Telegram's first update of 2025 introduces collectible gifts, enabling users to transfer upgraded gifts or trade them on NFT markets.

cablea multi-platform messaging service, launched in 2025 with a major update, introducing collectible gifts that can be traded as Non-fungible tokens In third party markets.

In a Blog post On January 1, Telegram announced that gifts sent or received on its platform can now be upgraded to “collectibles.” These collectibles feature unique designs, secondary attributes such as background colors and icons, and varying levels of rarity. According to Telegram, more than 1,400 different types of gifts such as “Homemade Cake” and “Jelly Bunny” are already available, with plans to expand the collection in the future.

“When you upgrade a gift, it unlocks a new skin from among dozens of custom skins designed by Telegram artists. Collectibles also receive a random set of secondary themes, including background color, icon, and number.

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Telegram noted that the upgrades require Telegram Stars — virtual items that enable users to purchase digital goods and services through bots and mini-apps within the Telegram ecosystem — to cover blockchain fees.

The platform emphasized that the collectibles are functional, allowing users to transfer them to others or auction them “on NFT markets.” However, Telegram has not specified which markets will support these transactions.

The update also includes additional features. Users can now respond to service messages, such as notifications that are triggered when someone sends a gift, joins a group, or starts a video chat. Telegram has also introduced message search filters, enabling users to narrow down results by private chats, groups, or channels.