Monetizing opportunities for Telegram’s TON-powered mini-apps are diverse and offer several revenue models for developers. These mini-apps can generate income through advertising, in-app purchases, subscription models, token issuance, and Play-to-Earn or Tap-to-Earn games. The TON ecosystem has witnessed significant growth, with over 300 playable mini-games within the Telegram app. Additionally, recent funding, including a $2.5 million incubation program and a $40 million TON Venture fund, emphasizes the platform’s promising future.
Token issuance serves as a popular and straightforward profit model for TMAs on the TON blockchain. The number of blockchain addresses for mini-app tokens is a crucial metric, with some mini-apps boasting millions of addresses. Furthermore, converting users into verified KYC users on centralized exchanges creates an opportunity for the pre-deposit model, as exchanges aim to attract new users.
In-app purchases within mini-games are a primary revenue model for game developers. Users can buy virtual items, such as character skins and in-game currencies, to enhance their gaming experience. Airdrops of tokens can be offered to users who make in-app purchases, incentivizing them further.
Advertising revenue is another monetization avenue, with mini-game developers generating income through different ad formats, including rewarded interstitial ads, video ads, and banner ads. Some mini-games also collaborate with brands to embed revenue-generating brand ads, providing an additional revenue stream.
Viral marketing and social interaction are crucial for achieving user growth and increased activity. Mini-game developers leverage social sharing and viral marketing techniques to benefit from in-game social reward mechanisms. Telegram mini-app invitation links can be used to invite more users, increasing in-app purchase conversion rates and user engagement.
Tournament prizes and leaderboards can attract more players and increase playing activity, generating revenue through events, user entry fees, or sponsorships. Subscription services and VIP memberships with unique benefits and features are also viable options for monetization.
The reward system enables players to support content creators or tip game developers, particularly for indie game developers with creative mini-games. This model works through microtransactions, allowing players to show their support through small transactions.
Prominent mini-apps on the TON ecosystem include Catizen, DOGS, and Hamster Kombat, which have achieved significant user bases, transactions, and revenue. These examples demonstrate the potential for success within the Telegram mini-app ecosystem.