What are Telegram Mini Apps?
Telegram Mini Apps are lightweight applications that run directly within the Telegram messenger. They offer a seamless user experience, eliminating the need for separate downloads or installations. Think of them as websites that are perfectly integrated into Telegram, accessible with a single tap.
Built using HTML5 and JavaScript, Mini Apps can support multiple functionalities, from games and entertainment to productivity tools and even financial services. They leverage Telegram's existing features, like user authorisation and secure payments, to provide a convenient and user-friendly experience.
Essentially, Mini Apps bring the power of the web into your Telegram chats, allowing you to do more without leaving the app.
Why Use Telegram Mini Apps?
Telegram Mini Apps offer pure convenience–users can access a variety of services without juggling multiple apps (that drains your phone's bandwidth). They load quickly, are lightweight on your device, and offer a seamless experience within the familiar Telegram interface.
But it's not just about convenience. Mini Apps allow users to play new games, explore innovative tools, and even manage their finances through the blockchain-powered Telegram platform.
Mini App is also becoming a gateway to the decentralised web (A.K.A Web3), with Telegram and the growing integration of Web3 and blockchain technologies. Functions like accessing crypto wallets, interacting with DeFi protocols, and exploring NFTs are also possible within the Telegram Web3 ecosystem.
How to Find and Start Using Telegram Mini Apps
For access within Telegram (launch the app on mobile or desktop):
- From the 'Apps' tab: Telegram has a dedicated 'Apps' tab in the Search section. This shows a list of popular Mini Apps and the ones you've recently used.
- Via the search bar: You can search for a specific Mini App by name in the global search bar
- Through bots: Many bots now offer Mini Apps as part of their functionality. When interacting with a bot, look for an option to launch its Mini App.
- Shared links: Friends or channels can share links to specific Mini Apps, which you can open directly within Telegram
- Attachment menu: When you tap the attachment icon in a chat, you'll find a Mini Apps section to browse and launch apps
For access from outside Telegram:
Some Mini Apps have direct links that you can open in your browser. If you have the app installed, these links will automatically redirect you to the Mini App within Telegram
The Top 10 Telegram Mini Apps
Telegram has taken inspiration from the successful WeChat mini-app model, offering a similar experience within its own platform. These Mini Apps are designed to cater to users' limited time and attention spans; with simple gameplay and functionalities attracting Web2 and Web3 users, they offer a quick and engaging experience, potentially leading to increased user engagement. These Mini Apps are available on both mobile and desktop versions of Telegram and on any device.
The current landscape of Telegram mini-apps is diverse, encompassing categories such as gaming, social interaction, trading, and even artificial intelligence (AI).
Ready to explore the world of Telegram Mini Apps? Here are 10 of the best, offering a mix of entertainment, productivity, and Web3 experiences—as ranked by monthly active users (MAU).
***Monthly Active Users figures are estimated as of the time of writing (16 October 2024)
Hamster Kombat
Hamster Kombat is a blockchain-based game where you collect, train, and battle adorable hamsters. With its addictive gameplay and competitive tournaments, it's no wonder this app has climbed to the top of the charts. In this top gaming Mini App, you're at liberty to build your hamster army, climb leaderboards, and earn rewards on Telegram with Web3 technology.
Category: Blockchain gaming
Key features: NFT hamsters, player-versus-player battles, tournaments, in-app marketplace
Estimated MAU: 110 million
Blum
Blum is a simple yet rewarding 'mining' game that has taken the Telegram Mini App world by storm. Backed by Binance Labs, Blum allows you to earn rewards with minimal effort. Just start the mining process and return every few hours to claim your earnings. It's a great way to dip your toes into the world of crypto and blockchain.
Category: Crypto, Tap-to-Earn
Key features: Simple mining mechanics, regular rewards, potential for token integration
Estimated MAU: 42 million
Major
If you're already hyperactive on Telegram, you may want to try being a major star in the Telegram universe. This unique Mini App turns Telegram into a social status game where you compete to earn Stars and climb the leaderboard. Complete daily tasks, invite friends, and gather votes to boost your rating. The top 100 players each month are rewarded with TON tokens.
Category: Social, Gaming, TON
Key features: Earning Stars, leaderboard competition, Toncoin rewards, community engagement, upcoming $Major token
Estimated MAU: 39 million
Tomarket
Tomarket is harvesting serious yields in the Telegram Mini App world by combining in-game farming, earning, and trading into a single, integrated experience. Launched just recently in July 2024, it has already amassed over 18 million users, making it one of the fastest-growing and most addictive Mini Apps on the platform. Its signature game, Tomato Drop, allows users to earn TOMATO tokens by tapping on tomatoes within a limited time.
