Thomas Daniels
TON-based crypto initiatives are forging a new playbook that blends viral gaming, on‑chain philanthropy, and Telegram’s mass reach — charting a sustainable path for meme-driven tokens. Notcoin and DOGS are pioneering a unified model focused on enduring engagement rather than just hype.
A credibility crisis persists in the broader crypto ecosystem: innumerable tokens launch before delivering utility; growth is propelled by transient airdrop hunters; and onboarding complications remain. These dynamics produce ephemeral buzz and rapidly shrinking engagement.
Recognizing these limitations, TON developers are anchoring their token economies in measurable outcomes and streamlined experiences. With philanthropy and gaming ingrained in their core logic, these projects convert short‑term traders into everyday participants — offering critics concrete proof of value.
Telegram as a Seamless On‑Ramp
Both projects leverage Telegram’s 900 million‑user global audience and built‑in TON wallet to reduce setup to seconds. Their early success provides a real‑world test of whether memecoin virality plus on‑chain accountability can yield sustainable adoption.
Notcoin: Game Mechanics That Convert
Launched in late 2023 as a simple Telegram mini‑app, Notcoin invited users to tap a coin icon for points via chat leaderboards. This trivial yet addictive loop spread to tens of millions. Users who earned virtual points saw them converted into NOT tokens tradable on Binance, OKX, and local exchanges.
Within 24 hours, 6 million users claimed NOT, boosting TON’s daily active addresses to a record high. The original game evolved into “Not Games,” Telegram’s answer to Steam, complete with squads, achievements, and tradeable items designed to keep wallets active long after airdrops fade.
DOGS: Meme Token Meets Philanthropy
DOGS launched in August 2024, distributing 70% of its supply to 17 million wallets via airdrop. A treasury funded by trading fees, merchandise sales, and NFT royalties allocates funds to vetted nonprofits.
An update in November 2024 unlocked a public charity portal that redirected over 6 billion unclaimed DOGS — approximately $4.5 million — to charities. The initiative began with a $150,000 donation toward U.S. shelter dogs and Best Friends’ 90% no‑kill goal by 2025. By July 2025, DOGS had donated more than $515,000 to animal shelters and child‑aid charities, with holders actively voting on beneficiary allocations and suggesting grassroots community projects.
A Shared Thesis, Demonstrated Live
At Token2049 Dubai, a synchronized drone show emblazoned the TON logo, Notcoin icon, and DOGS token before transforming into a glowing “TOKEN2049” — a 15‑minute, Guinness‑certified spectacle broadcast to thousands and showcasing Telegram’s leap toward one billion users.
Indicators of Sustainable Engagement
Both tokens link reputation and rewards to ongoing participation. DOGS holders showcase grant‑wallet activity via donation screenshots, while Notcoin caps leaderboard multipliers to encourage self‑custody and gameplay continuity. These feedback loops promote recurring interaction over speculative exit.
“DOGS isn’t a meme; it’s a movement,” says core contributor Andrew D., highlighting the distribution to 17 million users and over $515,000 donated. “This is only chapter one — the future of consumer crypto runs with DOGS.”
DOGS plans to increase donations six‑fold in 2025, broaden partnerships, and launch community initiatives. Notcoin aims to open its arcade to third‑party developers and expand benefits for long‑term holders. Both treat Telegram chat as crypto’s everyday gateway.
