Telegram introduces NFT collectible gifts, enables third-party marketplace trading

Telegram’s first update in 2025 introduces collectible gifts, allowing users to transfer or trade upgraded gifts on NFT marketplaces.

Telegram, a multiplatform messaging service, kicked off 2025 with a major update, introducing collectible gifts that can be traded as non-fungible tokens on third-party marketplaces.

Telegram announced in a Jan. 1 blog post that gifts sent or received on its platform can now be upgraded to “collectibles.” These collectibles have unique designs, secondary features such as background colors and icons, and varying rarity levels. According to Telegram, more than 1,400 gift varieties such as “Homemade Cake” and “Jelly Bunny” are currently available, with plans to expand the collection in the future.

“When you upgrade a gift, it unlocks a new skin from dozens of special variations made by Telegram artists. “Collectibles also receive a random set of secondary attributes, including background color, icon, and number.”

Telegram

Telegram noted that the upgrades require Telegram Stars, virtual items that enable users to purchase digital goods and services through bots and mini-apps in the Telegram ecosystem, to cover blockchain fees.

The platform emphasized that collectibles are functional, allowing users to transfer them to others or auction them on “NFT marketplaces.” However, Telegram did not specify which marketplaces would support these transactions.

The update also includes additional features. Users can now react to service messages, such as notifications triggered when someone sends a gift, joins a group, or starts a video chat. Telegram also offers filters for message searches, allowing users to narrow results by private chats, groups, or channels.