If you asked most people in 2023, they would have sworn that NFTs were past their prime. After capturing global attention in 2021 and peaking in hype around 2022, NFTs seemed to lose steam. Trading volumes fell, mainstream media coverage waned, and more than a few marketplaces either downsized or disappeared. Fast-forward to 2025, however, and a surprising resurgence is underway—led, in large part, by Telegram and the TON blockchain.
In this article, we’ll explore how Telegram’s huge user base is driving a new wave of NFT adoption, why TON blockchain technology provides the perfect backbone for this revival, and how the focus has shifted from purely speculative assets to NFTs with actual, tangible utility.
We’ll also look at some of the flagship Telegram NFT projects—like NFT-based Usernames, Anonymous Numbers, and Gifts—and what their success might mean for the future. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a curious newcomer, get ready to see why people are calling this the NFT comeback of 2025.
Understanding the 2024 NFT Market Slump
In 2024, the NFT world was still reeling from a year-long downturn. According to data from DappRadar, the overall trading volume for NFTs dropped by about 20%, cementing the notion that the market had entered a correction phase. Headlines reported the closure of once-thriving platforms like MakersPlace and the scaling back of operations at other well-known NFT marketplaces. This wasn’t just a minor slump; it felt, to many, like the end of an era.
What caused this downturn? For starters, the hype cycle that drove the NFT boom in 2021–2022 had cooled. People who entered the market only to flip digital art for quick profits found fewer buyers as public interest shifted elsewhere. At the same time, regulatory uncertainty around crypto and blockchain technology had companies and collectors not wanting to get too deep into purely speculative projects.
Why Speculative NFTs Failed to Retain Interest
The core issue behind the NFT slump was oversaturation. The market was flooded with PFP (Profile Picture) collectibles that offered little more than eye-catching visuals. These assets enjoyed initial popularity, but the novelty wore off quickly.
Collectors began demanding real-world use cases or at least platform-specific benefits. If an NFT was just a digital image with no extended functionality—no game to play, no community utility, no special platform features—it became increasingly difficult to justify its price. The era of “buy low, sell high” with no underlying purpose was coming to an end.
The Rise of Telegram as an NFT Powerhouse
Enter Telegram, the instant messaging platform that quietly built a base of over 950 million monthly active users worldwide. Unlike niche NFT marketplaces that struggled to attract a broad audience, Telegram was already a household name in many regions.
This massive user pool turned out to be a goldmine for NFT adoption. Why? Because moving from chatting with your friends to exploring Telegram’s NFT features is a far smoother process than signing up for a separate NFT platform. The entire onboarding experience takes place within the app’s familiar interface, significantly lowering the barrier to entry. For millions of users, this was the nudge they needed to give NFTs another chance.
Utility vs. Speculation: Telegram’s Key Differentiator
Telegram’s entry into NFTs isn’t about selling cartoon avatars for millions of dollars. Instead, the platform is focused on utility-based NFT solutions:
- NFT Usernames: Let users own unique digital identities they can sell.
- Anonymous Numbers: Add an extra layer of privacy and security.
- Gifts: Introduce interactive and shareable collectibles users can send to friends.
By centering on functionality—whether it’s identity, privacy, or social engagement—Telegram is attracting users who might have been turned off by the speculation mania of previous NFT cycles.
Spotlight on TON and Getgems
You may have heard the acronym TON thrown around when talking about Telegram. Originally developed with Telegram’s involvement, TON (short for “The Open Network”) is a blockchain that is fast, scalable and user-friendly. This makes it perfect for applications that need fast transaction speeds and a seamless user experience—both key for any large-scale NFT project.
Some notable advantages of TON include:
- High Throughput: It can handle thousands of transactions per second, essential for a busy marketplace.
- Low Fees: Users don’t have to worry about exorbitant gas fees.
- Deep Telegram Integration: Because TON was born out of Telegram’s ecosystem, it dovetails smoothly with the chat app’s features.
Getgems Betting on Telegram NFTs
If TON provides the foundation, then Getgems is the vibrant marketplace where the action happens. Positioned as the go-to platform for Telegram-based NFTs, Getgems has been instrumental in fueling wider adoption of NFTs on TON.
- Trading Volumes: Over 72 million TON has been traded in Telegram Usernames, and 24 million TON has been spent on Anonymous Numbers. These figures showcase the enormous demand for utility-driven NFTs.
