Toncoin (TON) Boom: Telegram Username Soars from $350K to $25M Valuation

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has highlighted the explosive growth of tokenized digital identities on the TON blockchain, revealing a username initially bought for $350,000 now holds a $25 million valuation. This surge reflects growing demand for blockchain-secured assets that offer absolute ownership—free from intermediaries or confiscation risks.

Durov described the transaction as a milestone for digital property rights, stating that Telegram is unique among major platforms in enabling irrevocable ownership of usernames. The TON blockchain's smart contracts ensure each handle remains a unique, non-replicable asset—a feature fueling intense speculation. Last year's record $5.8 million sale of @news now seems modest compared to this year's benchmark.

The trend underscores TON's rising prominence in Web3 infrastructure. As blockchain-based identity solutions gain traction, Telegram's integration positions it at the forefront of decentralized social media—where users, not platforms, control digital assets.