We’ve been in crypto for many years and noticed a never-dying trend – the search for a key to the hearts of billions of people who are yet to use crypto. In simpler words, the whole crypto community is searching for an application that would make crypto accessible for everybody.  Many put their chips on Twitter, especially after Elon Musk bought it in 2023. While the Dogefather has dropped many clues about a possible integration of crypto with X, we have never seen proof of that happening.

In the meantime, Pavel Durov and his messenger, Telegram, have been making BIG waves in crypto. Now, many believe that the Russian entrepreneur and his company are the getaway to the mass adoption of crypto.  In this article, we’ll review the possibility of Telegram becoming the most important cryptocurrency application in the world. Enjoy!

What is Telegram and TON?

For those who missed the whole hype behind Telegram and its integration with TON, here’s a small breakdown of the most crucial information you need to know.  Telegram is a popular messaging app known for its speed, security, and privacy features. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, and files. However, the most important thing for us at the moment is that Telegram has over 950 MILLION active users worldwide.

TON, or The Open Network, is a decentralized blockchain platform originally developed by Telegram. It aims to enable fast, low-cost transactions and support dApps.  Now, back in March 2024, Pavel Durov went on stage at Token2049 in Dubai and announced that Telegram will only use TON for all its cryptocurrency functionalities. Since then, the hype hasn’t lowered a bit.

How Is Telegram Impacting Crypto?

If you’re wondering how exactly can a messenger app tied to a fast blockchain change the whole crypto sphere, here’s how:

Crypto Payments

Telegram made crypto payments so easy that ANY noob could do them without beating an eye. The integration with TON, a very fast and scalable blockchain, allows users to make $TON payments for in-app advertising and use stablecoins instead of fiat currencies. Since the introduction of these crypto-friendly features, TON’s blockchain has seen impressive growth.

According to TON Stat, the number of on-chain transactions has surged to over 11 million per day on average. This increase reflects the growing adoption of crypto payments and the expanding role of blockchain technology in everyday digital interactions.

Telegram’s native Wallet makes it even easier for people to keep and transact with crypto. The Wallet has an integrated P2P marketplace where investors can buy or sell cryptocurrencies (e.g.: $TON, $USDT, $BTC) using fiat currencies. Investors can also exchange crypto using the Wallet, stake them and earn APY on $TON and $USDT.

Web3 Functionality – Mini-Apps

Web3 transforms the way how we interact with digital services, making financial access more inclusive.  Unlike traditional systems that rely heavily on middlemen like banks, Web3 gives every smartphone user the full set of financial functionalities. This shift enables many people who might be financially underserved to access financial services directly.

Telegram’s integration of TON’s blockchain is a prime example of Web3 in action. Telegram, with its vast user base, has added “mini-apps” that operate within the app. These third-party applications, including games like Dogs, have significantly boosted TON’s transaction activity. In fact, the engagement in such mini-apps has led to over 13.5 million transactions on the network.

What’s notable is that this activity comes from ordinary users engaging with these apps because they are enjoyable, not from typical crypto traders. The massive number of transactions underscores that Web3 is becoming mainstream, with Telegram acting as a key gateway. TON’s design, which includes “workchains,” allows for high transaction throughput, but the recent Lost Dogs token airdrop highlighted some scalability issues. Validators with older hardware struggled, causing outages and revealing the challenges of scaling to millions of users.

But, once all these issues are solved, TON and Telegram will be able to offer a fully functioning Web3 universe for its users. Developers are NOW working on different financial applications that would work inside Telegram – starting from simple non-custodial wallets to DEXs and more.

Retail Onboarding

Onboarding retail users to crypto has become more accessible thanks to mini-apps like Dogs, Hamster Kombat, Notcoin, Blum, Hot Wallet and Pixelverse within Telegram.  These games attract millions of users who may not even be aware they’re engaging with cryptocurrency. The key here is that these games integrate seamlessly into Telegram’s existing ecosystem, making it easy for users to get involved without needing to understand complex crypto concepts.

Users on Telegram primarily engage with friends, groups, and mini-app games on their phones. They aren’t necessarily crypto enthusiasts but are Telegram natives who enjoy the platform’s features.

According to Gleb Kostarev, the co-founder and CEO at Blum, more than 50% of all Telegram tap-and-earn users said they hadn’t interacted with Web3 before.

The beauty of this approach is its simplicity. Users can participate and benefit from these games or apps without having to learn about private keys, gas fees, or staking, which are often confusing for newcomers. The process is designed to be straightforward, focusing on enjoyment rather than the technicalities of cryptocurrency.

By making crypto accessible through familiar and enjoyable activities, Telegram’s mini-apps are effectively onboarding a broader audience. This method eliminates the need for users to dive into the complexities of the crypto world immediately. Instead, they can start with what they know and gradually explore more as their interest grows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Telegram emerged as a powerful gateway to the mass adoption of cryptocurrency. By seamlessly integrating Web3 technologies into its platform through mini-apps and engaging games, Telegram offers a user-friendly entry point into the world of crypto. As more users discover and interact with crypto through Telegram, the potential for widespread adoption and integration continues to grow.