Blum Co-Founder: "If Your Telegram Mini-App Has Less Than 1 Million Users, You're Doing Something Wrong"

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In the fast-evolving world of Web3 and blockchain innovation, few success stories have captured attention like that of Blum, a decentralized exchange built directly into Telegram. Launched as a mini-app on April 19, 2024, Blum reached 100,000 users in just two hours—a milestone the team had initially hoped to achieve over three months. By day two, it had already surpassed 1 million users.

Today, Blum boasts around 65 million users, most of whom are new to cryptocurrency. At the heart of this explosive growth is a simple yet powerful idea: make crypto access seamless, fun, and community-driven.

Igor Pugachevsky, Blum’s co-founder and Chief Product Officer (CPO), shared insights into the project’s origins, the rise of Telegram mini-apps, and why he believes mass crypto adoption is already happening—right inside Telegram.

The Birth of Blum: A Vision for Simpler Crypto Access

Pugachevsky, along with fellow co-founders Gleb Kostarev and Vladimir Smerkis, previously held senior roles at Binance. Their shared experience exposed them to the friction points new users face when entering the crypto space.

“It was very difficult for new users to buy tokens. They had to go through four to five steps: open the app, create a wallet, prepare gas fees, decide what to buy… It was too complicated.”

Their solution? Build a decentralized exchange that eliminates barriers. By launching on Telegram, they tapped into a platform with over 1 billion users, most of whom have no prior crypto knowledge—but can now access digital assets with a single tap.

Blum wasn’t just built on Telegram; it was designed for Telegram’s ecosystem. The team focused on community co-creation, rewarding early participants and fostering organic growth. This approach resonated deeply—and caught the eye of Binance Labs, which later invested in the project.

👉 Discover how decentralized platforms are reshaping user engagement in 2025.

Why Telegram Mini-Apps Are Going Viral

The success of apps like Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, and DOGS highlights a broader trend: Telegram is becoming the go-to platform for Web3 onboarding.

Pugachevsky attributes this to three key factors:

  1. Zero friction onboarding – No downloads, no logins, no seed phrases. Just one tap and you’re in.
  2. Gamification that works – Tap-to-earn models turn passive scrolling into active earning.
  3. Built-in audience – With 1 billion users, Telegram offers instant scale.

Take Notcoin: within days of launch, it attracted millions of users simply by letting them tap their screens to earn tokens. No complex gameplay, no financial risk—just fun and reward.

“If your Telegram mini-app has less than 1 million users, you're doing something wrong.”

This bold statement reflects the untapped potential of the platform. Apps like Tada—the “Uber of Telegram”—show how far this model can go, enabling real-world services powered by blockchain and paid in TON tokens.

Tap-to-Earn: Fad or Future?

Critics argue that tap-to-earn mechanics are gimmicky—rewarding users for doing nothing of real value. But Pugachevsky sees it differently.

“We live in an attention economy—when I give my attention to something, I can get a reward in return.”

In Web2, platforms like TikTok and YouTube profit from user attention while offering little in return. In Web3, that dynamic flips: users are rewarded for their time, engagement, and loyalty.

And tap-to-earn is just the beginning. Other models—like connecting a wallet (as with DOGS) or completing social tasks—are emerging as more sustainable engagement tools.

These aren’t just games—they’re gateways to financial literacy. Users learn about wallets, gas fees, token swaps, and fiat conversion—all without realizing they’re being educated.

How Telegram Is Driving Crypto Mass Adoption

With over 200 million users now interacting with crypto via Telegram mini-apps, Pugachevsky believes we’re witnessing the largest onboarding event in crypto history.

“I believe the TON blockchain on Telegram is the best example of how crypto mass adoption can happen. And it’s just the beginning.”

Users start by earning free tokens. Then they create wallets. Then they trade or cash out. Each step deepens their understanding and involvement in the ecosystem.

Unlike traditional Web3 apps that require technical know-how, Telegram mini-apps abstract away complexity. No need to manage private keys or understand gas fees upfront. The learning curve is gradual—and user-friendly.

Legal Risks? Privacy First, Compliance Always

Following Pavel Durov’s arrest over data privacy disputes, some questioned whether building on Telegram carries legal risks.

Pugachevsky acknowledges the tension between privacy and regulation but emphasizes Blum’s commitment to compliance.

“Governments are targeting privacy in crypto… but compliance is crucial.”

While Blum leverages Telegram’s infrastructure, it operates within legal frameworks across jurisdictions. User data remains protected—thanks to Telegram’s encryption—but the team ensures adherence to local laws when necessary.

This balance—between freedom and responsibility—is key to long-term sustainability in Web3.

Building on Telegram vs. Traditional Platforms

Why choose Telegram over iOS, Android, or standalone dApps?

For developers, Telegram offers speed and agility:

For users, it’s about accessibility:

In contrast, traditional Web3 apps often lose users at onboarding. Telegram mini-apps skip those hurdles entirely.

Moreover, while standard dApps can’t store user data (for privacy reasons), Telegram allows optional data sharing—fully encrypted—giving developers insight without compromising security.

The Role of Points and Gamification in Web3

Blum’s point system rewards users for playing mini-games and engaging with the platform. These points will eventually translate into BLUM tokens upon launch.

Some argue that point systems lack transparency. But Pugachevsky compares them to loyalty programs like Starbucks Rewards—proven tools for measuring engagement and encouraging retention.

“Points are a tool to assess user behavior—whether in web2 or web3.”

They also serve as a bridge: users get hooked on gameplay first, then gradually explore deeper features like trading and staking.

Recently, Blum distributed $2.5 million worth of DOGS tokens to top point earners—proving that rewards can be both meaningful and motivating.

👉 See how gamified experiences are redefining user incentives in blockchain ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What makes Blum different from other decentralized exchanges?
A: Blum is built natively inside Telegram, removing traditional barriers like wallet setup and app downloads. It focuses on simplicity, gamification, and community rewards—making DeFi accessible to complete crypto beginners.

Q: How does Blum plan to launch the BLUM token?
A: The BLUM token will be distributed based on user participation and points earned through mini-games and engagement activities. Active contributors will receive a significant portion of the initial supply as rewards.

Q: Is Blum only available on Telegram?
A: Yes, Blum operates exclusively as a Telegram mini-app. This allows it to leverage Telegram’s massive user base and seamless interface for faster adoption.

Q: Can I earn real crypto on Blum?
A: Yes. Users earn points that will be convertible into BLUM tokens upon launch. Additionally, top performers have already received real tokens like DOGS as rewards.

Q: What blockchain does Blum use?
A: Blum integrates with the TON (The Open Network) blockchain, known for its speed, low fees, and growing ecosystem of decentralized applications.

Q: Why is Telegram so effective for crypto onboarding?
A: Because it combines massive reach (1B+ users), frictionless access (no sign-ups), and built-in social features—creating the ideal environment for viral growth and community-driven projects.

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