Growth and Challenges of Telegram Mini Apps through TON Blockchain

The Telegram blockchain platform TON and the mini apps (Web3 engine) within the Telegram app saw significant growth in 2024. The ownership of digital assets and the benefits of cryptocurrency technology have become widespread among Telegram users through Telegram API-based bots and the Telegram app. The combination of Telegram's vast user base with the TON blockchain is making a substantial impact in the Web3 development market. Telegram mini apps, such as NoteCoin and Hamster Combat, which have integrated the TON blockchain, have shown rapid growth. According to DefiLlama data, the total locked value (TVL) of TON projects surged by over 2000% to $307.6 million from January 2024. This is seen as a significant contribution to the adoption of blockchain and the popularization of cryptocurrency technology, with Telegram mini apps opening up new monetization tools through the Web3 engine. Telegram mini apps are web applications that can be easily developed using major web programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The primary user base consists of teenagers and early-twenties, who enjoy various entertainment and social networking features on these mini apps. Users can experience various facets including gaming, entertainment, digital goods purchases, Web3, and cryptocurrency integrations. However, a significant decline in TVL has been observed in the latter half of 2024. As of July 19, 2024, TVL had plummeted 60% from its peak of $776.6 million. This downturn is attributed to the overall selling trend in the cryptocurrency market and the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France. The critical focus now is on how the TON blockchain project can overcome these challenges and maintain sustainable growth. Telegram and the TON Foundation stated that they remain fully operational despite Durov's arrest. Some users have reported issues using Telegram’s wallet function, but this seems to be a separate issue. The TON Foundation is promoting the growth of the TON ecosystem by distributing 30 million TON coins through the community incentive program Open League. In conclusion, while Telegram mini apps exhibited significant growth in 2024, there are numerous challenges arising from external factors. There is a need for specific plans and response strategies from Telegram and the TON Foundation to tackle user problems, with continued progress expected through the ownership of digital assets and cryptocurrency integration.