In an exciting move that showcases its dedication to blockchain technology, Telegram founder Pavel Durov revealed plans to tokenize stickers and emojis on the messaging app’s platform, utilizing The Open Network (TON). This significant step not only demonstrates Telegram’s embrace of blockchain’s potential but also opens up fresh opportunities for creativity, monetization, and user engagement within the messaging ecosystem.
During his keynote address at the Token2049 event in Dubai, Durov emphasized blockchain’s ability to promote freedom and privacy, aligning with Telegram’s core values of empowering users and fostering a decentralized digital environment. With over 900 million monthly users globally, Telegram aims to empower its community to develop tools, apps, and businesses on its platform, offering an alternative approach to traditional monetization models prevalent in the social media landscape.
Unlike major messaging and social media platforms that rely on selling user data to advertisers, Telegram is pioneering a fairer revenue-sharing model through its Ad Network. Durov unveiled plans to share 50% of the revenue generated from ads and broadcast channels with content creators and channel owners, leveraging TON’s blockchain infrastructure for transparent and efficient transactions.
By leveraging blockchain protocols, Telegram seeks to circumvent the limitations imposed by centralized payment processing mechanisms enforced by tech giants like Apple and Google. This move not only ensures greater autonomy for users and content creators but also lays the groundwork for innovative monetization strategies within the platform.
In a groundbreaking development, Telegram is set to tokenize stickers and emojis on its platform using the TON blockchain. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the evolution of digital assets, as Telegram becomes the first social media platform to tokenize its user namespace. With a thriving in-platform market generating $350 million in sales, Telegram is poised to expand its tokenization efforts, offering users new avenues for creativity and expression.
Durov highlighted the scalability benefits offered by TON’s network, which can process tens to hundreds of millions of transactions, laying the foundation for seamless integration of tokenized assets within Telegram’s ecosystem. This scalability is crucial for handling the anticipated surge in demand for tokenized stickers and emojis among Telegram’s vast user base.
Following Durov’s announcement, stablecoin operator Tether unveiled plans to launch USDT and Tether Gold (XAUT) stablecoins on the TON network, further enhancing the platform’s utility and ecosystem. While Telegram initially developed TON, subsequent legal challenges led to the project’s transition to open-source development, culminating in the establishment of the TON Foundation.
As Telegram continues to innovate and push the boundaries of blockchain technology, the integration of tokenized stickers and emojis marks a significant milestone in the evolution of digital assets within messaging platforms. With blockchain-powered monetization models and decentralized features becoming increasingly prevalent, Telegram’s embrace of blockchain sets a precedent for the future of digital communication and creativity. As the NFT craze continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Telegram’s foray into tokenized stickers and emojis signals that the NFT revolution is far from over—it’s just getting started.
