What is TON? Crypto Economy Takes Shape in Telegram
Telegram’s TON (The Open Network) has undergone a remarkable journey, evolving from a controversial project to a promising blockchain platform. With the recent launch of the Open League program on April 1, TON is attracting a surge of new users and gaining momentum in the cryptocurrency market.
This article will explain how TON started, how it has changed over time, and what it’s doing now. Furthermore, we’ll look at how it might affect the world of cryptocurrencies and how it works with Telegram, one of the most popular messaging apps.
TON’s Journey from Telegram to Independence
Originally conceived as an extension of the popular messaging app Telegram, TON envisioned a decentralized platform that would integrate blockchain technology.
In 2018, Telegram’s ICO for the GRAM token raised a substantial $1.7 billion, which reflected the immense interest and potential investors saw in the project. Unfortunately, this success was short-lived.
Shortly after, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) raised concerns about the TON project, leading to significant legal challenges. As a result of these regulatory hurdles, Telegram made the difficult decision to exit the endeavor in 2020. This move left the future of TON uncertain, yet it was far from the end of the story.
After Telegram stepped away, the TON project continued. Instead, it changed and grew in a new way. Since the project was open-source, anyone could use and modify the code. This openness allowed TON supporters to continue the work without Telegram.
In 2020, the community started a new version called “Free TON”. They used the original TON code but ran it on their own, separate from Telegram. Over time, they changed the name to simply “The Open Network” (TON). This new name demonstrated that TON now operates under community governance, not Telegram.
What is TON and What Can It Do?
At its core, TON is a layer-1 blockchain network designed for decentralized applications (dapps) and fast transactions. Its innovative architecture clearly sets it apart from other blockchain networks.
Key Features of TON:
Dynamic Sharding: This technology enables the network to split and merge blockchains automatically based on transaction load, enhancing scalability.
BFT Consensus Mechanism: TON employs a Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus algorithm, which enhances the network’s security and efficiency.
TON Virtual Machine (TVM): This component enables the execution of smart contracts on the TON blockchain, opening up possibilities for a wide range of decentralized applications.
These technical features effectively address some of the most pressing challenges in the blockchain space, particularly regarding scalability and transaction speed.
TON and Telegram Are Forming A Renewed Partnership
While Telegram officially distanced itself from the TON project in 2020, recent developments have fostered a renewed connection between the messaging platform and the blockchain network. This new partnership is manifesting in several important ways:
1. Toncoin Payments for Advertisements
In February 2024, Telegram started a new initiative to share ad revenue with channel owners. Now, they pay channel owners using Toncoin (TON) instead of regular money. This decision to switch to Toncoin for ad payments strongly endorses Web3 principles as Telegram embraces decentralized finance.
Channel owners with at least 1,000 followers can receive half of the revenue from ads displayed on their channels. Given that Telegram channels generate over 1 trillion views a month, this move could significantly increase Toncoin circulation and awareness.
2. The Open League Program
On April 1, 2024, TON launched a new program called the Open League. This program aims to engage more people in using TON actively.

Here’s what the program offers:
- Giving out 30 million TON (worth about $188 million) to users who participate in TON activities
- Rewards for completing tasks, entering giveaways, and helping with TON’s trading platforms
- A plan to bring millions of Telegram users into the blockchain world
So far, the program has shown encouraging results. More people are using TON wallets every day (up by 47%), and the amount of funds in the TON system has grown significantly (up by 244%) during the first test run.
3. Seamless Integration with Telegram
TON’s primary advantage lies in its integration with the Telegram app. This connection could enable users to:
- Make in-app payments using Toncoin
- Utilize bot payments
- Perform microtransactions within the Telegram ecosystem
By connecting TON to Telegram’s extensive user base of over 800 million users, many more individuals might begin to incorporate cryptocurrency and blockchain technology into their daily lives.
The TON Wallet Connects Messaging and Cryptocurrency
The TON wallet sits at the heart of the TON user experience. It integrates directly into Telegram, enabling users to manage their finances while messaging. This unique feature distinguishes it from conventional crypto wallets. Users can easily manage their funds within the app they already use daily, merging their chat and financial tasks in one environment. Creating a TON wallet is simple through the Telegram app or TON website, and it doesn’t require personal details like phone numbers or email addresses. This straightforward setup could encourage more people to start using cryptocurrency.

