Paws, the latest craze in the Telegram crypto sphere, has seen a whirlwind of activity since its initial launch on The Open Network (TON) blockchain in October 2024. This isn’t just a passing fancy; it’s a full-blown phenomenon. By March 2025, the app made waves by migrating to Solana, a strategic pivot that promises to enhance scalability and lower transaction fees. This move, coupled with the introduction of the PAWS token, marks a significant evolution for the platform, transforming it from a simple gamified rewards app into a broader Web3 ecosystem.
Paws: A Viral Sensation
In just a few short months, Paws has grown exponentially, attracting over 80 million users, many of whom are engaging with its tap-to-earn mechanics. This meteoric rise isn’t just due to clever marketing; it’s about the simplicity and accessibility the app offers. Users simply activate the bot on Telegram and start earning rewards by interacting with the app’s various tasks and mini-games. It’s FarmVille for the crypto age, but with real financial incentives.
But why the switch to Solana? The Telegram team introduced a policy requiring all Mini Apps and crypto wallets to operate exclusively on TON, pushing Paws to seek alternatives. Solana’s robust DeFi ecosystem and lower fees provided a lucrative option, leading to a seamless transition that facilitated the creation of over 1 million new Solana addresses and 9 million downloads of the Phantom wallet. This shift mirrors broader trends in the crypto space, as highlighted in our analysis of multi-wallet usage and AI’s role in addressing crypto fragmentation.
The Airdrop and Token Launch
On March 18, 2025, the PAWS token officially launched, following a series of events beginning with withdrawals to exchanges on March 11. The token’s debut wasn’t without its hiccups, however. Price volatility and user confusion over airdrop eligibility marred the launch, raising eyebrows and questions about the project’s transparency and communication strategy.
Despite these challenges, the PAWS token is now available on a handful of exchanges like Bybit, MEXC, and KuCoin, with rumors swirling of additional listings on major centralized exchanges. However, the road ahead isn’t without obstacles, particularly in the regulatory space where airdrops via Telegram Mini Apps reside in a legal gray area.
A New Horizon for Paws
The migration to Solana hasn’t just been about overcoming technical constraints; it has opened doors to a plethora of new opportunities. Paws is looking to integrate comprehensive DeFi features, gaming partnerships, and even NFT-based avatar customization. The team is reportedly working on an in-app marketplace, which could allow users to spend their PAWS tokens on digital goods and services, further embedding the app within the Web3 space.
But the real game-changer could be the introduction of social leaderboards and guild mechanics, aiming to create a more community-driven experience. These features promise to blend social gaming elements with decentralized coordination, rewarding active users and fostering a vibrant community. This aligns with the broader trend of integrating financial services into messaging platforms, as seen in Ethena’s partnership with TON to offer USDe to Telegram users.
Is It Legit?
With such rapid growth and ambitious plans, the legitimacy of Paws inevitably comes under scrutiny. The team behind Paws has a track record with projects like Notcoin and Dogs, suggesting a level of credibility. However, concerns about the app’s transparency and the potential for bot-driven airdrop farming remain. The lack of a comprehensive white paper and public team page also adds to the skepticism.
As Paws continues to evolve, users are advised to exercise caution and conduct thorough research, particularly when considering financial investments. The app’s success in transitioning to a Web3 super app hinges not only on technological advancements but also on navigating regulatory challenges and maintaining user trust.
Looking Ahead
As we stand in May 2025, Paws is poised to become a significant player in the Web3 arena. The platform’s future will likely see further integration of DeFi protocols and the potential expansion into new markets. However, the path forward is fraught with challenges, from regulatory scrutiny to sustaining user engagement in a rapidly changing crypto landscape.
Ultimately, Paws’ journey from a viral Telegram Mini App to a comprehensive Web3 platform will depend on its ability to innovate and adapt while maintaining transparency and user trust. As the crypto world watches closely, only time will tell whether Paws will cement its place as a leader in the burgeoning decentralized ecosystem or fade into obscurity.
Source
This article is based on: Is the Paws Telegram mini app legit? What you need to know
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- AI Crypto Agents Are Ushering in a New Era of ‘DeFAI’
- AI-Powered Court System Is Coming to Crypto With GenLayer
- US crypto groups urge SEC for clarity on staking
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