- Telegram Gifts: Before even officially launching, the on-chain Telegram Gifts saw more than $1 million in trading volume and boasted a $10 million market cap. Clearly, the appetite for these interactive collectibles is huge.
Breaking Down Telegram’s NFT Innovations
What does it mean to own a Telegram username? In practical terms, it’s akin to owning a digital identity that nobody else can claim. Instead of squabbling over handles on social media or dealing with name conflicts across platforms, you get a unique NFT that cements your chosen username for future use—or resale if you ever decide to transfer it.
For businesses, influencers, or simply users who value exclusivity, NFT-based usernames serve as a status symbol. Beyond that, they can also be traded on secondary markets like Getgems, meaning each username has a liquidity component that typical usernames on other platforms simply don’t have.
Anonymous Numbers
The idea behind Anonymous Numbers is simple: in a world where personal data is getting more and more vulnerable, Telegram offers phone numbers minted on the blockchain. These allow users to keep their privacy while still verifying their identity. Imagine signing up for a service or chat group without revealing your real phone number—yet still proving you’re a real, unique person.
For businesses, this means they can offer exclusive deals to certain “number holders” without needing to know anyone’s real-world phone number. For activists or journalists, it means an extra layer of security. In other words, these NFTs serve a real-world purpose, bridging digital convenience with personal safety.
Telegram Gifts
Telegram Gifts turn sending a simple animated message into something special. You can share these collectible “gifts” with friends, and they have the potential to become NFTs once redeemed or unveiled. It’s a fun, gamified approach that highlights how digital items can carry emotional resonance. Instead of sending holiday GIFs or birthday memes, you’re sending a collectible with real value.
This is a big boost to user engagement and brand loyalty. People love collecting limited edition items especially when tied to personal memories or milestones. It’s a reminder that NFTs can be more than just investments – they can be tokens of shared experiences.
Will Telegram Lead the 2025 NFT Revival?
In many ways, the slump of 2024 laid the groundwork for the 2025 revival. Projects that survived did so by emphasizing sustainability and real-world integration, exactly what Telegram is now offering. With Telegram’s user base continuing to expand—and the TON community growing alongside it—market indicators point to a strong resurgence for NFTs that serve genuine purposes.
Challenges Ahead
Of course, Telegram and TON don’t exist in a bubble. Other messaging platforms will launch their own blockchain-based projects, and regulators will be watching crypto closely. Compliance and privacy will be key as Telegram’s NFT ecosystem grows.
User education also remains a key challenge. For some, the phrase “NFT” still conjures images of overpriced pixel art. Telegram and TON must continue demonstrating that NFTs can offer day-to-day functionality and fun, not just speculation.
Predictions
In the next few years, NFTs will likely be integrated into everyday applications, from shopping to identity management. Telegram’s model of direct user engagement—coupled with TON’s fast and accessible blockchain—is a template others may follow. We could witness more messaging apps adding NFT-based features, or see new startups emerge to fill gaps in user experience.
Actionable Insights for Investors and Enthusiasts
- Diversify into Utility-Based Collectibles
- Look for NFTs that do more than just look good. Whether it’s a Telegram Username or an Anonymous Number, tangible functionality often means long term value.
- Explore Telegram-Based NFTs via Getgems
- Spend some time on the Getgems marketplace to see user sentiment and find emerging trends. Hands on is the best.
- Participate in Community-Driven Initiatives
- Whether it’s Telegram channels about TON or forums about new NFT features, being active helps you spot opportunities early.
- Monitor Regulatory Changes
- Keep an eye on legal and policy developments related to crypto and NFTs. Knowing the rules before they change can help you adapt quickly.
NFTs Beyond the Hype
The NFT renaissance in 2025 isn’t about digital art that looks good and sells for millions. It’s about practical tools that improve user experience, privacy and community engagement. Telegram, with its massive user base, and TON, with its user-friendly blockchain, is leading the way to a future where NFTs aren’t just traded – they’re used.
If you’ve written off NFTs as a fad that ended in 2022, it may be time to take a second look. The combination of Telegram NFT adoption, TON blockchain scalability, and the thriving Getgems marketplace is showing just how dynamic and innovative this space can be. As 2025 unfolds, expect NFTs that blend seamlessly into your daily routine rather than just sitting in a digital wallet gathering dust.
Editor’s note: This article was written with the assistance of AI. Edited and fact-checked by Owen Skelton.
