Telegram, the global messaging platform with more than 900 million monthly active users, has expanded its Web3 strategy with the introduction of NFT stickers on the TON Blockchain. This step is part of the company’s broader vision of turning popular in-app features into ownable and tradable digital assets.
Through the Sticker Pack initiative, Telegram has enabled users to mint, trade, and collect limited-edition stickers created by artists and Web3 communities. These digital items, which were once only a form of expression, can now become scarce, transferable assets within the platform. The development marks an extension of Telegram’s earlier experiments with tokenized elements such as usernames, anonymous numbers, and digital gifts.
Expanding ownership within the app
The move was previewed by Telegram founder Pavel Durov at TOKEN2049 in Dubai in April 2024, when he highlighted the company’s intention to bring stickers into the blockchain ecosystem. The launch represents what many in the community describe as the natural progression of Telegram’s strategy to give users greater ownership over the tools they use daily.
With NFT stickers, users gain the ability to hold digital items that reflect their online identity and community participation. The first wave of collections includes contributions from well-known Web3 brands such as Bored Ape Yacht Club and Pudgy Penguins.
These NFTs are accessible directly through Telegram’s Sticker Pack feature or via Getgems, the leading NFT marketplace on the TON Blockchain. Activity on TON’s sticker market had already been growing, with trading volume climbing 8 percent last month to reach 1.6 million dollars. Industry observers believe the official introduction of NFT stickers could accelerate this momentum significantly.
Community-driven cultural shift
Stickers have long been one of Telegram’s most frequently used tools, exchanged millions of times daily. By moving them on-chain, the company has opened the door to what many see as one of the largest opportunities for mainstream NFT adoption.
Executives at Sticker Pack emphasized that these digital items are more than just decorative images. They were described as cultural markers that unite communities under shared themes and identities. The integration of NFT stickers directly into Telegram, alongside existing features like usernames and gifts, was positioned as a crucial step toward the company’s Web3 vision.
Sticker Pack also confirmed upcoming collaborations, including a partnership with a major Hollywood studio. Additionally, a new platform for creators is in development to allow artists and communities to design collections, bringing new participants into the TON ecosystem and potentially revitalizing the broader NFT market.
Strengthening digital identity
The tokenization of stickers follows earlier success with Telegram’s tokenized gifts, which sparked notable trading activity on secondary markets. Many within the TON community see the arrival of NFT stickers as the platform’s next milestone, reinforcing its role in the global Web3 landscape.
For users, the ability to mint and transform existing stickers into NFTs represents more than a technical innovation. It is viewed as a cultural shift that allows individuals to own and trade symbols that define their digital presence. This sense of ownership is expected to enhance community participation and strengthen ties among Telegram’s user base.
The company’s creator-focused approach also places power directly in the hands of artists and communities, encouraging them to shape digital culture and trends. By attracting global brands and intellectual property owners, Telegram and TON Blockchain aim to position themselves at the forefront of Web3 adoption.
Towards full integration
Telegram’s stated ambition is to make NFT stickers a core part of the user experience, equal in importance to usernames and gifts. Backed by growing community support and international partnerships, the company is preparing to drive a new wave of NFT adoption worldwide.
The launch of NFT stickers signals more than just the addition of a new feature. It represents a pivotal moment in digital communication, where ownership, cultural expression, and blockchain technology converge to redefine how online communities interact.