Telegram’s first update of 2025 introduces collectible gifts, allowing users to transfer or trade upgraded gifts on NFT marketplaces.
Telegram, a multi-platform messaging service, has kicked off 2025 with a major update, introducing collectible gifts that can be traded as non-fungible tokens on third-party marketplaces.
In a January 1 blog post, Telegram announced that gifts sent or received on its platform can now be upgraded to “collectibles.” These collectibles have unique designs, secondary features such as background colors and icons, and varying levels of rarity. According to Telegram, more than 1,400 varieties of gifts such as ‘Homemade Cake’ and ‘Jelly Bunny’ are already available, with plans to expand the collection in the future.
“Upgrading a gift unlocks a new look from dozens of custom variations created by Telegram artists. Collectibles also get a random set of secondary properties, including a background color, icon, and number.”
Telegram
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Telegram noted that upgrades will require Telegram Stars – virtual items that allow users to purchase digital goods and services through bots and mini-apps within the Telegram ecosystem – to cover blockchain costs.
The platform emphasized that collectibles are functional, allowing users to transfer them to others or auction them “on NFT marketplaces.” However, Telegram did not specify which marketplaces would support these transactions.
The update also includes additional features. Users can now respond to service messages, such as notifications that are triggered when someone sends a gift, joins a group, or starts a video chat. Telegram has also introduced filters for message searches, allowing users to refine results based on private chats, groups or channels.
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