Telegram mini-apps are third-party projects that connect directly to the Telegram platform and tap the millions of subscribers. The mini-apps are also connected to crypto wallets and offer Web3 features like transactions, tokenization, earnings and airdrops. Telegram mini apps also connect to existing payment processors for monetization opportunities outside the cryptocurrency market.
Mini apps depend on widely used web technologies, HTML5 and JavaScript, combined with the Telegram interface. The Telegram ecosystem creates a mini app environment with seamless authorization, also compatible with the TON (The Open Network) ecosystem. TON is the native chain built especially for the Telegram community, and is the leading chain used in high-profile mini apps.
Mini-apps also seamlessly handle user authorization. Since August 2024, Telegram has had a built-in mini-app store with ranked apps based on user numbers and reliability. The Toncoin ecosystem team also offers support for building Telegram mini apps, with tools to set up buttons or a menu for the initial onboarding of new users.
Telegram apps aim for a user-friendly experience, while offering various features that completely replace browser-based apps or a website. The key feature of mini-apps is the ability to connect to various chains, especially Toncoin. The open-source TonConnect feature allows for mini-app logins through the Toncoin identity and wallet, instead of creating credentials for new apps. A telegram app also taps the credentials of telegram users, adding a layer of security and verification.
Telegram mini-apps are often monetized through in-app purchases, subscriptions, or the Toncoin advertisement economy. The apps are also integrated with fiat payment gateways, through Google Pay and Apple Pay. Telegram supports payment services in a total of 200 countries, with a constantly updated list of regional fintech gateways serving users outside the US and Europe.
Mini-apps usually revolve around user-friendly actions, including idle games, tapping games or gamified financial features. Mini apps vary in their complexity, ranging from simple tapping games to full idle games with quests and world-building, like Catizen.
Mini-apps in general are features of 2-4 MB that require a super-app to run, in this case the Telegram chat. Mini-apps use WebView runtime and are compatible across all operating systems. Telegram mini-apps cannot run on other super-apps, and are limited to the 800M registered Telegram users.
What are Telegram mini-apps?
Telegram mini apps are lightweight applications that can run without leaving the chat. Those apps use well-known technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript to generate infinitely flexible interfaces, and can be launched through a bot, or directly in the chat app. Mini-apps replace browser apps or websites for onboarding users and providing simple tasks of engagement. Mini apps can create infinitely flexible interfaces, allowing users to access services and connect to external features such as wallets or payment gateways.
All mini-apps require a main app, which carries their respective screens. Mini-apps run on multiple devices, often building a mobile or a desktop version. Telegram is one of the latest additions in the mini apps space. The dedicated platform for launching and distributing mini-apps through Telegram was added in 2023 and gave a start to the tap-to-earn season, especially related to crypto asset usage and token launches.
Mini-apps usually run their thematic Telegram channels, connecting to subscribers directly. Engaging with the app starts through a Telegram chat bot, which then takes the user through the steps to launch the actual game or other features. Bots serve as initial support for onboarding users.
Toncoin had up to 1.43M daily active addresses during active airdrop events. | Source: TheBlock
Telegram mini-apps are sometimes connected to the Toncoin chain, which was specifically created for the chat app’s needs. Toncoin carries the app’s tokens during the airdrop phase. Tokens on the Toncoin chain are also known as ‘jettons’. However, mini-apps can connect to any other widely used blockchain, including Ethereum, Solana, and others, for the purpose of trading, NFT ownership, games, and more.
Apps like Hamster Kombat use the Telegram chat app to connect users to their greeting bots. After users agree to the terms of service, Telegram sends a 2D code to launch the mobile app and start the game’s real quests.
What are the main features of Telegram mini apps?
Mini-apps offer lightweight multi-task experiences while connecting to Toncoin and other chains. The apps can securely perform trades, swaps, payments, and token transfers while also creating user-directed tasks such as gaming missions, trades, or viewing advertisements.
Telegram mini apps use the chat platform as their super-app, which serves as their main environment to launch and run. Telegram mini apps also tap bots on Telegram messenger to onboard users.
