In a market landscape dominated by bearish sentiment and plunging altcoin valuations, one ecosystem stands out with remarkable resilience: The Open Network (Ton). While most crypto projects struggle to retain users and liquidity, Ton has surged—up 23% in the past 30 days alone—and its Total Value Locked (TVL) has skyrocketed over sixfold since March 2025. Projects like Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and Catizen are drawing tens of millions of users directly through Telegram, creating a unique fusion of social engagement and Web3 utility.
But how is Ton achieving this growth while others falter? And what lies behind its sudden momentum?
The Telegram Advantage: A 900 Million-User Foundation
Ton’s greatest strength isn’t just its technology—it’s its integration with Telegram, one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, boasting over 900 million monthly active users. For years, Ton operated largely in isolation from Telegram, functioning as a high-speed blockchain without deep platform-level adoption. That changed dramatically in early 2025.
👉 Discover how a blockchain tied to a global messaging app is redefining Web3 accessibility.
The turning point came when Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced that all advertising revenue on Telegram channels would be settled exclusively in TON tokens. This move transformed TON from a speculative asset into a functional currency with real-world utility.
Here’s how it works:
- Telegram’s ad platform reaches over 1 trillion monthly impressions.
- Channel owners earn 50% of ad revenue, paid in TON.
- Payments are processed via the TON blockchain for speed and security.
- Over 100 countries now participate in this monetization model.
This integration means every dollar spent on Telegram ads increases demand for TON tokens—effectively creating a built-in buyback mechanism. As more creators join and advertisers expand campaigns, the economic flywheel strengthens.
To prevent centralization, Durov also pledged to sell over 10% of the team’s TON holdings to long-term investors, with lock-up periods ranging from 1 to 4 years. This reduces circulating supply while promoting decentralized ownership—another bullish signal for the network.
Ton Space: Bridging Web2 and Web3 Seamlessly
Another major upgrade came with Ton Space, launched in September 2023. Unlike Telegram’s earlier KYC-restricted Wallet bot, Ton Space gives users full control of their private keys—making it a true self-custodial crypto wallet.
With Ton Space:
- Users can log into decentralized apps (dApps) using only their Telegram account.
- No downloads or complex setups required.
- Access to DeFi, NFTs, GameFi, and social protocols happens directly within Telegram.
This seamless onboarding experience drastically lowers the barrier to entry. Imagine being able to trade tokens, stake assets, or mint NFTs without ever leaving your chat app—similar to using WeChat Mini Programs in China. For hundreds of millions of non-crypto natives, this is revolutionary.
Mini Apps Revolution: Click-to-Earn Goes Mainstream
Building on this infrastructure, Telegram began aggressively promoting Mini Apps—lightweight, instant-use applications embedded within the app. These aren’t just utilities; they’re gateways to gamified Web3 experiences.
Projects like Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and Yescoin have exploded in popularity thanks to the “Click-to-Earn” model:
- Tap a screen → earn tokens.
- Invite friends → earn bonuses.
- No prior knowledge needed.
These games leverage Telegram’s viral sharing mechanics and official traffic support, enabling rapid user acquisition. Notcoin reached over 40 million users in months. Hamster Kombat surpassed 150 million active players—all without traditional marketing budgets.
But beyond memes and hype, these apps serve a critical role: they onboard users into the broader Ton ecosystem. Once someone earns their first TON-based token, they’re more likely to explore wallets, exchanges, and other dApps.
Key Projects Powering the Ton Ecosystem
As of mid-2025, the Ton ecosystem hosts over 874 projects, with TVL exceeding $634 million. While still smaller than Ethereum or Solana, its growth rate is unmatched among emerging chains.
Let’s examine some standout projects:
Notcoin (NOT)
- The most recognized project in the Ton space.
- Over 40 million users via Telegram Mini App.
- Despite criticism as a "memecoin," NOT’s listing on major exchanges triggered significant price appreciation.
- Demonstrates the power of community-driven distribution.
Catizen
- Largest gaming platform on Telegram.
- Over 20 million users, 500k paying customers.
- Dominant in Ton Open League rankings across multiple seasons.
Hamster Kombat
- Play-to-earn game centered around virtual pet battles.
- More than 150 million active users.
- Strong airdrop anticipation fueling engagement.
Blum
- Decentralized exchange (DEX) under development.
- Currently uses mini-games to distribute points (future token claims).
- Founded by former Binance executives; backed by Binance Labs.
- Over 10 million users already engaged.
DeDust & Ston.fi
- Leading decentralized exchanges on Ton.
- Combined TVL: ~$580 million.
- Enable seamless swapping and liquidity provision within the ecosystem.
Uxlink
- SocialFi infrastructure leveraging friend networks for viral growth.
- Over 10 million registered users.
- Backed by top-tier VCs including Sequoia Capital and GGV Capital.
👉 See how next-gen social finance platforms are reshaping user acquisition in crypto.
FAQ: Your Questions About Ton Answered
Q: Is TON the same as Telegram’s native currency?
A: Yes. TON (The Open Network) is the native cryptocurrency of the Ton blockchain, now deeply integrated into Telegram for payments, ads, and app interactions.
Q: Can I use TON without knowing crypto?
A: Absolutely. Thanks to Telegram Mini Apps and built-in wallets like Ton Space, users can earn and spend TON without understanding private keys or gas fees.
Q: Is Ton secure?
A: While the blockchain itself is robust, phishing attacks via fake bots and scams are rising due to increased adoption. Users should verify official links and avoid sharing seed phrases.
Q: How does Ton compare to Ethereum or Solana?
A: Ton isn’t competing on technical specs alone—it’s leveraging mass adoption through Telegram. Its advantage lies in user reach, not just performance.
Q: Are there real use cases beyond games?
A: Yes. Beyond gaming, Ton supports DeFi (DeDust), NFTs, social protocols (Uxlink), and enterprise-grade ad tech—all converging within one ecosystem.
Q: What drives TON’s price if it’s not heavily used on-chain?
A: Increasing demand from Telegram’s ad revenue system creates consistent buying pressure. As more creators cash out earnings or reinvest in apps, utility grows organically.
Challenges Ahead: Security and Developer Growth
Despite its momentum, Ton faces real challenges:
- Developer shortage: Only around 175 developers contribute to the ecosystem—far fewer than Ethereum or Solana.
- Security risks: With built-in wallets, phishing attacks and account thefts have increased. Telegram must strengthen verification tools and user education.
- Centralization concerns: Although steps are being taken to decentralize holdings, early-stage control remains concentrated.
However, these issues mirror early stages of other successful blockchains. As incentives grow and tooling improves, developer interest is expected to rise.
👉 Learn how emerging ecosystems turn challenges into long-term opportunities.
Final Thoughts: A New Model for Web3 Adoption
Ton represents a paradigm shift—not because of revolutionary tech, but because of distribution at scale. By embedding Web3 functionality into a mainstream communication app used by nearly a billion people, it bypasses the onboarding hurdles that have plagued crypto for over a decade.
In an era where many projects fail due to lack of users, Ton benefits from an existing audience hungry for new ways to earn and engage. Its success isn’t just about price or TVL—it’s about proving that mass adoption is possible when friction is removed.
As the line between social media and decentralized finance continues to blur, Ton may well be setting the blueprint for the next wave of Web3 innovation.
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