TON price soars as Telegram allows conversion of gifts into NFTs on The Open Network

• Telegram now allows users to convert digital gifts into NFTs on the TON blockchain.
• The converted gifts gain unique traits and can be traded or auctioned as NFTs.
• TON price rises 3%, trading at $5.79, with 165% growth year-to-date.

Toncoin (TON), the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network (TON), is experiencing a surge in activity as Telegram rolls out its latest innovation.

The popular messaging app now allows users to transform digital gifts into tradable NFTs on The Open Network (TON), a move that marks another step in Telegram’s Web3 journey.

Telegram users can convert digital gifts into tradable TON NFTs

The new feature, part of Telegram’s first major update of 2025 , lets users upgrade over 20 existing gifts—such as Jelly Bunny, Santa Hat, and Homemade Cake—into unique collectibles. These animated artworks and custom messages, introduced in October 2024, can now be traded, auctioned, or gifted anew within Telegram’s ecosystem or on external NFT marketplaces like Getgems.

To convert a gift into an NFT, users need to spend a small amount of Telegram Stars, the platform’s in-app currency tied to Toncoin.

Once upgraded, each collectible gift gains exclusive attributes, including a distinct appearance, background colours, icons, and a unique number, ensuring its rarity and individuality.

Notably, the launch of collectible gifts isn’t Telegram’s first foray into blockchain technology. In recent years, Telegram has integrated several crypto-friendly features, including TON Space, a self-custody wallet, an in-app browser for decentralized websites , and Telegram Stars, which allow users to purchase digital goods with fiat and convert them into Toncoin.

These initiatives, alongside a burgeoning ecosystem of mini-games and apps, have cemented Telegram as a significant player in the Web3 space.

Toncoin (TON) price rises

Following the release of the new feature, Toncoin’s price has rebounded after a slight dip between December 25 and January 1.

Despite a 30% retracement from its all-time high of $8.25 in mid-2024, TON has gained an impressive 165% year-to-date, reflecting growing interest in its ecosystem. The token, currently ranked the 15th largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, is trading at $5.79, up 3% over the last 24 hours.

Experts believe that Telegram’s integration of NFTs and its commitment to enhancing The Open Network (TON) blockchain could further drive adoption and market value.

A core TON developer, pseudonymously known as Dr. Awesome Doge, has expressed optimism about the platform’s potential, highlighting its massive user base and the increasing complexity of its applications.

As Telegram continues to innovate, Toncoin appears poised for sustained growth, underpinned by the convergence of social media and blockchain technology.