Telegram Introduces Limited-Edition ‘Gifts’, Enabling Recipients To Convert Them Into TON-Based NFTs

Social media platform and messaging service Telegram introduced a new feature called “Gifts” ahead of the holiday season. This will allow recipients to showcase their gifts on their profiles or sell them in exchange for Stars.

As per the announcement, some gifts will be available in limited quantities, and Telegram will later support the conversion of these limited-edition gifts into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) based on The Open Network (TON) blockchain. This will enable users to auction or trade these tokenized gifts outside the platform, with ownership being securely recorded on the blockchain.

Following the release of the Gift, the initial supply, including 500,000 lollipops and 100,000 cherry blossoms, was quickly sold out, according to the platform. Telegram is currently working on an update to improve how sold-out items are managed and is considering introducing more gifts. 

Telegram Enhances User Experience

Telegram is recognized as a leading messaging platform, known for its alignment with many principles of the cryptocurrency ethos and its extensive global user base. The platform has more than 900 million active users each month and sees over 1 trillion channel views monthly.

The successful integration of emerging technologies into the Telegram user experience is seen as a key factor in driving the platform’s continued growth.

In June, Telegram introduced Stars, an internal cryptocurrency aimed at enhancing the user experience within its ecosystem. This move was largely driven by the desire to overcome restrictions imposed by the App Store and Google Play, which had previously limited direct interaction between users and Telegram and enforced strict guidelines. By implementing this internal purchasing system, Telegram provides a more seamless and compliant experience for its vast user base.