Category: Gaming, Earning, Trading, TON
Key features: Tomato Drop game, farming, referrals, upcoming token launch and airdrop
Estimated MAU: 29 million
MemeFi
MemeFi combines the power of memes with the excitement of decentralised finance. With a planned token listing and a strong community, MemeFi is poised to become a major player in the Telegram Mini App space. Engage with memes, participate in community events, and explore the potential of meme-based finance.
Category: Memes, DeFi, TON
Key features: Meme-based interactions, community engagement, token launches
Estimated MAU: 28 million
Seed App
Developed by former Binance team members, Seed App provides a platform for accessing Web3 services, and is designed for maximum ease of use. On the Seed App, users can explore decentralised applications, manage crypto assets, and discover new opportunities in the world of blockchain.
Category: Web3, DeFi
Key features: dApp browser, crypto wallet integration, DeFi tools
Estimated MAU: 21 million
Yescoin
Yescoin is a simple yet addictive game where you tap to earn rewards. For those looking for a breezy way to get involved with crypto, you might find yourself saying yes to it with its easy-to-understand mechanics and regular payouts.
Category: Crypto, Tap-to-Earn
Key features: Simple tap-to-earn gameplay, regular rewards, low entry barrier
Estimated MAU: 19 million
Catizen
Catizen is another popular blockchain-based game where you collect and merge adorable cats. Built on the TON blockchain, Catizen boasts a large and active community. Merge your cats, discover rare breeds, and earn FISH tokens as you progress in this captivating Mini App.
Category: Blockchain gaming, TON
Key features: Cat collection and merging, TON blockchain integration, FISH token rewards
Estimated MAU: 17 million
Gamee
Billing itself as the 'Arcade of Blockchain', Gamee offers a collection of casual games that you can play directly within Telegram. With its simple gameplay and daily rewards, Gamee is a great way to pass the time and have some fun. Participate in lucky draws and potentially earn airdropped tokens while enjoying a variety of addictive games.
Category: Gaming
Key features: Variety of casual games, daily rewards, lucky draws, potential airdrops
Estimated MAU: 10 million
Dogiators
Dogiators is a guild wars game that brings the excitement of console-style gameplay to Telegram. It's one of the first Mini Apps to offer an immersive 3D experience, setting it apart from the more casual games on the Mini App platform. Players start by breeding their own unique 'Dogiator' fighter, train and level up abilities, and enter them in PvP battles to climb leaderboards. Dogiators also features a dungeon mode where players can battle against AI-controlled opponents to earn rewards and experience. Players have also been drawn to the added incentive of being able to exchange in-game rewards for real-world money.
Category: Gaming, 3D Fighting, TON
Key features: Dogiator breeding and training, PvP battles, dungeon mode, customisation, tap-to-earn, upcoming NFT integration
Estimated MAU: 9 million
aelf is a trailblazing multi-chain blockchain framework designed to address the limitations of traditional blockchain systems using AI. Its unique architecture, featuring a mainchain, customisable sidechains, and the possible introduction of a ZK Rollup Layer 2 scaling solution, upgrades network performance. aelf 2.0 further elevates this by integrating AI for 'smarter' contract execution, gas usage prediction, and intelligent resource allocation on its AI blockchain.
One of the core applications built on aelf is Tomorrow DAO (TMRWDAO), which hosts Votigram—it is a decentralised governance Telegram bot whereby users engage in voting processes directly within the messaging app, offering real-time participation in decision-making while earning rewards.
*Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other form of professional advice. aelf makes no guarantees or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information on this blog. You should not make any investment decisions based solely on the information provided on this blog. You should always consult with a qualified financial or legal advisor before making any investment decisions.
About aelf
aelf, the pioneer Layer 1 blockchain, features modular systems, parallel processing, cloud-native architecture, and multi-sidechain technology for unlimited scalability. Founded in 2017 with its global hub based in Singapore, aelf is the first in the industry to lead Asia in evolving blockchain with state-of-the-art AI integration, transforming blockchain into a smarter, bustling ecosystem.
aelf facilitates the building, integrating, and deploying of smart contracts and decentralised apps (dApps) on its Layer 1 blockchain with its native C# software development kit (SDK) and SDKs in other languages, including Java, JS, Python, and Go. aelf’s ecosystem also houses a range of dApps to support a flourishing blockchain network. aelf is committed to fostering innovation within its ecosystem and remains dedicated to driving the development of Web3, blockchain and the adoption of AI technology.
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