Pavel Durov Unveils Telegram Stars to Support Mini Apps Like Notcoin

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Telegram is evolving from a secure messaging platform into a dynamic digital ecosystem, and at the heart of this transformation is a new in-app currency: Telegram Stars. Announced by CEO Pavel Durov, this innovative token system is designed to simplify transactions for digital goods and services within Telegram’s vast network of mini-apps, bots, and third-party services.

With over 900 million active users, Telegram’s move into integrated digital commerce marks a significant step toward becoming a self-sustaining platform—similar to super-apps in Asia—where users can chat, play, learn, and transact seamlessly.

What Are Telegram Stars?

Telegram Stars are a form of in-app currency that users can purchase via Apple App Store, Google Play, or Telegram’s own PremiumBot. These tokens are used to buy digital products such as e-books, online courses, game items, subscriptions, and more—all without leaving the app.

Importantly, Telegram Stars comply with Apple and Google’s strict guidelines on in-app purchases, which typically require platforms to use the app stores’ native payment systems and accept their 30% commission fees.

However, Telegram has introduced a smart workaround. While Apple and Google do take a 30% cut when users buy Stars through their platforms, Telegram will subsidize advertising costs for developers who spend their earnings in Stars on app promotion.

“Apple and Google take a 30% commission when users buy Stars from them, but Telegram will subsidize ads purchased with Telegram Stars. So if developers reinvest Stars in promoting their app, the overall commission will be nearly 0%,” explained Pavel Durov in a recent Telegram post.

This strategy not only reduces friction for developers but also encourages reinvestment within the ecosystem—creating a flywheel effect that benefits both creators and users.

👉 Discover how in-app economies are reshaping digital platforms.

How Telegram Stars Empower Developers and Mini-Apps

One of the most exciting aspects of Telegram Stars is its support for mini-apps—lightweight applications that run inside Telegram without requiring installation. These apps are fast, accessible, and increasingly powerful, especially in the realm of blockchain and crypto.

A prime example is Notcoin (NOT), a viral tap-to-earn game that exploded in popularity earlier in 2024. Notcoin leveraged Telegram’s massive user base to onboard millions of players quickly, becoming one of the fastest-growing crypto communities in history.

With Telegram Stars, mini-app developers like Notcoin can now:

This integration strengthens the connection between Telegram’s messaging infrastructure and the decentralized web—making it easier than ever for users to interact with blockchain-based applications.

The Rise of Notcoin and TON Integration

Notcoin (NOT) has become a symbol of Telegram’s growing influence in the crypto space. Currently trading at $0.022—a 4.17% increase over the past 24 hours—Notcoin has secured a spot among the top 60 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, briefly entering the top 50 earlier this year.

This momentum is no accident. Pavel Durov has been an outspoken supporter of Notcoin and similar projects built on The Open Network (TON). In fact, he revealed that his personal investment in Notcoin—initially valued at $6.8 million—grew to nearly $25 million in just two weeks.

Durov isn’t cashing out. He plans to hold his NOT holdings long-term, aiming for a 100x return that would push the portfolio’s value to an impressive $680 million.

His confidence stems from what he sees as a historic shift:

“Notcoin is the largest cryptocurrency community in the history of social media.”

That claim isn’t hyperbole. With tens of millions of active participants, Notcoin has demonstrated how gamified engagement on a platform like Telegram can rapidly scale crypto adoption.

Why Telegram Is Becoming a Crypto Powerhouse

Telegram’s pivot toward crypto-enabled services isn’t new—but the launch of Telegram Stars accelerates it dramatically. By integrating in-app payments, developer incentives, and blockchain interoperability, Telegram is positioning itself as a central hub for Web3 innovation.

Key advantages include:

Moreover, Telegram’s decision to allow developers to convert Stars earnings into Toncoin creates a bridge between traditional digital goods and decentralized finance—enabling real economic activity within the app.

👉 See how blockchain is transforming digital ecosystems today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Telegram Stars?

Telegram Stars are an in-app currency used to purchase digital goods and services within Telegram. Users can buy them via Apple, Google Play, or PremiumBot, and spend them on mini-apps, games, content, and more.

Can I convert Telegram Stars into cryptocurrency?

While Stars themselves aren’t tradable tokens, developers can convert their earnings from Stars into Toncoin (TON)—the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network blockchain—allowing integration with decentralized finance ecosystems.

How do Telegram Stars benefit developers?

Developers benefit from reduced distribution costs. Although Apple and Google take a 30% fee on Star purchases, Telegram subsidizes ad spending made with Stars—effectively reducing the net commission to nearly 0% when reinvested in promotions.

What is Notcoin (NOT)?

Notcoin (NOT) is a tap-to-earn mini-game built on Telegram that rewards users for simple interactions. It gained viral traction in 2024 and became one of the largest crypto communities on social media, supported by Pavel Durov.

Is Telegram becoming a Web3 platform?

Yes. With features like Telegram Stars, TON integration, and support for mini-apps like Notcoin, Telegram is evolving into a full-fledged Web3 gateway—blending messaging, gaming, finance, and decentralized applications in one place.

How does Telegram comply with Apple and Google policies?

Telegram adheres to mobile app store rules by processing all Star purchases through official channels (Apple/Google). However, it offsets high commission fees by subsidizing internal ad spending, giving developers more value for their revenue.

The Future of In-App Economies

The introduction of Telegram Stars signals a broader trend: the rise of self-contained digital economies within messaging platforms. As users spend more time inside apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and WeChat, the demand for seamless transactions grows.

Telegram’s approach—combining compliant payments with crypto-backed backend settlements—is particularly elegant. It respects existing tech giants’ rules while quietly building an alternative financial layer powered by blockchain.

As mini-apps like Notcoin continue to gain traction, we may soon see a new class of digital entrepreneurs emerging entirely within Telegram—launching games, selling courses, offering services—all powered by Stars and settled in Toncoin.

👉 Explore the future of digital economies powered by blockchain technology.

Conclusion

Pavel Durov’s vision for Telegram extends far beyond encrypted chats. With the launch of Telegram Stars, the platform is laying the foundation for a decentralized, developer-friendly digital economy—one where innovation is rewarded, friction is minimized, and users remain at the center.

Projects like Notcoin exemplify what’s possible when scale meets incentive design. And with deep integration into The Open Network (TON), Telegram isn’t just hosting crypto apps—it’s actively shaping the future of Web3.

As this ecosystem matures, one thing is clear: Telegram is no longer just a messaging app—it’s becoming a financial and social operating system for the next generation of internet users.

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