Telegram’s tap-to-earn games are proving to be a game-changer for crypto adoption, according to Gleb Kostarev, founder and CEO of Blum. In a recent interview at Korea Blockchain Week, Kostarev revealed that 50% of users playing his Blum Mini App games are entirely new to the crypto space. These findings suggest that Telegram, a widely popular messaging platform, could be opening the door to mass adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Crypto Newcomers Enter the Scene

Blum’s tap-to-earn games have attracted 50 million registered users, with half of them being first-time crypto users. According to Kostarev, these newcomers had little to no interaction with Web3 technology before joining the platform.

“We’ve been waiting for mass adoption for quite a long time, and we’re finally getting it through Telegram,” said Kostarev.

Tap-to-earn games are simple yet addictive. Players perform tasks like tapping on their screens repeatedly or completing easy activities such as watching a video. These tasks reward them with in-game tokens, some of which are based on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, exposing users to cryptocurrencies—even if they aren’t aware of it.

Popular titles like Tapswap, Catizen, and Hamster Kombat are leading this new trend, linking players to crypto without requiring deep technical knowledge.

Educating the New Crypto Users

While the influx of new users is exciting, Kostarev highlighted a critical issue: educating the audience. “It’s not enough just to bring a mass user base to crypto; we also need to guide them on how to navigate the space and avoid scams,” he emphasized.

The simplicity of the games is attracting users, but the challenge lies in ensuring that these newcomers understand the technology they are now interacting with.

Kostarev sees Telegram as a pivotal platform for increasing access to decentralized finance (DeFi) apps. He pointed out that while most centralized exchange users prefer mobile access, DeFi adoption has been hindered by restrictions from major app stores like Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Apple, in particular, has strict policies on cryptocurrencies and NFTs, imposing a 30% fee on in-app payments, which has stifled innovation. Kostarev believes Telegram can bypass these obstacles, providing users with easier access to DeFi through its mobile app.

Challenges Ahead for Telegram

Despite the platform’s potential, Telegram is facing scrutiny from authorities. Its founder, Pavel Durov, was recently arrested in France for allegedly allowing criminal activity on the app. However, this legal hurdle hasn’t stopped Telegram from becoming a significant player in the crypto space.

The growing popularity of tap-to-earn games on Telegram highlights a shift in how newcomers are being introduced to cryptocurrency. As these platforms evolve, their focus on user education and security will be crucial in shaping the future of crypto adoption. Telegram’s role in this journey could prove to be pivotal, especially as it offers a mobile-friendly gateway to DeFi and blockchain technology.