Telegram Kicks Off 2025 With New Crypto Features: NFT Gifting And Third-Party Verification

Telegram, the globally popular messaging platform, has started the new year with an important feature!

The latest features include the ability to gift Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and a decentralized third-party verification system.

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Verification For Public Figures And Organizations

Traditionally, Telegram has provided verification for public figures and organizations to authenticate their presence on the platform.

However, the new update takes this feature to the next level by introducing third-party verification.

This system allows external entities—such as educational institutions, food quality regulators, and other trusted organizations—to verify user accounts.

Telegram described this initiative as a proactive solution to combat misinformation and scams.

Verified accounts will now display a distinct logo representing the verifying organization instead of the traditional blue checkmark. This change aims to make verified profiles more recognizable while adding an extra layer of credibility.

To receive verification, individuals or organizations must undergo a rigorous application process.

Once approved, third-party authorities can manage verification statuses using Telegram’s Bot API, which enables them to assign or revoke verification as needed.

NFT Gifting: A Fusion Of Crypto And Social Engagement

Telegram has also introduced NFT gifting capabilities.

Users can now purchase “Telegram Stars,” which are available directly through the app or via the Fragment website by linking their TON (Toncoin) crypto wallets.

Users have the option to mint these gifts as NFTs, turning them into collectible digital assets.

Telegram charges a fee for upgrading gifts to NFTs, which can then be traded on various blockchain platforms.

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Other Enhancements By Telegram: Emoji Reactions and Advanced Search Filters

In addition to its major crypto-focused updates, Telegram has rolled out several smaller but impactful improvements:

Users can now react to service messages such as group welcomes with emojis, adding a fun and interactive element to group interactions.

The update includes improved search functionalities tailored for private chats, group discussions, and channels, making it easier for users to find specific content.

Telegram is known for introducing new features to support the crypto environment.

Telegram has introduced a crypto wallet fully equipped with a P2P market that supports Bitcoin, USDT, and Toncoin. pic.twitter.com/6w4a0CzoSZ

— Rufas Kamau (@RufasKe) December 7, 2023