Five Airdrops Owned by Telegram Itself

Telegram, the popular messaging platform, has become a major player in the cryptocurrency space, launching several airdrops through its own projects. Here are five airdrops directly associated with Telegram:

1. Major

Major is Telegram's own airdrop bot, boasting over 34 million users. This makes it one of the largest Telegram-based airdrops, reflecting the platform's significant reach in the crypto community. While specific details about the token and distribution are limited, its direct association with Telegram suggests it could have substantial value and utility within the ecosystem.

2. TON (The Open Network)

Although not explicitly mentioned as a Telegram-owned airdrop, TON is closely linked to the platform. Originally developed by Telegram, TON has since become an independent project. However, its integration with Telegram remains strong, particularly through features like the Giveaways function. This allows channel owners to distribute prizes, including TON tokens, to followers in a verifiably random manner. The TON token has recently surged in popularity, breaking into the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap.

3. Gram

While not currently active due to regulatory issues, the Gram token was Telegram's original cryptocurrency project. In 2019, Telegram raised approximately $1.7 billion through a private sale of Gram tokens. However, the SEC halted the distribution in 2020, citing it as an unregistered securities offering. Despite this setback, Gram remains a significant part of Telegram's crypto history and could potentially be revived in a compliant form in the future.

4. Toncoin

Toncoin is the native cryptocurrency of the TON blockchain, which evolved from Telegram's original project. While not directly owned by Telegram, it maintains close ties to the platform. Telegram has integrated Toncoin into its ecosystem, allowing users to send Toncoin directly through the messaging app. This integration suggests a level of endorsement from Telegram, making it a quasi-official airdrop.

5. Fragment

Fragment is a marketplace closely associated with TON and, by extension, Telegram. While not explicitly an airdrop, it plays a crucial role in Telegram's crypto ecosystem. Channel owners can purchase Telegram Premium subscriptions in bulk through Fragment, which they can then distribute as part of Giveaways. This creates an indirect airdrop mechanism, where users can receive valuable Telegram Premium subscriptions through crypto-based giveaways.

These five projects demonstrate Telegram's significant involvement in the cryptocurrency space. Despite regulatory challenges, the platform continues to innovate and integrate blockchain technology into its ecosystem. The success of these airdrops, particularly Major and TON, highlights the massive user base Telegram can leverage for crypto adoption.

It's worth noting that the cryptocurrency landscape is highly dynamic, and Telegram's strategies may evolve. As of September 2024, these airdrops represent Telegram's most prominent forays into cryptocurrency distribution. However, given the platform's history of innovation, it wouldn't be surprising to see new airdrop initiatives launched in the near future.

For users interested in participating in Telegram-based airdrops, it's crucial to stay informed about official announcements and to exercise caution, as the popularity of these projects has also attracted scammers attempting to impersonate legitimate airdrops. Always verify information through official Telegram channels and be wary of any requests to send funds or personal information.