Telegram has launched its first major update of 2025.
A major highlight of this update is the introduction of NFT gifts, allowing users to turn gifts into collectibles.
The messaging app has also launched a decentralized third-party verification system.
Telegram kicks off 2025 with a major update integrating Web3 features into its messaging app.
The latest update mainly focuses on NFT gifts, decentralized account verification systems, as well as improvements in message search and user customization.
Telegram Introduces NFT Gift Feature
Telegram's new NFT gift feature allows users to transform digital gifts into unique collectibles.
After the upgrade, these gifts can be shared, traded, or auctioned on NFT platforms. The upgrade unlocks personalized options such as unique icons and background colors, creating one-of-a-kind digital items.
The platform has converted more than 20 existing gifts (such as homemade cakes, spiced wines, and Christmas hats) into NFTs, resulting in over 1,400 potential unique collectibles.
Users pay a small fee to upgrade gifts on Telegram Stars. The new update is another layer of Telegram's Web3 products, catering to users interested in digital ownership and collectibles.
Decentralized Verification: A New Approach to Network Security
Telegram is expanding its verification system to allow third-party organizations to verify accounts on its platform.
This decentralized approach assigns additional icons to accounts verified by external services, distinguishing them from the traditional check marks Telegram assigns to public figures and organizations.
This update aims to address growing concerns about misinformation and impersonation, providing users with additional assurance when interacting with verified accounts.
