Telegram’s self-custodial crypto pockets, developed by a third-party firm known as The Open Platform (TOP), has launched new options for individuals who don’t simply use Telegram as a messaging app. The updates embody multi-asset buying and selling and yield functionalities.
Based mostly on the TON blockchain, TOP launched the pockets in 2023. The corporate reported that over 100 million customers have signed up for an account with Pockets on Telegram. Moreover, it famous that the majority of those customers had been new to the crypto ecosystem.
The pockets product has primarily been targeted on the Toncoin cryptocurrency, which can be utilized on the Telegram platform to tip creators or pay for mini-games and apps. It additionally helps Bitcoin and USDT (on the TON blockchain). Because the preliminary launch, the pockets has additionally gained assist of different currencies like Notcoin.
Following in the present day’s replace, TOP says that customers will have the ability to purchase, promote, or maintain crypto with none on-chain deposits. This makes it simpler for newer customers to get into crypto holding and buying and selling.
The corporate can be introducing an incomes part to the pockets for holding a specific amount of Toncoin. It didn’t specify the yield share or how a lot crypto you would want to carry to start out incomes. Later this yr, TOP plans so as to add yields for USDT holdings and launch loyalty packages that might profit Toncoin holders.
Telegram Pockets has undergone a makeover as properly, with a brand new navigation bar on the backside and a simple method to swap between the Pockets, Commerce, and Earn sections.
“This replace enhances Pockets’s performance, to satisfy shoppers’ expectations for an open and broad market. With present replace Pockets now operates as a fully-fledged crypto platform inside Telegram whereas remaining as easy and accessible as ever. We additionally plan to implement a loyalty program particularly for Toncoin holders, to additional increase the adoption of TON Ecosystem,” TOP’s CEO Andrew Rogozov mentioned in a press release.
The brand new pockets replace will begin rolling out to customers in March and April. TOP mentioned that some options may be restricted in some nations primarily based on native rules.
Final December, Telegram founder Pavel Durov mentioned that the corporate turned worthwhile. The platform has greater than 950 million month-to-month energetic customers. Cryptocurrencies have contributed to the corporate’s bottom-line due to integrations with content material and mini app funds.