Telegram announced this week that it will allow users to convert gifts into NFTs on the open network using Telegram Stars, the in-app currency linked to... Tonquin (tons)the native token of the blockchain network.

GiftsUnveiled by Telegram in October, it is a collection of animated artwork and custom messages that can be rendered and then displayed on a user's Telegram profile.

The new feature is part of Telegram's first update of 2025, and will allow users of its messaging app to upgrade more than 20 existing gifts — like Jelly Bunny and Santa Hat — into collectibles, also known as NFTs, in exchange for "a small amount of Telegram Stars," which covers The cost of blockchain fees.

while Telegram blog Indicates that the feature is now active, Decryption He was unable to access the feature within the app as of this writing.

When upgraded, the item takes on a new custom look designed by Telegram's artists, complete with secondary themes "including background color, icon, and number."

Users will then be able to transfer Telegram NFTs to other users, or they can auction them off on TON secondary markets like Getgems.

The update is the latest in a series of moves that have brought Telegram deeper into Web3. Again in 2023, An autonomous wallet called TON Space It was launched on Telegram, allowing users to join and quickly gain access to the open network. In early 2024, Telegram announced this Share advertising revenue on its platform With channel owners, you pay by the ton.

After a few months, The star telegram was launchedan in-app currency that can be purchased with fiat money that allows developers to sell digital goods and services via Telegram mini apps and games. Those stars become transferable for TON.

This addition coincided with the emergence of Telegram's click-to-earn gaming ecosystem and other simple mini-apps, which attracted millions of players and eventually led to massive cryptocurrency token drops - like those from Not a currency and Hamster Kombat.

According to TON's core developer who goes by the pseudonym Dr. Awesome Doge, simple games and apps are just the beginning. talking to Decryption In July, He expressed his confidence Telegram mini apps will become more complex as independent companies seek to engage their massive user base.

As Telegram has progressed, its beloved blockchain and its native token have made big leaps as well, with TON growing to become the 15th largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization according to CoinGecko. TON reached a new all-time high last June when it traded at $8.25.

The open network was originally developed by Telegram under the name Telegram Open Network before regulatory scrutiny forced the company to abandon the project in 2020. Community developers stepped in to take over, resulting in the current network.

TON has recovered 30% from its all-time high, but is still up 165% on the year, trading at $5.79 at the time of writing.

Modified by Andrew Hayward