Telegram Active User Base Reaches 950 Million, Fueled by Crypto Gaming Boom

Telegram Active User Base Reaches 950 Million, Fueled by Crypto Gaming Boom

Telegram, a popular app among digital communicators, has seen its active user base soar to 950 million as of July 22, according to founder Pavel Durov. This significant increase of 50 million users since the spring is largely attributed to the burgeoning trend of crypto gaming and the rise of The Open Network (TON).

Crypto Gaming Drives Telegram’s User Surge

Durov recently shared this milestone, emphasizing the rapid growth of Telegram’s user base. “Telegram has reached 950 million monthly active users — up from 900 million in the spring. We are on track to hit one billion,” he announced.

This surge is linked to the growing excitement around crypto gaming on the platform. A key player in this narrative is Notcoin (NOT), a viral tap-to-earn gaming token on the TON blockchain, which has significantly contributed to this growth. Launched in January, Notcoin introduced Telegram mini-apps that integrate blockchain technology, quickly gaining a global community of over 40 million users. Its June airdrop was one of the most notable gaming token launches of the year.

Following Notcoin’s success, Hamster Kombat (HMSTR), another tap-to-earn game, launched on TON, which Durov described as the fastest-growing digital service worldwide. The integration of Notcoin and Hamster Kombat with The Open Network allows Telegram’s vast user base to access crypto gaming directly within the app. Hamster Kombat’s developers claim it has become the leading Telegram-based project in the second half of 2024, boasting at least 250 million players.

Hamster Kombat: A Beacon for Blockchain Adoption

The enthusiasm surrounding Hamster Kombat is a significant driver behind Telegram’s user growth. According to Durov, it took Hamster only 73 days to amass 100 million monthly users, with four to five million new users joining daily, marking it as the fastest-growing digital service globally.

Durov noted, “A new wave of mini-apps on Telegram is emerging, and Hamster Kombat is at the forefront. Its remarkable growth underscores the viral potential of the Telegram mini-app platform.”

As more exchanges begin pre-market trading for Notcoin’s NOT token and Hamster Kombat’s HMSTR token, coupled with enticing in-game rewards, investor interest in crypto gaming is likely to intensify, potentially drawing more capital into the space.

However, Hamster Kombat’s rapid rise has not been without challenges. In June, the Uzbekistan National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP), which oversees the country’s crypto industry, stated that HMSTR is not a recognized crypto asset, arguing that in-game coins are not blockchain-based. The agency warned that if Hamster Kombat adopts blockchain technology, HMSTR tokens would be created. They also cautioned players against withdrawing in-game coins to crypto exchanges or converting them to fiat currency, as this could result in a 15-day imprisonment.

Despite these controversies, projects like Hamster Kombat play a crucial role in propelling Telegram’s growth. The messaging app continues to innovate and adapt, meeting the evolving needs of its users.