Telegram launches NFT collectible gifts and allows trading on third-party marketplaces

Telegram has launched its first major update of 2025, introducing a new feature that allows users to turn their regular gifts into collectible non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This move signifies Telegram’s deeper integration with blockchain technology, offering a fresh way for users to interact with gifts sent on the platform.

Now, when users send or receive gifts on Telegram, they have the option to upgrade these gifts into collectibles. These upgraded gifts, which can range from familiar designs like “Homemade Cake” and “Jelly Bunny,” will feature unique customizations, including secondary traits such as background colors, icons, and different levels of rarity. Telegram has already rolled out more than 1,400 variations, and it plans to keep expanding this collection with new designs in the future.

The process of upgrading a gift to a collectible involves the use of Telegram Stars, which are virtual items that Telegram users can earn or purchase. These Stars serve a dual purpose: they enable users to buy digital goods and services through bots and mini apps within the Telegram ecosystem, and they also cover the blockchain fees necessary for the upgrade process.

One of the standout features of these collectibles is their functionality: after a gift is upgraded into an NFT, users can transfer, trade, or even auction it on third-party NFT marketplaces. However, Telegram has not yet clarified which specific marketplaces will be supporting the transactions. This opens up new possibilities for the Telegram community to participate in the broader NFT market, offering a unique blend of social media interaction and blockchain-based digital assets.

In addition to the NFT collectibles, Telegram’s latest update includes several other improvements. Users can now react to service messages, such as notifications when someone sends a gift, joins a group, or starts a video chat. Another new feature is enhanced search filters, which allow users to narrow their search results based on the type of conversation, such as private chats, group chats, or channels.

This update demonstrates Telegram’s ambition to create a more interactive and blockchain-integrated platform, aligning with trends in the digital economy where social media and NFTs are becoming increasingly interconnected. Telegram’s move into the NFT space is not entirely surprising given the rising popularity of blockchain technology and Telegram’s history of embracing new trends. Whether or not this new collectible feature will capture the interest of the wider crypto community remains to be seen, but it certainly represents an innovative step in expanding Telegram’s functionality.