Catenaa, Tuesday, May 20, 2025-A new NFT marketplace called MRKT has launched inside Telegram, allowing users to buy, sell and trade digital collectibles such as gifts and stickers directly within the messaging app.
Developed by an anonymous creator who goes by the name “Tyler Durden,” the mini app is built on the TON blockchain and integrates directly into Telegram chats. The launch aims to bring NFT functionality to mainstream Telegram users, offering a seamless, in-chat experience for digital ownership.
Unlike Telegram’s official gifts marketplace – which only supports Telegram Stars as a payment method – MRKT supports payments in TON, auctions, rarity filters, and direct wallet integration. Durden said the app uses “semi on-chain mechanics” to enable a faster, more flexible experience.
The release follows Telegram’s recent push into blockchain-based digital gifting, with the app’s gift economy already surpassing $50 million in trading volume, according to Dune Analytics. MRKT joins other TON-based NFT platforms such as Fragment and Getgems but distinguishes itself with its Telegram-native approach and real-time resale tools.
Durden claimed to have spent over $1 million gifting NFTs to random Telegram users in the past two months. A public dashboard showing gifting activity is reportedly in development.
Despite early traction, MRKT was placed under maintenance hours after launch. Its community Telegram channel has already grown to more than 359,000 subscribers. Durden said the ultimate goal is for MRKT to become a hub for trading everything Telegram-native – including usernames, phone numbers, and domains.
