Snoop Dogg sells nearly 1 million NFTs in 30 minutes, setting a Telegram celebrity launch record.
American hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg launched his first celebrity digital gift series on the Telegram platform on Wednesday, with nearly 1 million NFTs selling out in just 30 minutes, generating an astonishing $12 million in sales. Telegram founder Durov confirmed this news on the X platform, stating that these digital collectibles, inspired by 'Snoop's iconic style', set a platform record.
Image source: Pavel Durov Snoop Dogg's nearly 1 million NFTs sold out in just 30 minutes.
The NFT series for this sale consists of approximately 996,000 pieces, supported by TON blockchain technology, featuring a variety of collectibles including vintage cars, trendy bags, digital dogs, and cannabis-related items. These Telegram gifts are animated images that can be displayed on profiles and can also be converted into the platform's built-in currency, Stars, with prices ranging from 200 to 15,000 Stars.
Durov announced that blockchain minting and the secondary market will officially launch in 21 days. To coincide with this sale, Snoop Dogg released a new single (Gifts) and a music video, showcasing all collectible digital items.
A highlight in the sluggish NFT market, functional collectibles are experiencing growth against the trend.
The successful sale stands out particularly against the backdrop of overall weak performance in the NFT market. In the first quarter of 2025, NFT trading volume plummeted 61% compared to the same period last year, dropping from $4.1 billion to $1.5 billion. According to data from CryptoSlam, sales volume has also decreased by 41% in the past 30 days to $403 million.
Image source: CryptoSlam NFT sales volume has also decreased by 41% in the past 30 days to $403 million.
Ryan Yoon, a senior analyst at Tiger Research, stated that although the NFT market has indeed lost momentum compared to its peak period, categories such as functional collectibles continue to thrive. He pointed out that NFTs on Telegram can be used directly within the application and can be gifted within the social ecosystem, creating real value propositions through customizable stickers and profile personalization.
Earlier this month, the valuation of infrastructure builders supporting the TON blockchain exceeded $1 billion, mainly driven by the increasing popularity of mini-programs, wallet integrations, and NFT activities within Telegram.
Snoop Dogg deeply involved in the digital industry, from Bitcoin pioneer to NFT mogul.
This is not Snoop Dogg's first foray into the NFT and cryptocurrency industry. The hip-hop superstar began accepting Bitcoin as a payment method for albums as early as 2013. Although it ultimately did not succeed, this foresight and creative attempt sparked discussions about new payment methods in the music industry, making him an early adopter in the cryptocurrency sector.
Image source: X Snoop Dogg began accepting Bitcoin as a payment method for albums as early as 2013.
He has collected $17 million worth of NFTs under the alias 'Cozomo de' Medici', becoming a well-known digital art collector.
In June 2023, Snoop Dogg launched the 'Snoop Dogg Passport Series' NFT collection, promising holders exclusive content such as behind-the-scenes videos and photos. In 2022, he collaborated with The Sandbox metaverse platform to launch the 'Doggies NFT' collection and established the 'Snoopverse' on the platform. That same year, at the MTV Video Music Awards, he even performed alongside Eminem using Bored Ape avatars.
Zenith, head of NFTs at TON, predicts that the success of the Snoop Dogg series may attract other well-known brands to launch similar gift series. He emphasized that 'Telegram gifts have the most unique practicality: they can be displayed on Telegram profiles,' and this functional design gives digital collectibles real application value rather than just being speculative commodities.
'Snoop Dogg NFT sells out at lightning speed! TG's first celebrity digital collectibles raise $12 million' This article was first published in 'Crypto City'.
