When people hear about blockchain, they often think of complicated computer code or confusing cryptocurrency jargon. But what if you could use a powerful blockchain without leaving your favorite chat app? That’s what’s happening with The Open Network (TON) and Telegram.
Telegram is a hugely popular messaging platform that serves more than just services 950 million users every month. TON, on the other hand, is a blockchain project designed to handle fast transactions at scale. Their partnership brings these worlds together so that everyday people – like you and me – can benefit from blockchain without having to struggle with unfamiliar tools.
In this article, we explore how TON became Telegram’s chosen blockchain, and why Tonmint is the app’s only non-fiat currency, what this means for developers and regular users, as well as some discussion about the move.
TON Connect and Mini Apps
A big step forward was the creation of TON Connectwhich simplifies the way blockchain services work within Telegram. Normally, if you want to do something “on-chain” (a term that just means recorded on the blockchain), you have to deal with wallets, passphrases, and a lot of technical hurdles.
TON Connect hides most of that complexity. It acts as a secure tunnel between your Telegram account and a special TON-compatible wallet. When you authorize a payment or other transaction, you can do it almost as easily as sending a text message.
At the same time, Telegram introduced Mini Apps: compact applications that you can open directly in a chat window. You don’t have to download anything extra or even leave the conversation. These mini apps meet many daily needs, from playing games to booking tickets.
Now that TON Connect is a required piece of the puzzle for blockchain functions, any mini-app that wants to use Toncoin or record data on the blockchain must run on TON. This rule keeps everything consistent for users, who no longer have to worry about switching between different blockchains.
Exclusivity of TON and Toncoin on Telegram
It may seem surprising at first, but Telegram actually stopped supporting any other blockchain in favor of TON. By focusing on just one option, Telegram removes much of the confusion that comes with juggling multiple networks. As a result, users get a cleaner experience and TON gets a huge built-in audience. Now anyone curious about blockchain can dive straight into it via Telegram without the need for additional software or a detailed technical background.
A similar story applies to Toncoin, which is now Telegram’s only cryptocurrency for non-fiat payments (i.e. not government issued). Whether you buy ads or unlock premium features, Toncoin is the exclusive digital currency. It encourages more people to give Toncoin a try, which could create a vibrant marketplace right within the app.
Tokenization of digital assets within Telegram
Tokenization may sound intimidating, but it’s easier to understand than you might think. Simply put, “tokenization” is a way to certify ownership of a digital item on the blockchain, like turning a sticker or emoji into a unique collectible. Telegram has announced that it will be rolling out limited edition tokenized emojis, stickers and gifts, all included on TON’s network.
For regular users, this could be as simple as purchasing an exclusive emoji pack with Toncoin. Once purchased, the items are yours alone, and you can prove that ownership thanks to the blockchain’s public record.
In the future, Telegram may go beyond stickers and emojis and turn other in-app features into digital collectibles. This could open up a new world of sharing, trading and collecting right in your favorite messenger.
Potential criticism: is ‘TON-Only’ the right path?
Some people are uncomfortable with Telegram’s choice to go all-in on TON. They point out that Web3 is essentially intended to be open, where different blockchains can connect and no one group controls everything. By focusing solely on TON, Telegram may be straying from the idea of giving developers and users many choices – and essentially moving away from the ‘decentralized’ spirit that Web3 stands for.
Another concern is whether TON can handle Telegram’s massive user base. Critics say TON’s current system is not as strong as some other networks, such as Solana, that have more money flowing through them (liquidity) and can process more transactions quickly. If hundreds of millions of Telegram users suddenly start using TON, it can be difficult to keep up.
Future perspective
The partnership between TON and Telegram has already changed the way people view blockchain in everyday apps. As the partnership matures, we could see more stable services and potentially bigger technological leaps. For example, TON could increase its network speed to handle a wave of new users, and Telegram could refine its Mini Apps to be even friendlier to non-technical audiences.
Still, some critics argue that an exclusive focus on TON could deviate from the open, flexible nature of Web3. They question whether TON’s infrastructure can handle large-scale user needs and whether Telegram should have embraced an inclusive approach instead of just TON. Ultimately, the success of this partnership will depend on how ease of use and performance are balanced with Web3’s principles of openness and decentralization.
Should Telegram’s approach become a success, it wouldn’t be surprising if other popular apps and social networks follow suit. We could see a whole wave of exclusive blockchain deals sparking a friendly rivalry in the tech world.
Editor’s Note: Written with the help of AI – Edited and fact-checked by Jason Newey.