Mini apps work across platforms and devices
Telegram mini apps are compatible across different operating systems, as they use WebView technology inside the super-app. The apps available on Telegram allow access through smartphones and tablets, as well as desktop access. The main features include easy loading, low latency and user-friendly interface.
Telegram mini-apps are compatible with bot usage, although the automation is often unofficial and discouraged by the app’s creators. For instance, Hamster Kombat, one of the hottest Telegram mini apps, has seen bot automation to farm points.
Mini apps have evolved over the years, and contain multiple new features. The apps usually utilize media-rich environments, quizzes, synchronized content collaboration and more.
Mini apps feature multiple use cases
Telegram mini apps go beyond tap-to-earn features. They have multiple use cases, including e-commerce and shops, education, gaming and multiplayer games, productivity tools, as well as cryptocurrency trading. Mini apps also bring monetization opportunities, by connecting to payment providers, also delivering tailored push notifications to end users. An app can replace a website store, allowing users to purchase goods directly.
Some apps are also built for utility and serve as assistance tools for crypto analysis, sentiment measurement, crypto and trading statistics.
A multitude of apps are built around the native TON token, including reward, point farming, trading, puzzles and more.
Telegram apps also cover communication, entertainment, file converters, news, word games, photo and media apps, NFT markets and even astrology. A large category includes utility apps, including on-chain trackers, small-feature apps like sticker creator and other tools to use within Telegram and other ecosystems. The Telegram environment allows for subscription models due to its integrated payments.
Telegram mini apps have Web3 features
Web3 is the loose collection of apps and features connected to on-chain transactions and using digital tokens. There is no single definition of Web3, but it always includes self-ownership of assets, using a digital wallet and sometimes an on-chain identity.
Web3 includes on-chain ownership, cryptographic security for all assets, permissionless and automated transactions, token usage, and personal control of wallets. Businesses can pick which functionality to include when interacting with third-party services. Teams will build apps to incorporate some of the most widely used coins and tokens, as well as several types of compatible wallets.
The most significant feature of Telegram apps is that they are Web3-ready. Most apps can connect to a native Toncoin wallet, or another digital app for secure storage. Trading, e-commerce, advertising and other apps with micropayments can achieve this through an on-chain wallet for quick access to transactions and trading.
Telegram apps incorporate all compatible Toncoin chain wallets and can use multiple native or bridged assets. Toncoin carries native stablecoins, as well as bridged USDT, often used for in-app payments. Some utility apps on Telegram also work as mini-apps.
For gaming and NFT apps, the wallet-based features allow for full ownership and control of digital assets and collectibles. The Telegram mini app simply visualizes the digital assets for easy access, swapping or auctions. Telegram mini apps also adopt stablecoins, such as the native Tether (USDT) on The Open Network (TON).
Telegram apps can be tokenized or monetized
Telegram mini apps allow for tokenization, to lock in achievements and accrued value. The mini apps allow for user verification and wallet connections, thus keeping exact and immutable token balances. Mini apps can monetize the experience, then extend it to using TON or tokens from other networks.
Tokenization can be done through one of the available chains, including Ethereum, Solana, or the Toncoin network, specifically tailored to Telegram activity and its communities. All those networks, including Toncoin, carry bridged or native Tether (USDT), which offers a more intuitive form of tokenization tied to the value of the US dollar.
Some mini apps participate in Telegram’s advertising economy. Others are monetized through fiat payments, using Google Pay or Apple Pay. Value propositions include in-game items, NFT, physical goods, digital products, subscriptions and any possible exchange of value online. Mini apps can also participate in a reward economy, like mission-driven or tap-to-earn games.
What is the difference between mini-apps and Telegram bots?
Telegram bots are special apps that connect to decentralized exchanges and route trading orders. Banana Gun, however, is not among the collection of mini apps. The most prominent Telegram bot used a mini app for its airdrop, but itself uses other Web3 features.
Some bots try to offer access in the form of mini apps. Those include Unibot V2, focused on Uniswap, Bitbot and other minor trading features. Bot projects build apps to better use the Telegram environment for fast trading. Bots also serve simple utility functions, or offer information and media.
Telegram bots offer easy access to information, media, or automated chats.
Mini apps cover a wider range of services, while handling payments and wallet integration. Apps also include social media features, rich media integration, or messaging.
