Telegram’s Mini Apps have emerged as a powerful force in the Web3 landscape, significantly contributing to the adoption of blockchain technology and digital assets. Powered by The Open Network (TON) blockchain, these web applications have revolutionized the way users interact with the Telegram platform, driving massive growth in 2024.
A Competitive Edge in Web3
The TON blockchain, tightly integrated with Telegram, has provided the Mini Apps with a competitive advantage, opening up new monetization tools and enabling genuine digital asset ownership for users. According to Alena Shmalko, ecosystem lead at the TON Foundation, this integration has been pivotal in the rapid adoption of Mini Apps.
“Telegram’s platform, combined with the Web3 engine of TON, offers creators new monetization opportunities and empowers users with real ownership of their digital assets,” Shmalko explained in an interview with Cointelegraph in July.
The Surge in TON Blockchain Activity
The impact of Telegram Mini Apps on the TON blockchain has been profound. Data from DefiLlama reveals that the total value locked (TVL) in TON projects surged by over 2,000% in 2024, climbing from $14.2 million in January to $307.6 million by late August. This growth has been driven by popular Mini Apps like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat, which have collectively attracted millions of users.
Shmalko attributes this success to the seamless integration of TON’s speed, scalability, and low transaction fees with Telegram’s vast user base of 900 million. The launch of new in-app payment tools like Telegram Stars, which operate exclusively with Toncoin, has further cemented Mini Apps as a gateway for Web2 developers to transition into Web3.
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite the early success, the TON ecosystem has faced challenges. After peaking at $776.6 million in TVL on July 19, 2024, TON saw a sharp 60% decline, exacerbated by a broader sell-off in cryptocurrency markets and the detention of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France on August 24. Following Durov’s detention, TON’s TVL dropped by 5%, and Toncoin, the network’s native cryptocurrency, fell nearly 20%.
Telegram and the TON Foundation have maintained that the platform remains fully operational, with Telegram affirming its compliance with European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act. Security firms like Kaspersky have stated that Durov’s detention does not compromise Telegram’s security, although some users reported issues with the Wallet app on Telegram.
Looking Ahead
In the face of these challenges, the TON Foundation remains optimistic. Shmalko emphasized that the TON ecosystem and Telegram are “stronger than ever,” underscoring the platform’s resilience and long-term potential.
As the TON blockchain continues to evolve, Telegram Mini Apps are expected to play a central role in onboarding the next billion crypto users, bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3. With new developments on the horizon and a committed community, the future of Telegram Mini Apps and the TON ecosystem looks promising, despite recent setbacks.
Conclusion:
The rise of Telegram Mini Apps highlights the transformative potential of blockchain technology in mainstream applications. As TON and Telegram navigate challenges and capitalize on their strengths, they are poised to redefine digital interactions and ownership in the Web3 era.
