Telegram Mini App PAWS has migrated to the Solana blockchain after Telegram enforced a policy requiring Mini Apps and third-party crypto wallets to operate exclusively on the TON blockchain. PAWS, a SocialFi project with over 80 million users, chose to move rather than remain within a restricted ecosystem. The migration has boosted Solana’s ecosystem, with over 9 million new Phantom wallet downloads and more than 1 million newly funded Solana addresses.
The transition has also sparked increased NFT activity, with PAWS-related NFT vouchers generating over 100,000 transactions on Magic Eden. This move reignited discussions on blockchain ecosystems’ sustainability, contrasting short-term speculative liquidity bursts with models emphasizing long-term community engagement. PAWS aims to inject lasting value rather than rely on rapid capital inflows.
As part of its rebranding, PAWS intends to evolve into a Web3 brand, integrating DeFi tools, gaming, and social engagement. Future plans include expanding across multiple blockchains, including Ethereum and layer-2 networks. Beyond crypto, the project seeks mainstream adoption through strategic partnerships and real-world activations.
The move sets a precedent for whether Telegram’s vast user base can transition into decentralized blockchain ecosystems. If successful, PAWS could serve as a model for future Web3 projects looking to bridge closed-platform audiences with open, permissionless blockchain networks.