Additionally, Telegram itself has utility bots for onboarding and automated chats. Telegram bots allow a limited number of messages and comments and are the first step in onboarding users to groups, chats, or mini-apps. Bots have multiple ways to integrate with other apps and features.
How to set up a Telegram mini-app
Telegram mini apps can be launched through the browser or desktop version of Telegram. The app will produce a QR code to launch its mobile version or ask permission to launch a desktop version. Bot integration on Telegram allows for the creation of a ‘launch app’ button.
Starting with a mini-app goes through a special chat bot on Telegram.
After launching the app, users can follow its instruction on payment or wallet connections. Some of the app activities are also integrated with Telegram Stories.
Mini-apps will acquire the user’s IP address after a request. Some apps may also grab the user’s Telegram ID, public name, username and profile picture, as well as limited settings. Mini apps will issue tailored push notifications to make sure the user is only connecting with legitimate services.
Telegram may be the super-app for multiple mini features. However, Telegram does not guarantee the safety or quality on any of the products or services offered in the app, based on the general terms of service.
When setting up a mini app, the end user still has to research whether the product is legitimate, and to avoid interaction with unknown links or apps to avoid wallet draining. Mini apps run in their own box, and will not require additional transaction signing or the sharing of private keys.
Tap-to-earn min-apps
Tap-to-earn mini-apps became one of the most popular types, mostly due to their connection to Toncoin (TON) and crypto trading. Tap-to-earn harnesses a super simple game model where users compete to generate points through simple activities, mostly taps, in a given time period. The popularity of Web3 games pushed teams to build Telegram mini apps, leading to the creation of several high-profile projects.
Toncoin, or the TON blockchain, is key to the creation of tap-to-earn Telegram mini apps. Toncoin is a native chain with an open source, created by Pavel and Nikolai Durov. Later the Toncoin code was handed over to the community, inviting developers to build Telegram mini apps.
Notcoin (NOT) is the first and most prominent tapping app, which also launched a native NOT token. The Notcoin community has 17.7M subscribers, while the NOT token has more than 2.88M holders.
Notcoin is a simple game of tapping on a screen to earn tokens, and the first major success among Telegram mini-apps.
Tapswap is another prominent tap-to-earn project, which ran a mission-based point allocation campaign. The app has more than 25M subscribers in its channel, eagerly awaiting the exact date for the airdrop. Tapswap, along with Blum and Hamster Kombat, are growing their user base through the promised airdrops, even if they are small. Users have to perform tasks in exchange for points, which then make them eligible to receive tokens.
Catizen extends the mini-app model with a semi-idle game, available on Toncoin and Mantle chains. The app launches immediately and offers simple gameplay with the chance for tokenization and airdrops.
How to find the hottest mini-apps
While Telegram hosts multiple niche or special-purpose mini-apps, the biggest inflows come from high-profile projects. Telegram statistics will reveal the recently trending channels and groups tied to mini-apps and especially games.
The other source of app information comes from trading data, tracking the market success of tokens and coins. Airdrop calendars or official social media announcements can also show the hottest Telegram mini apps.
Airdrop tokens from mini-apps achieve a relatively high profile and line up among trending crypto assets. Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) was among the long-awaited assets, as well as Catizen (CATI).
Are mini apps sustainable?
Mini-apps have held risks in the past and may still be a vector for exploits. Overall, mini-apps are a sustainable tool to enhance Telegram’s capabilities and connect the community through media and content, value transfers, and in-app purchases. The full extent of app capabilities is unlimited, depending only on the inflow of users. Cross-platform compatibility with all types of devices can drive Telegram app adoption.
Some of the tap-to-earn games have been deemed unsustainable, and lose users after the initial hype. However, the mini-app approach within super-apps is gaining ground as used behaviors shift. Monetization in apps, tipping and other micro-transactions are gaining ground in multiple super-apps.
Onboarding and retaining users, while giving a personalized experience, also boost mini-app usage. Telegram is no different, though it has built a specific mini-app culture tied to cryptocurrency and trading.
The app market is expected to grow at 7.84% annualized this decade, with a predicted size of $781.7B by 2029. Telegram has reached above 800M users and may profit from the monetization trend.