Perhaps one of the best aspects of the TON wallet is its user-friendliness. Many other crypto wallets are complicated and designed for experienced traders. However, the TON wallet caters to everyday people, making it much easier for newcomers to engage in cryptocurrency.
It’s also flexible, allowing users to manage various cryptocurrencies (like USDT and TON) across different networks effortlessly. This flexibility simplifies the use and transfer of their digital assets.
What is TON With Telegram-based Games?
TON and Telegram are collaborating to enhance gaming experiences. This partnership benefits everyone involved. Game developers can seamlessly reach numerous Telegram users, while players can enjoy games within the Telegram app they already use. Moreover, blockchain technology ensures that these games are safer and fairer. This combination of messaging and blockchain enables innovative game concepts, potentially leading to a shift in our perceptions of mobile games and blockchain technology. As more games launch, TON could establish itself as a leader in blockchain gaming.
The TON blockchain on Telegram already supports numerous popular games. These games offer an exciting mix of entertainment and financial incentives, allowing players to earn coins while enjoying gameplay. Some of the standout games and their associated tokens include:
For more insights on how GeeLark can boost your tap-to-earn experience, check out the articles linked above. They’re packed with valuable information you won’t want to miss!
Earn TON Coins While Playing Games on Telegram
TON enhances gaming speed and enjoyment for Telegram’s numerous users. Now that you know about TON and its special bond with Telegram, let’s explore how you can earn more TON ecosystem coins by tapping on cloud phones.
Consider using GeeLark as your sidekick. It provides a next-gen mobile antidetect solution that offers real cloud-hosted Android devices, allowing you to manage multiple accounts simultaneously. This capability means you can play more games and potentially earn more coins. With GeeLark, you’ll do more in the TON ecosystem and increase your chances of earning coins from various games.
Here’s how you can get started within a few steps:
- Download the GeeLark app and create an account.

- Create a cloud phone profile and assign a proxy to provide a unique IP address.

- Navigate to the Applications section and install Telegram on your cloud phone profile.


- Set up as many Telegram profiles as needed, ensuring each has a separate proxy for security.

FAQs
What is TON?
TON, or The Open Network, is a blockchain platform designed for decentralized applications (dApps) and fast transactions. Originally developed by Telegram, it has now become an independent project.
How is TON related to Telegram?
While Telegram officially distanced itself from TON in 2020, they have recently renewed their partnership. Currently, Telegram uses Toncoin (TON’s native cryptocurrency) for ad revenue payments to channel owners. Additionally, TON integrates seamlessly into the Telegram app for various payment functions.
What is the Open League program?
The Open League program serves as an initiative aimed at increasing TON adoption. Specifically, it offers rewards in TON tokens for completing tasks, participating in giveaways, and engaging with TON’s trading platforms.
How can I earn TON coins through Telegram games?
Many blockchain-based games on Telegram, such as Notcoin, Dogs, Hamster Kombat, and Catizen, allow you to earn their native tokens, which you can often exchange for TON.
What makes the TON wallet unique?
The TON wallet is directly integrated into the Telegram app, providing a convenient and user-friendly experience. Importantly, it doesn’t require personal information for setup and offers a secure way to manage your TON tokens.
How do GeeLark cloud phones increase TON coin earnings?
GeeLark cloud phones enhance your ability to earn TON coins by allowing you to manage multiple accounts at once. Consequently, you can play more games and potentially earn more TON ecosystem coins.
By using GeeLark’s Synchronizer tool, you can play with several IDs simultaneously while reducing your effort. This convenience encourages greater involvement in the TON ecosystem and maximizes your coin earnings across various Telegram-based games.