Telegram founder wants to explore web3-based auctions for custom usernames

Durov wants web3 to be integrated into the messaging app.

Durov said on his Telegram channel that he was impressed by the ton project and how it is used for domain name/wallet auctions. He pointed out that Telegram can mimic TON's auction on the app by putting custom usernames, group, and channel links on the auction.

Unstoppable Domain has recently reached unicorn status, thanks to the popularity of the ether name service and Solana Bonafida naming service. The custom link NFTs could be another way to make money if Telegram goes ahead with it.

The Telegram founder mentioned that the company is inclined to try out ton as aBlockchain of choice for Telegram, given its familiarity with the technology. Users can send ton coin to each other through the chat app. The next step for web3 integration would be an NFT marketplace.

It also comes with a lot of stumbles. The chat app abandoned a TON project a few years ago. Benchmark and Lightspeed Capital put up over one billion dollars for the project. Telegram was forced to abandon the project after fighting the SEC.

After Telegram stopped working on TON, various independent groups continued the development and won the rights to ton.org website in 2021. The Telegram founder made it clear that the company is not involved with the project.

This is Durov's full message.

I’m really impressed by the success of the auction TON recently conducted for their domain/wallet names. Wallet.ton was sold for 215,250 Toncoin (~$260000) while casino.ton was sold for ~$244000.

If TON has been able to achieve these results, imagine how successful Telegram with its 700 million users could be if we put reserved @ usernames, group and channel links for auction. In addition to millions of catchy t.me addresses like @storm or @royal, all four-letter usernames could be made available for sale (@bank, @club, @game, @gift etc).

This would create a new platform where username holders could transfer them to interested parties in protected deals – with ownership secured on the blockchain via NFT-like smart-contracts. Other elements of the Telegram ecosystem, including channels, stickers or emoji, could later also become part of this marketplace.

When it comes to scalability and speed, TON probably has the best technology to host such decentralized sales. Our team can write bullet-proof smart contracts for TON (since it was us who invented its smart-contract language), so we are inclined to try out TON as the underlying blockchain for our future marketplace.

Let’s see if we can add a little bit of Web 3.0 to Telegram in the coming weeks.