Snoop Dogg’s July 2025 NFT drop on Telegram not only sold out in minutes, it led to one of the strongest waves of engagement that digital collectibles has seen all year. While much of the NFT market is going through a brutal cooldown, its $12 million sell-off shows there’s still serious question as to when the right mix of utility, access, and culture will emerge.
Key Takeaways
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Snoop Dogg’s drop saw nearly 1 million NFTs sold in 30 minutes during a weak market.
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The integration with Telegram and TON blockchain created real utility through stickers, stars and tradable assets.
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Celebrity-driven projects still dominate, but also raise questions about sustainability and accessibility.
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I’ve seen both the hype and the disappointment firsthand, and this drop walks a fine line between the two.
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Future NFT adoption depends more on integration into everyday platforms than on marketplace speculation.
Snoop Dogg’s NFT drop on Telegram
On July 9, Snoop Dogg dropped “Telegram gifts“, nearly 996,000 animated NFTs via Telegram’s new collecting platform. They were inexpensive, with tiers starting at $3 and ending at $150. Items like digital lowriders, dogs, and cannabis swag reflected his long-standing personality, and they developed quickly. The top tier NFT, the “Westside Sign,” sold out in two minutes.
As someone who has been collecting NFTs since late 2017, I’ve seen both spectacular launches and complete duds. This decline has been smooth, rapid and, frankly, a bit surprising, especially during this recession. The drop used Telegram’s TON blockchain, and the NFTs provided an actual function: They can be used as profile stickers, exchanged for Telegram’s in-app Stars currency, and will soon hit secondary markets.
Snoop’s continued commitment to digital ownership
This isn’t Snoop’s first NFT rodeo. In 2021, he launched collections through OpenSea, bought a piece of virtual real estate in The Sandbox, partnered with BAYC, and was rumored to be behind the Twitter handle.Cozomo de’Medici“, a vocal NFT collector. He has consistently used his fame to advance digital property, but with a twist. His projects rarely chase trends; they lean into his brand identity.
What struck me here is how calculated this latest drop was. Not flashy. No complicated route maps. Only accessibility, volume and Telegram integration. That’s what attracted casual buyers, not just NFT veterans.
What this means for NFT investors
The hype is real, but so are the warning signs. I’ve bought too many celebrity collections that became popular and crashed even faster. Early success does not guarantee long-term value. Most buyers probably grabbed this one for the novelty, not for flipping. But that’s exactly the point: NFTs with immediate utility and cultural ties can sidestep speculative pressures.
For Telegram this was a stress test. And it passed. Millions of users got a taste of NFTs without having to buy one MetaMask wallet or crypto background. That’s where I see the future: NFTs blending into tools people already use. Whether you’re a creator or an investor, building with that context in mind will set you apart from those still looking to old playbooks.
My view as a long-term NFT collector
I’ve wasted ETH on cumbersome projects that made big promises but didn’t deliver. However, the introduction of Snoop was different: it was easy to purchase, fun to use and relevant to the way people communicate. It reminded me why I initially became interested in NFTs, digital identity, and self-expression. That said, don’t expect every big name to reach this level of success.
Hype provides a quick boost, while utilities provide sustainable growth. The next phase of NFTs won’t focus on flipping JPEGs; instead, it will be about integration into the platforms we already use. If Telegram continues to develop this model, I can envision a positive direction even during this challenging cycle. To achieve this, however, we need more than just celebrity endorsements. We need tools, standards and, frankly, a sense of restraint.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions on this topic:
What are Snoop Dogg’s Telegram Gifts?
Telegram Gifts is a collection of nearly 1 million animated NFTs inspired by the Snoop Dogg brand, launching on July 9, 2025 via the Telegram app.
Which blockchain powers the collection?
The NFTs are powered by the TON (The Open Network) blockchain, which integrates directly with Telegram for fast, low-cost transactions.
What can I do with these NFTs?
You can use them as Telegram profile stickers, convert them to Telegram’s Stars currency, trade them with other users or hit them on chain after three weeks.
How much did the NFTs cost?
They ranged from about $3 to $150 across five levels, with the highest tier item – the ‘Westside Sign’ – selling out in two minutes.
Is this a sign of a broader NFT comeback?
It could be. While the market is still sluggish overall, this decline shows that NFTs with real utility and cultural support can still drive strong engagement and sales.