In the rapidly evolving landscape of public blockchains, The Open Network (TON) has emerged as a standout contender—powered by one of the most influential social platforms in the world: Telegram. With over 900 million monthly active users, Telegram offers TON an unprecedented advantage in user acquisition and real-world adoption. This article explores how TON is redefining the Web3 entry point through seamless integration, user-friendly tools, and innovative monetization models—and why developers should act now to capture early-mover benefits.
Why TON Stands Out in the Public Chain Race
While Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains continue to compete fiercely, especially with the rise of modular infrastructures and one-click deployment tools, user experience and traffic acquisition have become decisive factors. TON doesn’t just compete—it bypasses traditional onboarding hurdles by leveraging Telegram’s massive, engaged user base.
Key differentiators include:
- Native wallet integration within Telegram for frictionless onboarding
- Mini Apps as a new standard for mobile-first dApp interaction
- On-chain advertising powered by Toncoin, creating real utility and asset circulation
These features position TON not just as another blockchain, but as a gateway between Web 2.0 and Web3, where billions of non-crypto-native users can transition smoothly into decentralized applications.
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The Power of Telegram: A Built-In Web3 On-Ramp
1. Massive, Untapped User Base
Telegram’s 900 million users—concentrated in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—are highly engaged, privacy-conscious, and increasingly open to digital monetization. Unlike U.S.-centric platforms, Telegram has cultivated a global community that values autonomy and direct interaction—traits that align naturally with Web3 principles.
More importantly, these users are already accustomed to social commerce, bots, and microtransactions, making them ideal candidates for blockchain-based services. By embedding Web3 functionality directly into Telegram, TON eliminates the need for external wallets, seed phrases, or complex UIs—dramatically lowering the barrier to entry.
2. Mini Apps: The Future of Mobile dApps
One of TON’s most transformative innovations is Telegram Mini Apps—lightweight HTML-based applications that run natively within the Telegram interface. Think of them as WeChat Mini Programs, but fully integrated with blockchain capabilities.
Mini Apps allow users to:
- Interact with dApps without leaving Telegram
- Use familiar Web 2.0 interfaces with Web3 backend logic
- Seamlessly manage assets via the built-in TON Wallet
This hybrid model bridges the gap between traditional app usability and decentralized ownership. For developers, it means faster onboarding, higher retention, and lower distribution costs.
Data shows this approach works: in 2023, Telegram bot transaction volumes surged, with top bots like Banana Gun and BONKBot achieving daily volumes exceeding $30 million—rivaling established DeFi platforms like SushiSwap.
Driving Asset Inflow: Wallet and Ads as Growth Engines
1. Embedded Wallet: Frictionless Onboarding
The TON Wallet, integrated directly into Telegram, is a game-changer for user adoption. It supports:
- Non-custodial accounts with email-like recovery (no seed phrases)
- Credit card deposits (no need for crypto onramps)
- Instant transfers and payments within chats
This experience mirrors WeChat Pay or Venmo—familiar, fast, and secure. New users can onboard without understanding gas fees or private keys, while still maintaining full control of their assets.
2. Ad Platform: Real-World Utility for Toncoin
In March 2024, Telegram launched a global advertising platform where:
- Advertisers pay in Toncoin
- Channel owners receive 50% of ad revenue in Toncoin
This creates a powerful flywheel:
- Ad spend increases demand for Toncoin
- Creators earn crypto rewards, incentivizing content creation
- More high-quality channels attract more users
- Increased activity drives further app adoption on TON
It’s effectively a de facto airdrop mechanism, distributing value directly to active participants while fueling ecosystem growth.
Strategic Opportunities for Developers
With infrastructure maturing and user momentum building, now is the time for developers to establish a foothold in the TON ecosystem. Two key strategies stand out:
Strategy 1: Leverage Telegram’s Strengths
Gaming: Where Traffic Meets Monetization
Web3 gaming has long struggled with retention and scalability. TON changes that by offering:
- Immediate access to millions of potential players
- Built-in monetization via ads and microtransactions
- Social virality through invites and sharing
Successful projects like Tap Fantasy, Fanton, and Egg Fight Club already boast over 1.5 million monthly users, proving that engaging gameplay combined with easy access can drive mass adoption.
