Can Telegram Really Accelerate Global Crypto Adoption?

To broaden the adoption of cryptocurrencies, bold strategies are needed, and Telegram provides a shining example. With its 950 million users, the app integrates tools like crypto Mini Apps or built-in wallets, facilitating access to digital assets. This central role of Telegram in the ecosystem of The Open Network (TON) generates considerable enthusiasm, even if its ambitions are not limited to the platform.

Telegram, much more than just a messenger

With its innovative Mini Apps and crypto wallets, Telegram establishes itself as an essential player in the crypto universe. Indeed, it is the key to crypto growth in Africa and Eastern Europe, say some observers. These tools allow users to buy, store, and exchange digital assets directly from the app.

Among the flagship projects of the TON ecosystem are Hamster Kombat and Notcoin, applications that have captivated a broad audience.

Some enlightening figures:

• Telegram has over 950 million users worldwide;
• Google Chrome browser, in comparison, totals 3.45 billion users;
• The TON blockchain shows impressive growth in 2024 thanks to its diverse projects.

As Luke Mulks, Vice President of Brave, points out, “crypto adoption on Telegram is a natural extension of its role as a major hub for crypto communication“.

However, this breakthrough does not threaten other players like browsers, which continue to strengthen their Web3 offerings.

TON: beyond Telegram

If Telegram is a driver for TON, the ambition of the ecosystem goes beyond messaging boundaries. According to Alena Shmalko, head of the TON ecosystem, “Telegram is just one channel among others for projects based on TON“.

Indeed, the foundation multiplies approaches: web applications, Chrome extensions, or new features for TON.

This diversification is strategic as it broadens possibilities for users, whether they prefer an integrated approach within Telegram or more traditional solutions via browser. This flexibility meets a growing demand for simplified interactions with cryptocurrencies.

However, Telegram is not without controversies. In addition to its contribution to popular projects like Hamster Kombat, the app has been criticized for its use by criminal networks. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Telegram has become a paradise for crypto fraudsters, particularly in Southeast Asia, raising questions about the security of the ecosystem.