Telegram Mini App

A Telegram Mini App is an app that runs inside the Telegram messenger but is built and operated by an independent developer, not by Telegram; many tap-to-earn games run this way. Telegram's Terms of Service for Mini Apps say every mini app is offered and managed by a third-party service provider that operates independently of Telegram, that users assume all risks of transactions with those providers, and that disputes go to the provider, not to Telegram. Hamster Kombat's whitepaper put it simply: an online app built and run directly on Telegram.

Telegram keeps adding features. Its Mini Apps 2.0 update of 17 November 2024 brought full-screen mode, home screen shortcuts, geolocation, device motion tracking and subscriptions paid in Telegram Stars. Opening inside Telegram does not make an app official or safe, so a mini app that asks to connect a wallet deserves the same checks as any website. On AirdropStop, Hamster Kombat, SEED Combinator, SnakeLite x SonicX and GPT Wars are Telegram games on TON.