makes this gift so fun and realistic. You can easily transform these truly one-of-a-kind gifts into NFTs. Then, sell them on Fragment, a third-party platform built to work with The Open Network (TON). This combination has fueled TON to overtake Solana and become the second-largest NFT ecosystem by volume, only behind Ethereum.
As you may have heard, on May 9, Telegram announced the launch of their internal marketplace. Today, users can now directly purchase and sell gifts through the messenger app! This action creates more liquidity in the trading process and makes it more user-friendly for the everyday user. The platform’s emphasis on self-expression and collectibility has played a big part in making gifts so popular right off the bat. Telegram joined forces with international superstars such as Snoop Dogg. They joined hands with popular CIS Twitch streamers who were ready to chip in for Telegram presents. This celebrity endorsement only added to the hype around this new feature that went wildly popular.
Telegram recently announced a fun new approach to verification! Users can today convert their digital gifts into collectible NFTs, starting with more than 20 gifts already available and more than 1400 distinct looks. Collectible gifts can be easily swapped with other users’ friends. This unique feature creates a gifts buyers’ marketplace right inside the messenger! Telegram gifts are divided into two main types: unlimited supply and limited (rare), which contributes to their value and exclusivity.
The Potential Benefits for TON
The recent addition of NFT gifts could dramatically increase user activity in TON’s ever-expanding ecosystem. Users can now create, send, and receive unique digital assets, fostering a sense of community and encouraging more active participation. This creates unlimited new opportunities for creators and developers to fuel economic activity. They’ll be able to sell their art and collectibles digitally, potentially bringing even more creative talent to the platform.
Welcoming NFT gifts will increase Toncoin’s utility. It’s a digital currency, empowering you to transact, trade and personally own these one-of-a-kind digital collectibles. This added utility would help increase demand and value for the cryptocurrency. The novelty of NFT gifts can attract new users to the TON ecosystem, particularly those interested in digital art and collectibles, contributing to the overall growth of the network. As users buy, sell, and trade these unique digital assets, transaction volumes within the TON ecosystem are likely to increase.
The response to Telegram gifts so far has been overwhelming. We need to address a number of obstacles first in order to make sure they can be used long-term. One concern is maintaining user interest. Many gifts are increasing in value by a large amount. There’s danger in assuming users won’t get bored once the novelty wears off or costs come back down to earth. Telegram has to innovate like crazy and roll out fresh, shiny features almost weekly to retain their users.
- Increased User Engagement
- New Revenue Streams
- Enhanced Token Utility
- Growing Adoption
- Increased Transaction Volumes
Challenges and Considerations
The platform has a vested interest in maintaining the stability and security of its own marketplace. On May 8, 2025, Telegram introduced an exclusive commerce platform. Next up, they need to ensure stability and security through their Ethereum platform, as more users look to buy, sell and trade their gifts. Telegram has more than 1400 different gifts. To avoid oversaturation and diluting their value, the platform will need to be selective about this supply.
As NFTs and cryptocurrency continues to grow in popularity, Telegram will likely find itself on the wrong side of regulations and government oversight just like they found with cryptography. Telegram is now competing not just with the likes of Facebook but other promising social media and messaging apps. These competitors can quickly copycat these features, which can redirect users from its NFT gifts.
Telegram’s entry into the world of NFT gifts is an audacious move that has the potential to reinvigorate the TON ecosystem. By leveraging the platform's existing user base and introducing unique features like upgradability, Telegram has the potential to attract new users and drive increased engagement. The initiative’s long-term success will depend on whether Telegram can surmount the user retention challenges outlined above. Additionally, it’s dependent on the platform’s ability to maintain marketplace integrity and fulfill any regulatory requirements.
Here are some of the challenges that Telegram may face:
- Maintaining user interest
- Ensuring a stable marketplace
- Managing the supply of gifts
- Addressing regulatory challenges
- Competing with other platforms
Telegram's foray into NFT gifts is a bold move that could revitalize the TON ecosystem. By leveraging the platform's existing user base and introducing unique features like upgradability, Telegram has the potential to attract new users and drive increased engagement. However, the long-term success of this initiative will depend on Telegram's ability to address the challenges related to user retention, marketplace stability, and regulatory compliance.
