How TON Aims to Onboard a Billion Telegram Users into the Blockchain Ecosystem
The Open Network (TON) has undergone a remarkable transformation from an experimental blockchain concept to a fully integrated, rapidly growing ecosystem within Telegram. With features like embedded wallets, seamless payment systems, and mini apps, TON is positioning itself as a pioneering Layer-1 blockchain directly connected to a mainstream communication platform. This integration offers an unprecedented opportunity to onboard users into Web3—without requiring them to leave the app they already use daily.
At the heart of TON’s growth strategy is Martin Masser, Head of Growth at the TON Foundation. He sees the synergy between Telegram and TON as a natural fit. “Every time I speak at a conference, I ask the audience who uses Telegram, and virtually every hand goes up,” he explains. “Telegram isn’t just installed—it’s a core part of users’ digital lives. That gives TON a built-in audience of hundreds of millions.”
TON and Telegram: A Symbiotic Relationship
Unlike standalone blockchains that have to build user bases from scratch, TON is uniquely positioned within an ecosystem that already boasts hundreds of millions of active users. Telegram ranks among the top three most-used apps for many people, making it fertile ground for blockchain adoption. Masser emphasizes the strategic alignment: “TON was architected with scalability and sharding in mind. It’s technically suited to meet Telegram’s massive scale.”
What’s holding TON back, however, isn’t infrastructure—it’s awareness. Many Telegram users aren’t yet aware that a robust blockchain ecosystem is already live and accessible within the app. Once they discover the possibilities—NFTs, gaming, peer-to-peer payments—they’re often surprised by how smoothly it all works. “It’s about reducing friction to zero,” says Masser.
Mini Apps and Seamless Onboarding
One of TON’s most compelling features is its set of mini apps—lightweight, decentralized applications that run directly inside Telegram. Unlike traditional dApps, users don’t need to install external software or navigate complex interfaces. Masser notes the importance of this simplicity: “You don’t need to connect an external wallet or sign multiple transactions. It’s one tap, and you’re in.”
Gaming is a particularly vibrant segment. Titles like Goat Gaming, Dropy, and TON Battlegrounds offer casual yet immersive experiences within Telegram. “It’s like the early days of Facebook games—only now, it’s on-chain,” Masser says. He also highlights Sixers Cricket as an example of how developers are blending the social nature of Telegram with blockchain features like NFTs and token rewards.
Why Blockchain? The Web3 Advantage
Traditional gaming platforms like Facebook or mobile app stores control user data, in-game assets, and monetization channels. With Web3, users gain ownership and control over digital assets, such as in-game tokens or NFTs. This ownership model empowers players to trade, sell, or transfer their assets beyond the confines of a single platform.
However, early blockchain games often suffered from a high barrier to entry. Players had to install wallets, manage seed phrases, and understand gas fees. TON eliminates this friction. Everything from identity verification to payments is handled inside Telegram, using a familiar interface.
“Web3 gaming on TON isn’t about complexity—it’s about making the blockchain invisible,” says Masser. “The user experience should feel like using any other mobile app. That’s the breakthrough.”
Developer Ecosystem: Building the Future Inside Telegram
TON’s architecture offers developers a unique canvas. With Telegram as the distribution layer, developers can instantly reach a massive, global audience. Masser sees this as a paradigm shift: “You don’t have to fight for app store rankings or run expensive ads. You build a mini app, integrate it with TON, and it’s immediately accessible to hundreds of millions.”
This accessibility has sparked a wave of innovation. Developers are experimenting with new forms of social interaction, commerce, and content monetization. From token-gated chat groups to decentralized finance tools, the TON ecosystem is expanding rapidly.
To support this growth, the TON Foundation has launched several initiatives aimed at nurturing talent and providing resources. These include grants, hackathons, and accelerator programs to help onboard the next generation of Web3 creators.
Creative Initiatives: The Sera Space Program
One particularly ambitious project is the Sera Space Program—a community-driven initiative that leverages Telegram’s reach to engage users in a blockchain-powered space mission. Although details remain under wraps, Masser describes it as a “first-of-its-kind experience” blending entertainment, education, and crypto incentives.
The goal is to inspire curiosity and participation among users who might not otherwise engage with blockchain technology. “It’s not just about speculation or trading. It’s about creativity, collaboration, and doing things that weren’t possible before,” Masser says.
Security and Trust in the TON Ecosystem
As with any blockchain project, security is paramount. With millions of users potentially interacting with smart contracts and assets, smart contract audits and user protection mechanisms are essential. TON has implemented multiple layers of security, including open-source codebases, community audits, and wallet recovery options.
Furthermore, Telegram’s interface adds an additional layer of familiarity and trust. Unlike browsing through unfamiliar dApp websites, users engage with blockchain services within the same chat interface they use to message friends and family. This reduces the likelihood of phishing attacks and improves user confidence.
TON Wallet: The Gateway to Web3
The TON wallet is central to the user experience. Embedded directly into Telegram, it allows seamless transfers of TON tokens, in-app purchases, and interaction with smart contracts. Users can send money as simply as sending a message, making crypto as intuitive as messaging.
Additionally, the wallet supports NFTs and other digital assets, giving users a full suite of Web3 functionality without ever leaving Telegram. This ease of use is essential for onboarding non-technical users and expanding blockchain’s reach beyond crypto-native audiences.
Mass Adoption Is Within Reach
With over 800 million monthly active users on Telegram, the potential for blockchain mass adoption via TON is unprecedented. By embedding blockchain capabilities into the daily habits of users—chatting, gaming, payments—TON lowers the barrier to entry and accelerates mainstream adoption.
Masser believes the next major wave of Web3 users won’t come from crypto exchanges or DeFi platforms, but from messaging apps like Telegram. “You don’t need to explain what blockchain is. Just show people what they can do—and let the experience speak for itself.”
The Road Ahead for TON
Looking forward, the TON Foundation is focused on expanding its developer ecosystem, improving infrastructure scalability, and launching more real-world use cases. This includes partnerships with brands, integration with traditional financial systems, and new tools for content creators.
TON is not just building a blockchain—it’s creating a new layer of the internet, one that is decentralized, user-owned, and seamlessly integrated into everyday communication. If successful, it could redefine how we think about apps, data, and digital experiences.
In Masser’s words, “We’re not just building for crypto users. We’re building for everyone who uses Telegram. That’s how you bring blockchain to a billion people.”