Telegram, the popular instant messaging platform, is making non-fungible token (NFT) trading more seamless than ever through deeper integration with the TON blockchain. With new updates announced this week, sending an NFT on Telegram is now as simple and intuitive as sending a text message.
NFTs Made Easy
In a September 3 blog post, Max Crown, President and CEO of the TON Foundation and Co-Founder of MoonPay, confirmed that Telegram has rolled out enhancements allowing users to send NFTs directly within the app.
The move builds on Telegram’s earlier blockchain experiments, but this latest feature takes accessibility to a new level. By streamlining NFT transfers into the familiar chat interface, Telegram hopes to re-energize interest in digital collectibles and expand participation beyond crypto-native users.
A Social App with a Crypto Edge
Launched in 2013, Telegram has become one of the world’s most widely used messaging services, known for its speed, security, and versatile features. The app supports everything from large group chats and broadcast channels to customizable bots and encrypted secret chats. Its cloud-based architecture also allows seamless cross-device use, setting it apart from many competitors.
Now, Telegram is extending that reputation for innovation into the Web3 space. Earlier this year, the platform introduced the ability to convert animated in-app gifts into NFTs on the TON blockchain. Each tokenized gift carried unique traits and visual variations, transforming them into one-of-a-kind digital artworks that could also be used as stickers inside Telegram.
With its latest update, Telegram is positioning NFTs not as niche crypto assets, but as part of everyday digital communication.
How It Works
The new feature integrates directly into Telegram’s chat bar, allowing users to send cryptocurrencies and NFTs with just a few taps:
Open the message bar and select the Wallet icon.
Tap Choose Asset to select a cryptocurrency and enter the amount.
To send an NFT, switch to the Collectibles tab, pick the NFT, and hit Send.
The process mirrors how users already send files, photos, or stickers — making NFT transfers familiar and frictionless.
This simplicity lowers the barrier for users who may have been hesitant about navigating blockchain wallets or marketplaces. By embedding NFT functionality directly into chat, Telegram is merging social interaction with digital ownership.
A Boost for NFT Adoption
For many in the industry, Telegram’s update underscores how social platforms can accelerate mainstream adoption of blockchain-based assets.
By combining chat functionality with NFT transfers, Telegram offers:
Ease of use: No need for third-party wallets or separate platforms.
Community-driven engagement: NFTs can circulate naturally within groups, channels, or fandom communities.
Marketing potential: Creators and projects can distribute NFTs directly to followers or community members.
Industry watchers note that this model could reshape how people perceive NFTs — shifting them from speculative assets to practical tools for social identity, digital gifting, and community building.
Telegram and TON: A Deeper Connection
Telegram’s embrace of NFTs is closely tied to its relationship with the TON blockchain. Originally developed by Telegram, TON (The Open Network) has since become an independent project but remains tightly connected to the platform.
TON’s infrastructure is designed for speed and scalability, making it well-suited for features like instant NFT transfers. The blockchain has also supported Telegram’s push to tokenize elements of its ecosystem, from gifts and stickers to collectibles and beyond.
With NFTs now integrated directly into messaging, Telegram is further blurring the line between social networking and blockchain innovation.
The Bigger Picture
Telegram’s move comes at a time when the NFT market is evolving. After explosive growth in 2021, followed by a downturn, the industry has been searching for new use cases to spark mainstream adoption.
By embedding NFTs into a widely used messaging app, Telegram provides both utility and visibility. Users who may never visit a crypto exchange or NFT marketplace can now encounter and interact with NFTs in their daily conversations.
For crypto enthusiasts, it’s a step toward wider adoption. For Telegram, it’s another way to distinguish itself in the crowded messaging app market by adding Web3-native features.
Conclusion
By making NFT transfers as easy as sending a photo or emoji, Telegram is reshaping how digital collectibles fit into online life. Its integration with the TON blockchain not only simplifies the process but also expands the cultural and social relevance of NFTs.
Whether this innovation drives widespread adoption remains to be seen, but Telegram has once again demonstrated its ability to blend technology, community, and accessibility — making the often complex world of blockchain just a little more user-friendly.
