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Telegram’s New Blockchain Strategy: Transition to TON Connect by 2025

Fri Feb 07 2025

Telegram's integration of the TON blockchain, through the exclusive use of TON Connect, is reshaping its approach to crypto wallets, requiring third-party developers to migrate by February 2025. This move aims to strengthen the TON ecosystem while driving its adoption and expanding its services, especially in the U.S. market.

Telegram Mandates TON Connect for Crypto Wallet Integration 🚀

Telegram developers have required all third-party crypto wallets to use only the TON Connect protocol for integration with The Open Network (TON). This move is part of the exclusive partnership between Telegram and the TON Foundation, making TON the only supported blockchain for Telegram’s services.

What Changes for Developers? 🛠️

Third-party developers must migrate smart contracts and bridge assets by February 21, 2025.
After that date, Telegram will no longer support any protocols other than TON Connect.
Cross-chain applications are still allowed but must comply with the new integration rules.

What is TON Connect? 🔗

TON Connect, launched in 2022, is a universal authorization standard that allows apps to interact with the TON blockchain through wallet connections. Instead of traditional logins, users can authenticate with their crypto wallets. Telegram’s built-in Wallet already supports TON Connect, so it remains unaffected.

TON’s Explosive Growth in 2024 📈

The TON ecosystem skyrocketed last year:

36.2 million crypto wallets created (+55x YoY)
100 million+ Toncoin holders
40 million active users and smart contracts monthly
TON surpassed Ethereum in daily wallet interactions 🚀
USDt-TON turnover hit $1.2B, with 26M transactions totaling $39.6B

DeFi & Gaming Boom on TON 🎮💰

TVL surged from $13.5M to $776M, driven by cross-chain inflows.
Transaction volumes ranged from $5B–$10B.
The Open League distributed $26M across 240 projects.
Notcoin’s $2.2B airdrop became one of 2024’s biggest token giveaways.
Telegram Stars sales hit $63M, with $55M withdrawn by developers.

Top Investors in TON (2024) 💼

Pantera Capital (Validator & undisclosed investment)
Mirana Ventures ($8M partnership with TON Foundation)
Bybit (Joined TON Accelerator for cross-chain projects)
OKX Ventures ($5M into TON Ventures)
Bitget & Foresight Ventures ($30M for Telegram-based projects)
Animoca Brands (Ecosystem support & game launches)

What’s Next for TON? 🔥

TON developers are planning:
✅ TON Connect expansion for deeper Telegram integration
✅ A Bitcoin bridge 🌉
✅ Tokenized stickers & gifts 🎁
✅ Expansion into the U.S. market 🇺🇸

Leadership Update 👥

Manuel Stoc is the new TON Foundation President, focusing on U.S. expansion. His predecessor, Steve Yun, will continue to support the project.

TL;DR

Telegram requires all third-party wallets to use TON Connect by Feb 21, 2025, solidifying TON as its exclusive blockchain. In 2024, TON exploded in adoption, surpassing Ethereum in daily activity and hitting $39.6B in transactions. With $30M+ in investments and a U.S. expansion plan, TON is gearing up for major growth in 2025. 🚀