At the Token2049 event in Dubai, Telegram founder Pavel Durov shared his vision for the messaging app's future, emphasizing blockchain technology as its cornerstone. Durov highlighted blockchain's capacity to foster freedom and privacy, aligning with Telegram's ethos symbolized by its paper airplane logo, representing freedom of movement.
With over 900 million monthly users, Telegram aims to empower its user base to develop tools, apps, and businesses on its platform. Durov underscored Telegram's distinct approach to monetization, contrasting it with platforms that monetize user data through advertising. Telegram recently announced plans to share advertising revenue with content creators on its platform, aiming to establish one of the most generous revenue-sharing models in social media history.
A significant portion of Telegram's ad revenue, specifically 50%, will be distributed to channel owners and content creators leveraging the TON network, exclusively utilized for transactions, ad payments, and withdrawals. Durov estimated the blockchain-based advertising market to be worth tens of billions, envisaging users across various channels benefiting from a significant share of the revenue.
By harnessing blockchain protocols, Telegram aims to circumvent limitations imposed by Apple and Google on payment processing, enhancing its revenue streams. The platform also facilitates the sale of physical goods and services by integrating with numerous payment providers, offering flexibility to developers and merchants.
Additionally, Telegram has ventured into tokenization, becoming the first social media platform to tokenize its user namespace. This initiative has already seen success, with the platform's in-platform marketplace generating substantial sales. Durov hinted at further tokenization endeavors, such as the tokenization of Telegram stickers, underscoring the platform's commitment to leveraging blockchain technology for scalability and innovation.
