Telegram Usernames

Telegram Usernames are unique identifiers that let users be found via basic search or direct links such as t.me/username. They consist only of letters, numbers, underscores and hyphens, must be at least 5 characters long, and are globally unique.

Types of usernames#

Common usernames are available to all users upon registration and can be used for searching people or groups. They generate links like t.me/username.

Collectible usernames are rare, valuable NFTs that appear in global search results. They support both username.t.me and t.me/username links and can serve as a TON Space wallet address.

How Telegram links work#

When a username is set, the short link t.me/username (or username.t.me) opens the Telegram app and starts a chat with the owner. These links can be shared on business cards, websites, or social media.

Benefits#

For users

Quick discovery via search
Short, shareable links
Easy mentioning in chats

For businesses

Enhanced brand visibility
Promotion of channels or groups
Advertising opportunities

Security & privacy

Reduces spam by hiding phone numbers
Supports anonymous accounts

Acquiring a collectible username#

Fragment

Visit the Fragment platform.
Log in with Telegram and a TON wallet.
Choose auction or fixed‑price mode.
Select the desired username.
Place a bid or click Buy, then confirm the transaction in your wallet.

Getgems

Open Getgems.
Log in with a TON wallet.
Navigate to “Telegram Usernames”.
Filter by auction or fixed price.
Bid or purchase, confirming the transaction in the wallet.

TON Diamonds

Go to TON Diamonds.
Log in with a TON wallet.
Open the “Collections → Usernames” section.
Choose a username and either bid in auction mode or buy it outright.

History of collectible usernames#

27 Oct 2022 – First auctions launched, featuring names like @casino, @bank, @doge, and @gram.
23 Nov 2022 – Buying and selling opened to all Telegram users.
30 Dec 2022 – Anonymous bids to owners became possible.
13 Mar 2024 – @news sold for 994,000 TON, the highest recorded price on Fragment.

Overall, collectible usernames lead sales on the Getgems NFT marketplace, with a total volume of 65 million TON and 141,000 usernames purchased since launch.