Telegram has unveiled a new digital payment feature within its messaging app called “Telegram Stars,” enabling users to conveniently make in-app purchases. This innovative feature, known as ‘Stars,’ is now available on both iOS and Android platforms.
According to a recent announcement by Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, Stars allow mini apps to accept payments for various digital services. Additionally, app developers have the option to exchange their Stars for Toncoin (TON), the official token of The Open Network, through the Fragment exchange.
The value of TON saw a notable increase on Wednesday, rising by 10% and securing a spot among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. Durov highlighted that mini app developers can easily withdraw their Stars via Fragment using TON, and also use Stars to promote their apps on Telegram at advantageous rates.
The surge in popularity of Telegram’s mini apps, with millions of new users joining daily, has been remarkable. Notably, one mini app gaining traction on Telegram is Hamster Kombat, a simulator game where players can enhance their earnings by purchasing “upgrade cards” and completing quests.
Recently, Hamster Kombat announced a substantial increase in its user base, becoming the number one channel on Telegram in terms of subscribers. Durov emphasized that Telegram has become the primary platform for launching new apps, thanks to the growing popularity of mini apps.
Moreover, Durov revealed that Apple and Google would receive a 30% commission on purchases of Stars made through their platforms. However, he mentioned that Telegram would subsidize ads purchased using Telegram Stars. App developers who reinvest Stars in promoting their apps would not incur any commission fees.
In April, Telegram collaborated with the stablecoin issuer Tether to launch USDT on the TON blockchain, aiming to drive greater adoption of cryptocurrencies through the messaging platform.
