The world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) may have hit a rough patch in 2024, but Getgems, a TON blockchain-based NFT marketplace, sees this as a springboard rather than a setback. With Telegram’s 950 million monthly active users and innovative blockchain integration, Getgems is doubling down on utility-based NFTs, proving that sometimes, the international media reported on Tuesday.
Why NFTs Would Rather Forget 2024?
Let’s face it—2024 wasn’t exactly the banner year for NFTs that many had hoped for. According to blockchain analytics platform DappRadar, the market took a noticeable hit, with trading volumes and sales counts dropping by nearly 20%. This downturn marked one of the NFT sector’s worst-performing years since its initial boom in 2020. For some platforms, this decline proved to be too much to handle. MakersPlace, a well-known NFT marketplace, shut its doors on January 15, citing “ongoing market challenges.” It was a clear sign that even established platforms weren’t immune to the harsh realities of a slowing market.
But let’s not write the obituary for NFTs just yet. The downturn didn’t spell doom for every project out there. In fact, it’s often during challenging times that the most resilient players emerge. While some saw the decline as the beginning of the end, others, like Getgems, viewed it as an opportunity to innovate and rebuild.
The slowdown in 2024 also raised questions about the sustainability of NFTs as an asset class. Were they merely speculative investments? Or could they evolve into something more meaningful? This debate became even more relevant as developers began exploring ways to add utility to NFTs, moving beyond flashy images and into assets with real-world applications.
For Getgems, the solution was clear: utility-driven NFTs could offer the key to long-term success. By leveraging Telegram’s vast user base and integrating blockchain technology into everyday digital experiences, Getgems is aiming to redefine how we think about NFTs. The challenges of 2024 might have dampened enthusiasm temporarily, but for forward-thinking platforms like Getgems, they’ve opened the door to entirely new possibilities.
Telegram’s 950 Million Users: A Game-Changer for NFT Adoption
When it comes to potential user bases, few platforms can rival Telegram. With 950 million monthly active users as of September 2024, the messaging giant has established itself as more than just a communication tool—it’s a cultural phenomenon. For Getgems, this massive user base represents an untapped goldmine for NFT adoption. Unlike traditional NFT platforms, which often struggle to reach mainstream audiences, Telegram offers an unparalleled opportunity to integrate blockchain technology seamlessly into the daily lives of millions.
The sheer scale of Telegram’s audience isn’t the only reason Getgems is optimistic. The platform also provides tools that make adopting NFTs a breeze. For instance, Telegram Usernames and Anonymous Numbers have been transformed into digital assets that users can own outright. These NFTs don’t just sit in a wallet; they serve a functional purpose, giving users exclusive rights to unique online identities and anonymous accounts.
“While NFTs might have had a big moment in the past, they’ve never had the capacity for a seamless connection with mass users like Telegram has,” a Getgems spokesperson told Cointelegraph. This statement highlights why Telegram is such a perfect fit for driving NFT adoption. Unlike other platforms that focus solely on hype and exclusivity, Telegram’s NFT offerings are grounded in utility.
This utility-first approach could be the key to breaking down the barriers that have kept NFTs from reaching their full potential. By making digital assets functional and accessible, Getgems is betting that more people will see the value in owning NFTs—as collectibles and tools that enhance their digital experiences.
$480 Million in Volume: The Early Success of Telegram-Based NFTs
Numbers don’t lie, and the figures coming out of Telegram-based NFT collections are nothing short of impressive. According to Getgems, Telegram Usernames have generated a total volume of 72 million Toncoin (TON), while Anonymous Numbers have added another 24 million TON to the tally. With TON trading at approximately $5, this puts the combined volume of these collections at a whopping $480 million.
Let’s break that down for a moment. These aren’t speculative assets being flipped for profit on niche marketplaces. These are functional digital tools—usernames and numbers—that people are using and valuing in their everyday lives. The fact that they’ve generated this kind of trading volume speaks volumes (pun intended) about their appeal.
For Getgems, this early success validates its strategy of focusing on utility. The marketplace has long argued that NFTs with real-world applications are the key to long-term adoption. And it’s hard to argue with results like these.
What’s even more exciting is the potential for growth. As more people begin to understand the value of owning a unique username or an anonymous number, demand for these assets could skyrocket. Add in Telegram’s massive user base, and it’s easy to see why Getgems believes these collections are just the beginning.
Gifts That Keep on Giving: Telegram’s NFT Push
In October 2024, Telegram introduced Gifts, a feature that allows users to send animated images with personalized messages. On the surface, it might seem like a simple addition to the platform. But here’s the kicker: These gifts can be turned into NFTs.
By January 2025, Telegram took things a step further by integrating Gifts into the TON blockchain. This move transformed what was once just a fun feature into a full-fledged digital asset. According to Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, users had already acquired more than 20 million Gifts since their launch—a clear sign that the feature is resonating with the platform’s massive audience.
Getgems is particularly excited about this development. Even before these NFTs were minted on the blockchain, their pre-mint trading volume reached $1 million, with a market capitalization of $10 million. Now that Gifts are officially onchain, the potential for adoption has grown exponentially.
What makes this development so significant is its accessibility. Unlike traditional NFTs, which often require users to navigate complex marketplaces and wallets, Telegram Gifts are designed to be simple and user-friendly. This lowers the barrier to entry and makes the concept of owning an NFT more approachable for everyday users.
Why Utility-Based NFTs Are the Future
For years, NFTs have been plagued by criticism that they’re little more than speculative assets. Sure, owning a digital piece of art can be cool, but what’s the point if it doesn’t do anything? This is the question that platforms like Getgems are working to answer.
By focusing on utility, Getgems is flipping the script on how we think about NFTs. Instead of being just flashy digital assets, these NFTs serve real purposes. Whether it’s owning a unique username on Telegram or sending a personalized digital Gift, these assets enhance the user experience in tangible ways.
This shift toward utility isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. As the NFT market matures, users are demanding more from their digital assets. They want NFTs that add value to their lives, not just ones that look good in their wallets.
Final Word: Can Getgems Revive the NFT Market?
The big question is: can Getgems help breathe new life into the struggling NFT market? The answer might lie in its strategy. By leveraging Telegram’s massive user base and focusing on utility-driven NFTs, Getgems is positioning itself as a leader in the next wave of NFT adoption.
Of course, challenges remain. The NFT market is still recovering from a tough 2024, and not everyone is convinced that utility-based NFTs are the way forward. But for platforms like Getgems, the numbers speak for themselves. With $480 million in trading volume already generated by Telegram-based NFTs, the demand is clearly there.
If Getgems succeeds, it could set a new standard for what NFTs can be. And that’s a future worth getting excited about.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Getgems?
Getgems is a TON blockchain-based NFT marketplace focused on utility-driven digital collectibles, including Telegram Usernames and Anonymous Numbers.
- Why is Getgems optimistic about NFTs in 2025?
Despite the downturn in 2024, Getgems believes Telegram’s 950 million monthly active users and focus on utility will drive mass adoption of NFTs.
- What are Telegram Usernames and Anonymous Numbers?
These are Telegram-based NFTs that offer ownership of digital identities and anonymous accounts, respectively.
- What are Telegram Gifts?
Telegram Gifts are animated images with personalized messages that can be converted into NFTs and are now integrated into the TON blockchain.
- How much volume have Telegram-based NFTs generated so far?
According to Getgems, Telegram Usernames and Anonymous Numbers have a combined trading volume of $480 million.
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