Developers should focus on social-first games that blend entertainment with earning mechanics—without relying solely on token speculation.
Social Traffic Tools: Unlocking Data Value
Telegram’s privacy-first design limits official access to user data—creating an opening for third-party tools that can ethically aggregate insights while respecting privacy.
Projects like Notcoin—a simple tap-to-earn app with over 21 million users—demonstrate how social incentives can drive massive engagement. With 95% of its users coming from referrals, Notcoin proves the power of network effects.
Future opportunities lie in building advanced analytics platforms, referral marketing tools, or advertising middleware that help creators and brands optimize their reach—all powered by on-chain transparency.
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Strategy 2: Capture Early Ecosystem Advantages
DeFi: The Foundation of Sustainable Growth
Despite its traffic edge, TON’s Total Value Locked (TVL) remains relatively low compared to mature chains—a sign of untapped potential.
The recent launch of The Open League—a liquidity incentive program—saw TON’s TVL grow by 41% in TON terms and 2.3x in USD terms within two weeks. This surge signals strong demand for yield opportunities.
Key DeFi opportunities include:
- Lending protocols: Enable asset-backed borrowing and capital efficiency
- Perpetual DEXs: Attract traders with high-frequency, leveraged trading
- Yield aggregators: Simplify access to returns for retail users
Given TON’s unique smart contract language (FunC), migration from EVM chains is difficult—meaning early movers face less competition and greater chances of becoming dominant players.
Telegram Infrastructure Tools: Building the Backbone
As Mini Apps grow in complexity, so does the need for supporting infrastructure. Lightweight tools that enhance Telegram’s core features—Groups, Channels, Bots—can quickly gain traction.
Examples include:
- Group moderation bots with token-based governance
- Analytics dashboards for channel performance (e.g., Telemetree)
- No-code builders for cross-chain dApps (Xircus)
- Micro-investment apps using spare change (TonStash)
These tools not only serve immediate needs but can evolve into essential SaaS platforms as businesses adopt Telegram for customer engagement.
Spotlight: Promising Projects in the TON Bootcamp
Future3 Campus and the TON Foundation recently launched a bootcamp to accelerate ecosystem development, selecting 12 high-potential teams:
- Tradoor: Decentralized derivatives trading platform on TON
- NFBT Ticketing: Sell movie tickets via Telegram Mini App
- WowFish: Social fishing game with real-time multiplayer
- Bounty Bay: Social commerce platform for creators
- BOOM UP: Tower-defense GameFi with NFT buffs
- Anome: NFT lending protocol for gaming assets
- HypeSaints: NFT-gated mobile console
- DaoBot: Community management bot with DAO features
- TonsofFriends: Marketplace for premium Telegram groups
These projects represent the cutting edge of TON innovation—blending social interaction, gaming, commerce, and finance into cohesive experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes TON different from other EVM-compatible chains?
A: TON isn’t EVM-compatible—it uses its own stack optimized for speed and scalability. More importantly, it’s deeply integrated with Telegram, giving it unmatched access to real users and organic growth channels.
Q: Can I build dApps on TON without learning FunC?
A: While FunC is the native language, tools like TON Studio and frameworks from projects like Xircus are lowering barriers. Some platforms offer no-code solutions for Mini App development.
Q: Is Toncoin only used for ads?
A: No—Toncoin powers transactions, staking, DeFi interactions, NFT trading, and more. The ad platform simply adds a major new utility layer.
Q: How do I get started developing on TON?
A: Begin with the official TON Developer Portal, explore GitHub repositories, join developer communities on Telegram, and consider applying to accelerator programs like TON Bootcamp.
Q: Are there grants or funding available for TON projects?
A: Yes—the TON Foundation actively funds promising teams through grants, hackathons, and incubation programs like the one run by Future3 Campus.
Q: What’s the biggest risk for TON’s growth?
A: Over-reliance on Telegram’s roadmap. While integration is strong, long-term success depends on building independent value—especially in DeFi, infrastructure, and cross-chain interoperability.