Toncoin (TON) Gained Significant Attention in 2024 When the Tap-to-Earn Trend Became Popular

Toncoin (TON) gained significant attention in 2024 when the tap-to-earn trend became popular. However, the momentum has diminished

Toncoin (TON) has come into the limelight in 2024 with the tap-to-earn trend on the messaging platform Telegram. However, the hype has since simmered down. Despite this, the momentum could return as the network is rolling out new use cases and expanding its ecosystem.

As one of the leading global cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC has been closely following TON’s progress. In an interview with BeInCrypto, Chief Operating Officer at MEXC, Tracy Jin, shared her insights into what sets TON apart from Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), and what’s next for the ecosystem.

One of the key aspects that differentiate TON is its minimal integration with a massively used, everyday app: Telegram. With a user base of 900 million, Telegram serves as the largest active social layer in crypto, and TON is the only blockchain embedded within it.

“This isn’t just about building dApps; it’s about making Web3 disappear into the UX in the best possible way. We know Ethereum is the cornerstone for smart contracts, and Solana has become a high-performance chain for DeFi and consumer-grade applications. But TON is betting on a completely different future — one that’s already unfolding inside Telegram,” Jin explained.

The COO went on to note that most Layer-1s struggle to reach the space that TON is targeting. For instance, despite years of development, Ethereum still faces challenges in achieving mass adoption.

On the other hand, TON is simplifying this aspect by offering familiar tools, like Telegram Wallet, to its users. These tools enable crypto usage within chats, games, and P2P experiences.

Moreover, TON minimizes friction points like gas fees and private key storage, making it easier for people to engage with crypto, especially those new to the space.

Mini-apps integrated into Telegram, like Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and Catizen, are also effectively onboarding millions of users, often without them realizing they’re using blockchain.

“While Ethereum and other networks grapple with the complexity of crypto, TON is presenting it in a way that keeps the user at the forefront with minimal barriers to entry. If it succeeds in fully executing this integration, the high barrier to entry, which crypto is famously known for, could be significantly reduced — especially for mainstream users. It’s no longer about throughput or TPS; it’s about context, convenience, and culture. TON is building where users already are, and that could be a game-changer,” Jin mentioned.

Furthermore, Jin highlighted that Telegram’s vast user base provides a decisive advantage in transforming the platform into a crypto-native super app. This sets TON apart from Solana, which acquired its users through DeFi and Web3 interest.

“We’re already seeing the beginnings of this integration with features like crypto payments, games like Last Frontier, and mini-apps like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat. If TON can sustain this trajectory, we might see around 2.6 million daily active users by 2026 and potentially 10 million by 2027.”

However, this scenario hinges on crucial factors like efficient infrastructure development and navigating regulatory challenges.

Announcing a new milestone for TON, the MEXC executive stated that the network has hit 150 million account creations.

The network is also processing an average of 2 million transactions per day, while the number of active monthly wallets stands at around 2 million.

In fact, TON has also emerged as a popular choice for non-fungible token (NFT) trading, largely driven by the Telegram Gifts Marketplace.

“Telegram Collectible Gifts went up in price several times in the past 30 days. TON is now the #1 blockchain by daily NFT trading volume (or #2 after Ethereum if off-chain trades are not counted),” Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, posted on X.

While these are solid benchmarks, Jin said that they don’t make TON the most popular blockchain ecosystem, at least not yet.

“If current adoption continues, I’d say that would make it unique. We’re used to seeing chains compete in DeFi or trading volume, but TON is accruing users on a different plane. It’ll be interesting to see how the two converge if/when the broader market starts focusing on user activity as a primary metric again,” she added.

If this does happen and TON manages to keep up the momentum, then it could outpace Solana in terms of user acquisition.

“It’s common knowledge that Solana went viral with DeFi and hit a peak of 10 million daily active users. We’re still in the early stages of seeing what TON can achieve in the long term, especially with its close ties to Telegram and the potential for broader merchant adoption,” Jin concluded.