Gram-mers Rejoice: Telegram Rolls Out In-App Wallet to a Billion Users, Two Weeks at a Time

Telegram has begun rolling out its self-custodial Gram Wallet to a select group of users, sending GRAM (formerly Toncoin) up about 2.07% over 24 hours to roughly $1.40 after an early push toward $1.45. Trading volume climbed around 137% during the rally as market activity picked up around the announcement. At press time, GRAM was trading near $1.40.

The wallet is built directly into Telegram and will become the default wallet option available through user settings, supporting transfers, payments and purchases across the messaging platform. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov said the company is "gradually rolling it out to our billion+ users over the next couple of weeks." Users will also be able to buy Telegram Collectibles, including usernames and digital gifts, and the service is structured around self-custody so users retain control over their assets. Telegram is promoting instant transfers and zero-fee transactions within the product.

According to Durov, validators have approved the smart contract that powers Gram Wallet, a structure designed to avoid forced migrations during future upgrades. The launch follows plans announced during the summer and positions Gram Wallet as Telegram's default wallet for in-app financial activity.