The Open Network (TON) is rapidly climbing the ranks of NFT activity, thanks to a surge in popularity of Telegram Collectible Gifts. Spearheaded by Telegram founder Pavel Durov, the blockchain has now become one of the most active platforms for NFT trading, second only to Ethereum—if off-chain transactions are excluded.
In a recent statement, Durov noted the exponential rise in trading volume for Telegram’s Collectible Gifts, which integrate directly with the chat app’s features. These digital items can be displayed in profiles, traded within chats, and even used as animated stickers, merging social interaction with NFT functionality.
“TON is now the top blockchain for daily NFT trading volume, or second after Ethereum when off-chain trades aren’t counted,” Durov shared on X, along with analytics from Dune and other tracking platforms.
The success of Telegram Collectible Gifts has pushed TON ahead of rival Solana in NFT metrics. Minting these NFTs is both affordable and accessible, encouraging mass adoption. Their integration into Telegram’s ecosystem—including the newly launched Telegram Gifts Marketplace—has created a seamless experience for users to buy, sell, and showcase their collections.
A defining feature of these NFTs is their connection to Telegram Stars, a digital reward token also used in Telegram-based games. One such game, Boinkers, has seen over $821,000 in star-related withdrawals, with anonymous whales reportedly cashing out up to $2 million. This economic layer adds utility and value to the collectibles beyond mere aesthetics.
Currently, TON hosts 21 NFT collections, including familiar IPs like Pudgy Penguins, but the standout performers are the organically grown Telegram gifts. These collections have quickly gained cult followings, with some rare stickers fetching premium prices. Since February, over $36 million in sales has been recorded, with more than half of the 184,000 wallets created in 2025 alone—signaling rapid user base growth.
While the broader NFT market remains subdued—down 95% from its peak, with many projects abandoned or devalued—TON’s unique integration of social media, gaming, and collectibles offers a fresh path forward. The recent relaunch of OpenSea has also given the wider NFT ecosystem a slight boost, but it is platforms like TON that are redefining what NFT engagement looks like.
As TON and Telegram continue to merge community, utility, and collectibles, the line between social media and blockchain innovation grows ever thinner. With the right mix of user experience, rarity, and affordability, TON’s NFT future looks increasingly promising.
