Telegram and TON Foundation strengthen their partnership: TON becomes the exclusive blockchain for mini apps

The TON Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the community of The Open Network (TON), has announced the expansion of its partnership with Telegram Messenger for the blockchain.

Thanks to this agreement, TON becomes the exclusive blockchain for Telegram’s Mini App system, providing support to the messaging platform, which has over 950 million active users monthly.  

This collaboration marks an important turning point for the TON ecosystem, which has already experienced significant growth following the launch of the joint initiative in 2023. 

Telegram, with its updates dedicated to Mini Apps and the integration of Toncoin for payments and transactions, is contributing to the large-scale adoption of the TON blockchain.  

TON Connect: unified standard for blockchain transactions thanks to Telegram

One of the key elements of this expansion is the adoption of TON Connect as the exclusive protocol for connecting Telegram Mini Apps to blockchain-based wallets. 

This system offers a simplified user experience, allowing all Web3 applications integrated into Telegram to authorize blockchain transactions via TON.  

All Mini Apps that integrate blockchain functionalities, including wallets custodial and non-custodial, user authorizations, and on-chain digital signatures, will need to implement TON Connect as the sole connection protocol by next month.

Telegram has confirmed that it will exclusively accept Toncoin for all payments not based on traditional currencies. This includes services such as:  

• – Telegram Stars, the currency system for content and in-app purchases
• – Telegram Premium, the subscription that offers advanced features
• – Telegram Ads, the advertising platform of Telegram
• – Telegram Gateway, an alternative to traditional SMS verification

Furthermore, the developers of Telegram Mini Apps and channel owners will receive payments in Toncoin for their earnings from Telegram Stars and advertisements.  

Tokenization of digital assets on TON blockchain

Telegram has announced the intention to tokenize digital assets exclusively on the TON blockchain. 

Elements such as emoji, digital stickers, and limited edition gifts will be included in the form of NFT (non-fungible tokens). This integration will bring a new dimension to the concept of digital content, transforming them into tradable assets within the TON-Telegram ecosystem.

According to Manuel Stotz, President of TON Foundation, this collaboration represents just the beginning of exponential growth. Stotz stated:  

“After laying the foundations in recent years, TON is now ready for explosive growth in 2025. The renewed and exclusive partnership with Telegram is a crucial step in our journey. Telegram is the sixth most downloaded app in the world, a symbol of freedom of expression and the go-to platform for the global blockchain community. No other blockchain has a comparable distribution. As TON continues its global expansion, we reiterate our ambition to reach over 500 million users by the end of the decade.”

To ensure a smooth transition, developers are encouraged to adapt their applications to the new Telegram specifications. 

Those who complete the migration by the deadline set by Telegram will receive additional benefits from the TON Foundation, including:  

• – Promotional support to increase the visibility of the Mini Apps
• – Up to 50,000 dollars in advertising credits to accelerate growth in the TON ecosystem
• – Dedicated technical support and community onboarding
• – Exclusive marketing opportunities to reach new users

All the details on the migration and the guidelines for developers are already available, encouraging development teams to prepare for the transition to the TON blockchain.  

A blockchain future integrated into Telegram

The exclusive integration of TON with Telegram represents a milestone for the Web3 world. With a user base exceeding 950 million people, the new agreement offers TON an extraordinary opportunity for expansion in the blockchain landscape.  

This strategy could transform Telegram into a central hub for the digital economy, with a blockchain-based ecosystem designed to ensure secure, fast, and decentralized transactions.  
As a result, TON is consolidating its position as a leading blockchain infrastructure for messaging applications and beyond, supporting a long-term vision for the growth of Web3.