In a move that blends innovation with personalization, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has announced the upcoming launch of a new feature allowing users to send NFT-based gifts. This announcement follows the debut of the Telegram Gifts feature on October 5, designed for users to send customized messages and animated visuals to celebrate friends and special occasions. Not only can these animations display on profiles, but they can also convert into in-app currency known as “Stars.”
With Telegram Gifts, users can send animated surprises to their contacts, viewable under the Gifts tab on profiles or redeemed for Stars. These Stars, introduced in June, empower creators by supporting payments through Telegram’s Mini Apps for digital services and content support on the platform.
Telegram Integrates NFT Compatibility with Gifts
Expanding on the Gifts launch, Durov revealed that some animated art pieces will be convertible into NFTs later this year, powered by the TON blockchain. These limited-edition gifts can be auctioned and traded outside Telegram, giving users blockchain-recorded ownership. The Web3 game Hamster Kombat—a Telegram-based title—will also integrate NFTs as in-game assets starting November 2024.
Telegram’s NFT Push Amidst Industry Slump
While Telegram is embracing NFTs, the broader NFT market has seen a dip, hitting its lowest sales since 2021. NFT sales in September reached $296 million, down 81% from March, the peak month of the year. Additionally, NFT transaction volumes dropped by 32% from August to September, with only 4.9 million transactions compared to 7.3 million the previous month.
