The Paws Telegram Mini App, launched in October 2024, has quickly garnered attention as a standout in the world of decentralized applications. Created by an experienced team responsible for other popular projects like Notcoin and Dogs, Paws has successfully combined social interaction with gamified rewards, revolutionizing the way users engage on platforms like Telegram.
Paws is essentially a mini app that allows Telegram users to earn points through interaction—think tapping, clicking, and referring friends—much like the viral games of the past. Within just eight days of its launch, it attracted an impressive 20 million users, and this figure surged past 80 million shortly thereafter. This explosive growth highlights a clear appetite for innovative engagement tools that reward participation.
In March 2025, Paws made a pivotal decision to migrate from The Open Network (TON) to the Solana blockchain. This move, which came in response to new policies from Telegram regarding Mini Apps, was designed to enhance scalability, reduce transaction costs, and expand integration within the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. The transition not only attracted millions of new users to Solana but also introduced the PAWS token, creating a more robust platform for staking, governance, and in-game purchases.
The Paws app operates by tracking user activity, rewarding participants for their engagement. Users can earn $PAWS tokens by completing tasks such as reading articles or actively participating in group discussions. Notably, the app recently introduced NFT vouchers on the Magic Eden marketplace, demonstrating its commitment to blending gaming with asset ownership, further enriching its user experience.
However, as with any emerging app, potential users should approach Paws with a discerning eye. While its rapid growth and active user base are promising indicators, some concerns remain. Issues of transparency, the possibility of bot-driven airdrop farming, and regulatory challenges loom over the project, necessitating careful consideration and due diligence from potential users.
Moving forward, Paws has exciting plans to evolve into a fully-fledged Web3 super app, incorporating features like in-app marketplaces, NFT customization, and advanced DeFi integrations. As it continues to expand its capabilities and enhance user engagement, Paws has positioned itself at the forefront of the intersection between social interaction and decentralized finance.
In conclusion, while Paws shows great promise in transforming user engagement through gamified rewards and blockchain technology, it remains crucial for users to conduct thorough research before diving in. The future of Paws appears bright, but informed participation is key to navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of decentralized applications.
