PAWS, a popular Telegram Mini App, migrates to Solana

Telegram recently introduced a policy mandating all Mini Apps and third-party crypto wallets on its platform to exclusively operate on TON

Popular Telegram Mini App PAWS is migrating to Solana in response to newly imposed requirements by the social media platform.

Telegram recently announced a policy mandating all Mini Apps and third-party crypto wallets on its platform to exclusively operate on TON, sparking discussions about decentralization and preventing multichain expansion.

This decision had implications for apps like PAWS, a SocialFi project rewarding users for engagement, which operated across multiple blockchains.

Boosting the Solana ecosystem

The move will bring PAWS’ quickly-amassed user base of 80 millions to Solana, generating additional traffic and boosting the ecosystem.

Since the migration, users downloaded over 9 million Phantom crypto wallets and funded more than 1 million new Solana addresses, all happening before PAWS’ token generation event (TGE).

Source: PAWS LabsNon-fungible token (NFT) vouchers offered by PAWS also became a significant presence on Solana-based NFT marketplace Magic Eden, sparking more than 100,000 transactions in two weeks.

Such developments showcase that a committed community can follow a project through migration to a different chain if the underlying product remains accessible and engaging.

Value extraction versus value injection

The migration also brings to light the contrast between value extraction and value injection. Many blockchain initiatives rely on short bursts of liquidity or speculative token trading, often extracting value from underlying ecosystems.

These models can drive rapid capital inflows and outflows, intensifying market volatility and exposing ecosystem participants to sudden risks.

The trend is especially relevant for Solana, where high volatility memecoins and recent rug pulls caused significant capital flight. In contrast, PAWS puts emphasis on sustained user participation rather than relying solely on speculative token gains.

By presenting a model that focuses on consistent engagement, the project aims to build an ever-growing community growth.

Building an intellectual property

The Solana migration involves a rebranding process to turn the project into an intellectual property and position it as a long-lasting Web3 brand.

Moving forward, PAWS aims to evolve from a viral Telegram application into a full-fledged Web3 brand with multiple revenue streams and strong community loyalty.

To achieve this, the project plans to grow its ecosystem through DeFi integrations, gaming partnerships and social engagement tools. Realizing the multichain possibility is on the radar as well, with plans to expand across Ethereum, layer-2 chains and beyond.

Beyond the crypto space, PAWS seeks to establish itself as a recognizable brand through real-world activations, strategic partnerships and mainstream media presence. A key part of this vision is a sustainable token economy, where holders and community members actively participate in governance and ecosystem development.

The transition from a highly engaged Mini App to a sustainable Web3 brand can set a large-scale example of how meme culture can evolve into a legitimate business model within the crypto space.

The broader significance of PAWS’ transition lies in its potential to set a precedent: Can Telegram’s retail-heavy user base become active participants in permissionless blockchain ecosystems? If successful, PAWS may serve as a model for future Web3 projects looking to bridge the gap between closed platforms and decentralized networks.