Leveraging Telegram Mini Apps for Onboarding Web3 Users

Kirill Bondarenko
MiKi Blockchain
Published in
4 min readMay 14, 2024

As a frontend developer deeply involved in the latest tech trends, I’m thrilled to unpack the potential of Telegram Mini Apps

— a breakthrough in web development that’s reshaping how we think about user engagement and system integration.

Telegram Mini App Visuals
https://github.com/Telegram-Mini-Apps/tma.js

In this article, I dive into the explosive growth of the TON ecosystem, the seamless integration of Web3 within Telegram, and the firsthand lessons we’ve learned developing the Nexton and Tontune apps. Plus, I’ll share some essential tips for anyone eager to build their first Telegram Mini App. Join me as we explore these exciting developments!

TON Ecosystem’s Rapid Development

The TON (Telegram Open Network) ecosystem has seen rapid growth, notably through its integration with Telegram, which reaches over 900 million users monthly. This partnership has introduced a TON wallet within the app, opening up cryptocurrency and Web3 technologies to a vast global audience.

TON recently set a world record with 104,715 transactions per second, demonstrating its scalability and speed. This achievement highlights TON’s capability to manage large user volumes and its growing adoption.

Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin on Unsplash

In addition, initiatives like the Open League Season 1, offering significant Toncoin rewards, and the TON Foundation Accelerator, continue to foster a dynamic and growing community. This environment is rich with opportunities for developers.

Recently, members from MiKi digital company, Mikhail & Vladislav, attended the Web3 Festival in Hong Kong. The festival featured key talks from the TON Foundation, Telegram, @Wallet, and a range of projects, developers, founders, and investors, underscoring the ecosystem’s vibrancy and potential.

Benefits of Web3 Integration Inside Telegram

Integrating Web3 functionalities directly into the Telegram app presents numerous advantages for the industry:

Firstly, it simplifies user onboarding to crypto and Web3 services by leveraging familiar interfaces and social connections. Platforms such as Notcoin and Community Bot have shown success, demonstrating the effectiveness of built-in referral and incentive mechanisms.

Furthermore, Telegram Mini Apps like SocialFi and community management tools offer practical Web3 use cases, enabling creators to monetize content and engage with communities directly within Telegram.

Use-Cases in Nexton and Tontune Apps

Our team has actively contributed to the TON ecosystem with two flagship projects: Nexton and Tontune.

  • Nexton, a pioneering restaking protocol, enhances the management and liquidity of digital assets through the innovative use of NFTs. It offers TON holders a simplified and efficient mechanism for engaging in DeFi activities directly via a Telegram bot.
  • Tontune, our Web3 social app, redefines the music experience by incorporating gamification. It allows users to embark on music discovery quests, collect artist cards, and craft fan-generated playlists, all while earning rewards.

Best Practices for Building Your First Telegram Mini App

For developers eager to explore Telegram Mini Apps, starting with a solid foundation is crucial. Utilizing resources such as the TON starter template and the Telegram Onboarding Kit can significantly streamline the development process. These tools provide essential components and documentation necessary for integrating with the TON blockchain and crafting effective user onboarding experiences.

It is also vital to align your app’s interface with Telegram’s UI best practices to ensure a seamless user experience. Focusing on features that attract initial users — particularly those unfamiliar with Web3 — is essential for early adoption and long-term success.

Telegram Visual Guide Image
https://core.telegram.org/bots/webapps

Additionally, joining a supportive community can be invaluable as you start to learn a new tech stack. I recommend joining the Telegram Developers Community chat (@devs). This platform allows you to ask questions and gain insights from experienced developers, which can be incredibly helpful as you begin your development journey with Telegram Mini Apps.

Integrating Web3 technologies through Telegram Mini Apps presents a promising frontier for widespread adoption and innovation. By leveraging the TON ecosystem and embracing best practices in app development, we can significantly enhance user experiences and foster an inclusive, engaging Web3 community!

Please feel free to mention other interesting features in the comments. Thank you for reading!

Written by Kirill Bondarenko for MiKi Digital
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