Telegram rolls out first major update of 2025
Instant messaging software Telegram launched its first major update at the beginning of 2025, the most eye-catching of which is the introduction of a third-party verification system and NFT gift function. According to (TechCrunch) reports, Telegram officially launched this update on January 2. Through a new third-party verification system, trusted organizations such as education unions or regulators can now verify accounts. These verified accounts will display a unique icon, differentiated from the traditional blue checkmark, to ensure greater transparency and security.
Source: TechCrunch Verified Telegram accounts will display a unique icon that differs from the traditional blue check mark
Telegram emphasized that this new method aims to reduce misinformation and fraud and provide a decentralized solution for account verification. Verified entities must first go through a rigorous review process, including application and identity verification. Organizations can then use their Bot API to manage verification, assign or remove verification status to their affiliates.
Another highlight of the update is the ability to convert digital gifts into NFTs, which feature customized icons and backgrounds and can be traded across multiple platforms. Users can send these gifts using Telegram Stars, which can be purchased within the app or through the Fragment platform using the TON wallet. Users can trade these NFTs across multiple platforms, and Telegram will charge a small fee to cover blockchain transaction costs.
For public figures and organizations seeking official verification, the updated Page Verification Guidelines require accounts to be active and well-known on at least two major social media platforms, such as TikTok or YouTube. Alternatively, you can use links to verified Wikipedia pages or official websites. Applicants must prove their credibility through a news article or link to an official page and then apply through @VerifyBot.
Source: Telegram’s updated page verification guidelines require accounts to be on at least two major social media platforms to receive official verification
Upgrade your collection of gifts to NFT to expand the trading market
In addition to third-party verification, Telegram’s update also introduces the concept of “collection gifts”, allowing users to upgrade gifts sent or received on the platform into “collections”. These collectibles have secondary features such as unique designs, background colors and illustrations, as well as varying levels of rarity. According to Telegram’s official introduction, there are more than 1,400 gift variations available, such as “Homemade Cake” and “Jelly Bunny”, with plans to expand the collection series in the future.
Source: Telegram Telegram’s update also introduces the concept of “collection gifts”. Users can upgrade gifts sent or received on the platform into “collections”
“When you upgrade your gift, it unlocks new looks with dozens of custom variations made by Telegram artists. The collectible also receives a random set of secondary characteristics, including background color, icon, and number. Telegram said in a blog post.
Telegram notes that the upgrade requires Telegram Stars — virtual items that users can use to purchase digital goods and services through bots and mini-apps in the Telegram ecosystem — to pay for blockchain fees. The platform emphasizes that collectibles are functional and allow users to transfer them to others or auction them on the NFT market.
However, Telegram did not specify which markets will support these transactions. The update also includes other features. Users can now react to service messages, such as notifications triggered when someone sends a gift, joins a group, or starts a video chat. Telegram has also introduced filters for information searches, allowing users to narrow search results by private chats, groups or channels.
Source: Telegram Telegram has also introduced filters for information search, allowing users to narrow search results by private chat, group or channel
$TON coin price fluctuations and market overview
Meanwhile, the price of Telegram’s native cryptocurrency Toncoin ($TON) has increased by 1.3% in the past 24 hours, trading at $5.67. However, it fell 17.6% over the past month. The current market capitalization is approximately $14.4 billion, with a 24-hour trading volume of $188 million.
Source: CoinGecko $TON price basic information
In a related update, users can explore more than 130 cryptocurrency Telegram channels in 2024 for trading signals, price predictions, news and discussions. These channels provide crypto enthusiasts with diverse insights, from airdrop notifications to market analysis, catering to both beginners and experts. Telegram’s move to combine gift collection with the NFT market not only brings a new interactive experience to users, but also demonstrates its active exploration in the application of blockchain technology.
"Big update for the new year!" Telegram launches 2 major features that can effectively prevent fraud? 』This article was first published in "CryptoCity"
