Telegram has kicked off 2025 with a significant update that deepens its integration with the crypto ecosystem. As reported by TechCrunch, the messaging service has introduced NFT gifting capabilities alongside third-party verification. Telegram Launches New Crypto Feature Traditionally, Telegram has provided verification for public figures and organizations to authenticate their presence on the platform. The latest update broadens this scope by enabling third-party entities—such as food quality regulators or educational bodies—to verify user accounts. This move aims to bolster trust and mitigate the spread of misinformation. In Telegram’s own words, “This decentralized platform for additional verification will help prevent scams and reduce misinformation — with a unique proactive solution that sets a new safety standard for social platforms.” Verified accounts will now feature a distinct logo beside their names, replacing the conventional blue checkmark, thereby distinguishing them more clearly. Entities interested in obtaining verification must undergo a stringent application process. “People or organizations that want to be authenticated will need to first undergo verification and complete an application to become eligible to receive the verified mark,” Telegram detailed in a blog post. The platform’s Bot API facilitates the management of verification statuses, allowing organizations to assign or revoke verification with ease. Verified profiles under these third-party authorities will display the respective organization’s logo, enhancing their credibility and ensuring users can reliably identify authentic accounts. In an innovative fusion of crypto and social engagement, Telegram has also unveiled the ability to convert gifts into Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) . Users can purchase Telegram Stars either directly through the app or via the Fragment site by linking their TON crypto wallets. These Stars can then be used to send personalized gifts featuring custom backgrounds and icons, which can subsequently be minted as NFTs. “Users would be able to trade these NFTs on different platforms,” Telegram announced, emphasizing the interoperability of this new feature. To facilitate the blockchain transactions required for NFT creation, Telegram imposes a fee for upgrading gifts to collectibles. This initiative not only enhances the user experience by adding a unique, tradable element to gifting but also reinforces Telegram’s commitment to integrating crypto functionalities seamlessly into its platform. Beyond the core features of verification and NFT gifting, the update introduces emoji reactions for service messages—such as welcoming new group members—and improved search filters tailored for private chats, group discussions, and channels. Notably, Telegram has been proactive in leveraging crypto for various platform functionalities , including monetization for creators and facilitating payments for games and mini-applications. The introduction of third-party verification and NFT gifting further cements Telegram’s role in the evolving crypto landscape. Telegram’s native cryptocurrency, Toncoin (TON), has seen a 5% increase over the past 24 hours, although it has experienced a -22% decline over the past 29 days. The cryptocurrency maintains a market capitalization of $14.3 billion and a trading volume of $165 million (24 hours).
