The Open Network (TON) has taken the cryptocurrency world by storm in 2025, with its native token soaring over 600% from a low of $1.10 to nearly $8. On June 14 alone, TON surged another 6%, reaching new all-time highs and capturing the attention of investors and crypto enthusiasts alike. But what’s behind this explosive growth? And more importantly—is it still a smart move to get involved?
In this deep dive, we’ll explore the key drivers behind TON’s meteoric rise, analyze its fundamentals, and help you decide whether now is the right time to consider adding TON to your portfolio.
The Three Pillars Behind TON’s 600% Surge
The unprecedented price surge of TON isn’t just speculation—it’s supported by strong on-chain fundamentals and ecosystem momentum. Three major factors have contributed to its success: staking activity, total value locked (TVL), and integration with Telegram.
1. Massive Staking Reduces Circulating Supply
One of the most significant reasons for TON’s price appreciation is the sharp increase in staking. When users stake their tokens, they lock them up in exchange for rewards, effectively reducing the number of coins available for trading on the open market.
According to tonscan.org, over 600 million TON tokens are currently staked, representing approximately 24.67% of the total circulating supply of 2.43 billion. This massive staking activity has dramatically reduced selling pressure, creating a supply squeeze that supports upward price movement.
Additionally, the network maintains a healthy annual percentage yield (APY) of 3.9%, incentivizing more users to participate in staking. With 368 active validator nodes, the network remains decentralized and secure, further boosting investor confidence.
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2. Rapid Growth in Total Value Locked (TVL)
Total Value Locked (TVL) is a critical metric for evaluating the health and adoption of a blockchain ecosystem. It reflects the amount of capital users are willing to commit to decentralized applications (dApps) built on the network.
As of early 2025, TON’s TVL has reached $560 million, surpassing established blockchains like Cardano (ADA). This growth signals increasing trust in the platform and indicates strong developer and user engagement.
Unlike speculative price pumps, rising TVL suggests real utility and organic demand—investors aren’t just buying the token; they’re actively using the network for transactions, DeFi services, and digital asset management.
This growing ecosystem includes decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending platforms, NFT marketplaces, and gaming applications—all contributing to a self-sustaining economy on TON.
3. Telegram’s Influence and Upcoming Developments
Perhaps the most powerful catalyst behind TON’s rise is its deep connection with Telegram, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps with over 900 million active users.
TON was originally conceptualized by Telegram founders Nikolai and Pavel Durov. Although Telegram officially stepped back from direct development in 2020, the communities remained closely linked—and now, that relationship is paying off.
Recent rumors about Telegram preparing for an IPO have reignited market excitement. Even though Telegram isn't directly controlling TON anymore, investors believe that any major corporate milestone for Telegram could drive increased adoption of TON-based services within the app—such as in-app payments, mini-games, and digital collectibles.
Moreover, millions of Telegram users already interact with TON-powered bots and wallets without even realizing it. This seamless integration gives TON an unparalleled advantage in user acquisition and real-world usage.
Market Sentiment and Price Outlook
TON’s momentum has placed it at the top of exchange gain charts across major platforms. Its combination of strong fundamentals and viral growth has created a powerful feedback loop: rising prices attract more users, which increases TVL and staking, which further supports the price.
However, such rapid appreciation also brings risks. Markets often enter a "distribution phase" after sharp rallies—where early investors take profits, leading to increased volatility.
Traders should be cautious of:
- Sudden price "wicks" or flash crashes
- High-volume sell-offs from long-term holders
- Short-term corrections due to profit-taking
While long-term fundamentals remain strong, short-term traders should watch for signs of overheating and consider risk management strategies like partial profit-taking or stop-loss orders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is TON part of Telegram officially?
No, TON is now an independent open-source project maintained by the community. While it was initially developed by Telegram’s team, the company distanced itself legally in 2020 due to regulatory concerns. However, close technical and user-base synergies still exist.
Can I use TON for payments on Telegram?
Yes—many third-party bots and mini-apps within Telegram allow users to send and receive TON for goods, services, or gaming rewards. The integration is unofficial but widely used and trusted by millions.
What is the maximum supply of TON?
TON does not have a hard cap on maximum supply. Instead, it uses an inflationary model with controlled issuance to reward validators and support network growth. Annual inflation is designed to decrease over time as adoption increases.
How does TON compare to Ethereum or Solana?
TON focuses on speed, low fees, and mass adoption through mobile-first design. It processes transactions faster than Ethereum (pre-upgrades) and often at lower costs than Solana during peak times. Its unique edge lies in its integration with Telegram’s massive user base.
Where can I stake TON safely?
You can stake TON through trusted wallets like Tonkeeper or via decentralized staking platforms integrated into the TON ecosystem. Always verify the legitimacy of staking providers and avoid third-party sites with unclear ownership.
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Should You Buy TON Now?
For long-term investors who believe in mass blockchain adoption via social platforms, TON presents a compelling opportunity. Its real-world usage, growing TVL, and alignment with Telegram’s global reach give it a rare combination of utility and scalability.
That said, entering after a 600% rally requires caution:
- Avoid investing more than you can afford to lose
- Consider dollar-cost averaging (DCA) instead of lump-sum buys
- Monitor staking trends, TVL changes, and Telegram-related news closely
If regulatory clarity improves and Telegram continues expanding its Web3 features, TON could see further upside. But like all crypto assets, it remains highly volatile.
Final Thoughts
TON’s journey from a sidelined project to a top-tier blockchain showcases the power of community-driven innovation—and the immense value of being embedded in a platform with hundreds of millions of users.
With strong staking metrics, rising TVL, and indirect backing from one of the world’s most influential messaging apps, TON has earned its place among the most promising Layer-1 blockchains of 2025.
Whether you're drawn by its technology, ecosystem potential, or price momentum, one thing is clear: TON is no longer a hidden gem—it's a major player in the making.
👉 Stay ahead of the next big trend in blockchain—start exploring TON opportunities now.