Telegram Supports TON Blockchain, Introduces Tokenized Emojis and Stickers NFTs

Pavel Durov, the founder of messaging application Telegram, has announced plans to incorporate blockchain technology into the platform’s future. Speaking at the Token2049 event in Dubai, Durov expressed his belief that blockchain promotes freedom and privacy. He outlined his ambitious plans to expand the functionality of Telegram using The Open Network (TON). Durov stated that Telegram aims to give its users the ability to create tools, apps, and businesses on the platform. Unlike other messaging and social media platforms that sell user data to advertisers, Telegram plans to share ad revenue with content creators through its Ad Network. This revenue-sharing model has been described as one of the most generous in the history of social media.

Durov emphasized that all transactions related to ad payments and withdrawals will be powered by the TON blockchain. He estimates that the advertising market running on blockchain could be worth billions of dollars, and Telegram intends to provide users with a fair share of this revenue. Using blockchain will help Telegram navigate restrictions imposed by Apple and Google regarding payment processing. Telegram has already enabled app developers and merchants to sell physical goods and services by integrating various payment providers.

In addition to revenue sharing, Telegram has also experimented with tokenization. It became the first social media platform to tokenize its user namespace, generating $350 million in sales. Durov revealed that the next step Telegram plans to take is tokenizing Telegram stickers. He highlighted the importance of TON’s network scalability, which can process millions of transactions, as Telegram expands.

Following Durov’s announcement, stablecoin operator Tether revealed that it will launch its USDT token, pegged to the US dollar, on the TON network. Tether also introduced a gold-pegged stablecoin, Tether Gold (XAUT), on TON. These developments demonstrate Telegram’s commitment to incorporating blockchain technology into its platform to enhance functionality and offer users new opportunities for monetization.