Orhan 
The instant messaging platform Telegram has introduced a new “Gifts” feature, allowing users to step into the world of digital collectibles and NFTs. Animated gifts sent between users are used as tools for social interaction within the platform, and they can also be converted into the in-app currency called Stars. Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, announced that they will take a new step by transforming these gifts into NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). This integration, which will occur through the TON blockchain, will allow limited-edition gifts to be recorded as NFTs and traded outside of Telegram.
Gifts and the NFT Transformation
In 2023, Telegram launched the Stars feature, allowing users to pay for digital services within the platform. Expanding this service to offer animated gifts in NFT format is a major innovation for users. Durov stated that this new integration will be implemented “later in 2024” and emphasized that by transforming gifts into NFTs, limited-edition digital artworks will appeal to a broader market. The use of blockchain technology in this process will ensure that users can secure ownership of these digital assets.
This development has the potential to make Telegram a stronger player in the Web3 space. While NFTs experienced a massive boom in 2021, their trading volumes have seen significant declines in recent years. However, the involvement of major platforms like Telegram could lead to a revival of the NFT ecosystem.
Web3 and Gaming Integrations
The Telegram ecosystem is not limited to just gifts. Popular Web3 games, such as Hamster Kombat, are also preparing to add NFT integrations to the platform. Hamster Kombat announced that it would introduce NFTs as in-game assets in November. This development deepens the integration between Web3 games and social platforms, and Telegram’s support for such digital collectibles could attract significant attention from both the gaming world and the digital collectibles market.
The General State of the NFT Marke
Although innovations in the NFT space continue, the overall market outlook remains challenging. NFT sales volumes, which peaked in 2021, dropped to $296 million by September 2024, the lowest level since January 2021. This represents an 81% decline compared to the $1.6 billion peak in March 2024. Additionally, NFT transactions fell by 32%, from 7.3 million in August to 4.9 million in September 2024.
Telegram aims to boost interest in the NFT ecosystem, despite these challenges. By merging the value of NFTs with digital ownership and blockchain technology, the future potential of these digital assets grows. As Durov mentioned, these limited-edition digital gifts will be recorded on the TON blockchain, allowing users to freely trade these assets on platforms outside of Telegram. This could expand the reach of NFTs through social media platforms and drive growth in the market.