Telegram is evolving from a secure messaging app into a full-fledged digital ecosystem, and at the heart of this transformation is a new in-app currency: Telegram Stars. Introduced by CEO Pavel Durov, Telegram Stars are designed to simplify and accelerate transactions for digital goods and services within the app. This strategic move not only enhances user experience but also strengthens the platform’s support for decentralized applications—particularly mini apps like Notcoin.
With over 900 million active users, Telegram has become a fertile ground for innovation in digital finance and blockchain integration. The launch of Telegram Stars marks a pivotal step in unlocking that potential.
What Are Telegram Stars?
Telegram Stars function as an in-app token that users can purchase and spend directly within the Telegram ecosystem. These tokens are compliant with Apple and Google’s app store policies, meaning they can be bought through official payment channels such as the App Store, Google Play, or via Telegram’s own PremiumBot.
Once acquired, users can spend Telegram Stars on a variety of digital offerings, including:
- E-books and digital content
- Online courses and educational tools
- In-game items and virtual assets
- Services offered by bots and mini apps
This seamless purchasing model removes friction for users while giving developers a reliable monetization pathway—all without violating platform-specific payment rules.
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Empowering Developers and Mini Apps
One of the most significant implications of Telegram Stars is its ability to empower developers building on the platform. With mini apps like Notcoin, which require no installation and run instantly within chats, the barrier to entry for users is nearly zero. Now, with Stars, these apps gain a native payment layer.
Developers can earn Stars from user transactions and later convert those earnings into Toncoin (TON), the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network (TON) blockchain. This integration bridges the gap between traditional app monetization and decentralized finance (DeFi), offering developers greater flexibility and financial upside.
Pavel Durov emphasized a key advantage for developers:
“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%.”
This incentive structure encourages reinvestment and growth, making Telegram an increasingly attractive platform for Web3 creators.
Notcoin: A Case Study in Success
Among the many mini apps benefiting from this ecosystem shift, Notcoin (NOT) stands out as a prime example. Originally launched as a simple tap-to-earn game, Notcoin has rapidly evolved into one of the most talked-about cryptocurrencies in 2025.
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. At one point earlier this week, it even entered the top 50, signaling strong community momentum and investor interest.
The success of Notcoin isn’t accidental. It's backed by direct support from Pavel Durov himself. Earlier this month, Durov revealed that his personal Notcoin holdings—initially valued at $6.8 million—had appreciated fourfold in just two weeks, reaching nearly $25 million.
He has publicly stated his long-term confidence in the asset, aiming for a 100x return that would push his portfolio value to an estimated $680 million.
Durov praised Notcoin’s rapid growth, calling it “the largest cryptocurrency community in the history of social media.” He attributes this success to Telegram’s massive user base and its unmatched scalability for deploying crypto-powered applications.
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Why Telegram Is Becoming a Crypto Powerhouse
Telegram’s shift toward becoming a hub for digital innovation goes beyond just launching a new token. It reflects a broader vision: to create an open, scalable, and developer-friendly environment where blockchain technology can thrive.
Key factors driving this transformation include:
- Massive global reach: Over 900 million users provide instant access to a vast audience.
- Built-in support for TON blockchain: Enables fast, low-cost transactions and DeFi integrations.
- No need for app downloads: Mini apps run natively inside Telegram, reducing friction.
- Monetization via Telegram Stars: Offers compliant, efficient revenue streams for creators.
As more users engage with mini apps like Notcoin and spend Telegram Stars, the ecosystem becomes increasingly self-sustaining—a flywheel of usage, development, and value creation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Telegram Stars?
Telegram Stars are an in-app currency used to purchase digital goods and services within Telegram. They can be bought through Apple, Google, or PremiumBot and spent across bots and mini apps.
Can I convert Telegram Stars into cryptocurrency?
Yes. Developers can convert their earnings in Telegram Stars into Toncoin (TON), leveraging the integration between Telegram and The Open Network blockchain.
How does Notcoin benefit from Telegram Stars?
Notcoin users can spend Stars within the app for upgrades or features, while developers can use earned Stars for promotion—boosting visibility and engagement.
Is Notcoin a good investment?
While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, Notcoin has shown strong growth potential with top-tier community support and backing from Pavel Durov. As always, conduct thorough research before investing.
Are Telegram Stars available worldwide?
Yes. Telegram Stars are accessible to all users globally through supported payment methods on iOS, Android, or via PremiumBot.
Does Telegram take a cut of Star transactions?
Telegram does not charge additional fees on Star purchases. However, Apple and Google apply their standard 30% commission on direct purchases—though this is offset when Stars are used for advertising within the app.
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The Road Ahead
With Telegram Stars now live, we’re witnessing the early stages of a decentralized digital economy built directly into a messaging platform. Projects like Notcoin are not just games—they’re experiments in community-driven finance, powered by real economic incentives.
As more developers adopt this model and users embrace in-app tokenized experiences, Telegram could soon rival traditional app stores in terms of innovation and user engagement—without the high fees or restrictive policies.
In essence, Pavel Durov isn’t just launching a new feature. He’s laying the foundation for the next generation of internet-native economies—where communication, community, and commerce converge seamlessly.
Core Keywords: Telegram Stars, Notcoin, Toncoin, mini apps, Pavel Durov, cryptocurrency, in-app purchases, blockchain