Massive User Growth and New Features
Telegram is on the brink of a significant milestone, with founder Pavel Durov announcing that the platform is nearing 1 billion active users this year, having recently hit 950 million. To further enhance user experience, Telegram is set to introduce an app store and an in-app browser supporting web3 pages, both expected to launch this month.
Expanding into Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
Continued Interest and Innovations
Despite an initial coin offering failure in 2018, Telegram remains committed to cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. Since December 2022, the platform has been auctioning usernames on the TON blockchain and enabling developers to create mini-apps and games using cryptocurrency for transactions. Recently, Telegram has started sharing advertising revenue with channel owners via toncoin, a token on the TON blockchain.
New Features for Channel Owners
Telegram now allows channel owners to convert stars to toncoin for discounted advertising or cryptocurrency trading. The company is also planning a decentralized verification marketplace, enabling organizations to issue labels for channels through their mini-apps. These innovations aim to bolster Telegram’s ecosystem and enhance user engagement.
Tackling Scams and Fraud
To combat scams and fraudulent schemes, particularly involving toncoin theft, Telegram is implementing measures such as displaying the registration month and primary country for public accounts. These steps aim to increase transparency and protect users from malicious activities.
Boosting User Numbers with Blockchain Games
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Popular Games on the TON Blockchain
The surge in Telegram’s user numbers is partly due to the growing interest in blockchain games on the platform. Notable successes include games like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat, which have attracted millions of players with their innovative play-to-earn models. Notcoin allows players to convert virtual earnings into NOT tokens on the TON blockchain, supported by exchanges like Binance and OKX. This has helped the TON blockchain achieve a market cap of $17 billion, ranking it among the top ten cryptocurrencies globally.
Engaging Gameplay and Future Prospects
Hamster Kombat has been particularly successful, amassing over 250 million users with its engaging gameplay and the promise of future token launches on the TON network. Other emerging games, such as Yescoin, TapSwap, and PixelTap, are also contributing to Telegram’s user growth, often collaborating to offer mutual benefits for token holders.
Conclusion
Telegram’s rapid user growth and innovative features highlight its commitment to enhancing user experience and integrating advanced technologies. With the introduction of an app store, web3 browser, and continued blockchain innovations, Telegram is poised to reach new heights, solidifying its position as a leading global messaging platform.