Telegram Boosts Crypto Integration, Launches Feature for Creators to Earn Toncoin

One of the leading messaging apps, Telegram, is doubling down on its plans to integrate cryptocurrencies into its platform. It recently launched a feature that allows content creators to earn Toncoin (TON), the native coin of The Open Network. 

Related: Telegram’s ‘Notcoin’ Teams Up with 1inch and Sign to Launch ‘Triangle’, a New Accelerator for TON Apps.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Telegram’s developers revealed that users can now send reactions in the form of Stars—an in-app currency linked to TON—to creators and channels within the app. 

These Stars can then be converted into Toncoin, and for those who prefer not to convert their Stars into cryptocurrency, there is an option to use them as payment for advertising on the platform. Either way, channel operators will receive 100% of the Stars they earn.

Moreover, users who send Stars must purchase them through a paid reaction function within the app, adding a monetisation layer for content interactions.

Introducing Crypto to the Masses With Mini-Apps

The move is part of a broader effort by both Telegram and The Open Network, which operates independently, to transform the messaging app into a hub for crypto activities. 

With nearly one billion users globally, it’s almost a no-brainer that Telegram is pushing to integrate cryptocurrency features to capitalise on its massive user base. Telegram mini-apps, which are decentralised applications (dApps) in a sense, have helped the messenger’s user base reach new heights.

Justin Hyun, director of investments at TON Foundation, believes these apps can potentially introduce a broad user base to blockchain technology without the need for explicit crypto education and technical know-how.

We believe mass adoption really comes in the form of simple use cases in the beginning, and then there will be drop-offs of more sophisticated users going into different types of use cases. But bringing 500 million people on-chain by 2028, which is our goal, is going to require use cases that interact with the blockchain without the user knowing that in the front end.

Justin Hyun, TON Foundation

Related: Telegram Fuels Crypto Gaming Boom with New ‘Mini App Bar’ for Seamless Gameplay and Multitasking

Move Away, Tap-to-Earn

Speaking about that, TapSwap, a popular Telegram game built on The Open Network, has shifted from the typical tap-to-earn model to a new city-builder mode called “Tappy Town.”

Tappy Town, which debuted on Monday, has added a new layer of strategy and engagement to the TapSwap experience instead of the typical tap-to-earn model that even Notcoin is drifting away from (as they claim it’s simply not sustainable in the long run).

Within TapSwap, players can now build, upgrade, and enhance various buildings in the game to unlock additional rewards. Moreover, users’ achievements in Tappy Town will reflect the size of their rewards. So, the bigger and better the city, the better the rewards.