Telegram's Adoption of TON Payments Brings Network Closer to Crypto Vision

Telegram's integration of toncoin as a payment option for advertisers and content creators on its messaging app has resulted in a surge of activity on the TON blockchain. This has created a circular economy for TON, with advertisers paying for campaigns in the cryptocurrency and revenue being shared between content creators and Telegram. The ad program has increased TON's value by 150% since its announcement in March, and Telegram is set to earn revenue from hosting tailored ads for its 700 million monthly active users. The TON-based ad platform is more accessible and affordable than Telegram's previous hosted marketing, with a minimum requirement of only 20 TON (~$105) for advertisers to start their campaigns. Telegram has committed to sharing 50% of the ad revenue generated by its TON blockchain network with content creators and channel operators, but payments cannot be withdrawn until late May. The TON payments system brings Telegram closer to its crypto vision, which has faced regulatory challenges in the past. The TON token and blockchain are not issued by Telegram, but by the TON Foundation. Telegram plans to limit its share of TON to 10% by selling surplus TON holdings to long-term investors at a discount. The TON ecosystem has grown rapidly, with new wallets coming online daily and a growing range of services, games, and advertising platforms.