Telegram’s New Update Brings NFT Gifts and Verification Tools

Highlights:

• Telegram’s new update adds NFT gifts, transforming digital gifts into tradeable collectibles.
• A decentralized third-party verification system reduces scams and misinformation.
• Message search filters and QR scanning enhance functionality and user convenience.

Telegram has announced the first update in the year 2025 to introduce new features that aim to improve its users’ experience and security. The update is brought in NFT gifts, a decentralized third-party verification system, improved search filters for messages, and QR code scanning. These features depict that Telegram is a valuable platform that is continually enhancing the features to offer its users.

💎 Telegram's First 2025 Update: NFT Gifts on TON, Message Search Filters, and additional enhancements.

Telegram is launching the initial update of 2025 today, featuring NFT gifts that can be shared or forwarded among users, the option to send reactions to events within the… pic.twitter.com/jl6cbaxDDw

— damx 🀄️ (@damxton) January 2, 2025

NFT Gifts and Blockchain Integration

In the press release, Telegram announced that it enables users to convert digital gifts into collectibles. When a gift is improved to a collectible it acquires special features like different icons and backgrounds to identify it from the others. These collectibles can be bought, sold or even offered out in NFT marketplaces.

More than two dozen of the current gifts such as Homemade Cake and Santa Hat can be enhanced. This process reveals over 1,400 pieces of collectibles. Upgrade is possible with the help of Telegram Stars which is the internal currency for the platform to pay for the blockchain fees. This means that you can send gifts as collectibles straight away, allowing the recipients to unbox them in chats. The update focuses on the messaging app’s integration of Web3 and the increasing opportunities for users to own digital assets. 

Decentralized Verification System

Telegram’s new decentralized verification system assigns additional icons to accounts verified by third-party organizations. These icons differ from the blue checkmarks used for public figures. Verified accounts display details about their status, increasing clarity and security.

Concurrently, Telegram has introduced a decentralized verification system where extra icons are added to the accounts that are verified by other organizations. These icons are not similar to the blue verification badges applied to the accounts of public personalities. The use of verified accounts means that it is easier to determine the authenticity of an account as it displays the status of the account.

Only authorized organizations, which Telegram allows, can control third-party verification. These entities leverage the Telegram Bot API for verifying or unverifying other accounts linked to them. This prevents many cases of fake news and impersonation on the platform and therefore is a good measure.

In order to receive verification, individuals and organizations have to meet some requirements. These include ensuring that the enterprise has an active account on popular social media sites or has a verified Wikipedia page. You must send requests for verification through the @VerifyBot.

Additional Features in Telegram’s New Update

The update includes several user-focused improvements. Message search filters now allow users to refine results by private chats, group chats, or channels. This simplifies locating specific messages across conversations.

A QR code scanner integrated into the application makes it easier to use. Users can also open links in their default browser without having to exit the application. This feature is available on both Android and iOS operating systems.

Chat folders now feature customizable options, including the use of custom emojis to enhance user flexibility. Premium subscribers can also create chats with special icons, improving navigation for users. 

Service Message Reactions and Enhanced Interactivity

Telegram has introduced reactions to service messages, which enhances the interaction in the conversations. Some triggerable events include accepting gifts or starting video chats, and users can respond only by tapping. 

This feature also applies to other activities within a group, for instance, when a group greets new members or suggests changes to the profile. Message reactions for service messages increase interaction and give fast feedback.