The way we communicate is changing. Nowhere is this more starkly shown than in the rise of instant messaging platforms, which have seen exponential growth in recent years.
Picking up the phone to talk to someone is becoming increasingly rare, as more and more people use instant messaging apps to chat and share content. Phone contracts used to be all about the number of free minutes on offer – now, it’s all about the data needed to access things like YouTube and Crypto Telegram channels.
In the dynamic world of blockchain, staying updated with the latest trends, innovations, and developments is paramount. As the technology continues to evolve at a breakneck speed, new opportunities and challenges emerge daily, making it essential for enthusiasts, investors, and professionals alike to keep their fingers on the pulse of the industry. This is where Telegram, a cloud-based instant messaging app, becomes an invaluable resource. With its plethora of channels dedicated to blockchain news, insights, and discussions, Telegram serves as a real-time information hub for novices and experts alike.
We have meticulously curated a list of top Telegram channels that are your gateway to everything new and noteworthy in the blockchain sphere. These channels are teeming with updates, expert analyses, and insights that ensure you are always ahead of the curve. Whether you're looking to make informed investment decisions, explore the latest in blockchain technology, or dive into in-depth discussions with like-minded individuals, our selection caters to a diverse range of interests and expertise levels. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world where technology and innovation converge and stay attuned to the pulse of blockchain’s ever-evolving landscape.
Disclaimer
Telegram stands out as a preferred platform for crypto enthusiasts due to its encrypted, user-friendly, and community-oriented features. It facilitates real-time communication and information sharing, making it a hotspot for instant updates, expert analyses, and diverse perspectives on market trends. The platform’s open nature fosters a sense of community, where users from around the globe can connect, share insights, and discuss the latest developments in the crypto and blockchain industry.
However, the same openness also poses risks. The influx of information on Telegram can include unverified news, misleading insights, and outright scams. The decentralized and anonymous nature of the platform can sometimes make it challenging to ascertain the credibility of sources. It’s not uncommon for users to encounter “pump and dump” schemes, fraudulent ICO promotions, and other deceptive practices aimed at exploiting less informed participants.
To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial to approach information and investment opportunities shared on Telegram with a discerning eye. Always cross-reference information, scrutinize the credibility of the sources, and avoid making impulsive decisions based on unverified news. Being informed is not just about accessing information but also about filtering, analyzing, and discerning the authentic from the misleading. In the fast-paced world of crypto and blockchain, a cautious and well-informed approach can make all the difference.
Let’s Talk Telegram
This deluge of new users pushed Telegram past the 500 million active monthly users mark, confirming its status as one of the primary alternatives to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Since its release in 2013, it has been steadily increasing in popularity, but the announcement from WhatsApp and Facebook helped supercharge user numbers.
It should be noted that two other massive messaging platforms have a combined total of nearly two billion users. These are WeChat and QQ, both developed by China’s Tencent corporation and thus primarily confined to the Chinese market. Although worthy of mention, they cannot be said to have the global reach of WhatsApp or Telegram.
Image via Shutterstock
The Telegram app was founded by brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, who were initially based in Russia. They left the country in 2014, citing difficulties with the Putin regime. Telegram now operates from Dubai, though it has offices in several other countries and is legally domiciled in London.
The brothers had previously developed VK (VKontakte), Russia's hugely popular equivalent to Facebook. The platform's success attracted the interest of powerful investors, many with links to Putin and his government.
After refusing to allow the government access to the details of Russians who had joined VK groups protesting against Russia's involvement in Ukraine, the brothers sold their stake in the company and left, planning never to return.
Upon leaving Russia, Nikolai and Pavel began work on the Telegram app, with Nikolai writing the code and Pavel running the business side. Telegram was officially launched in late 2013 and has been growing steadily ever since thanks to the multitude of Telegram groups and channels. Since its inception, it has grown from 100,000 active users in October of that year to 15 million just six months later. The 100 million active users milestone was passed in early 2016, followed by 200 million users in March 2018, then 300 million in April 2020. As of Jan 2021, Telegram has about 500 million users, according to Durov in a blog post.
Telegram Security
When using Telegram for the first time, it becomes clear that it has several features that WhatsApp lacks. When it comes to security between the two apps, Telegram has often said that it is the more secure option and others have seek to clear the finer points about that claim. So what's going on actually?
While WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption by default, on Telegram, this has to be activated. It is a mistake to imagine that your chats on Telegram are entirely secure – unless you activate the Secret Chat function, then your conversations are not stored on Telegram's servers. It's also worth noting that secret chats are on a per-device basis. If you started a secret chat with someone on your mobile, this chat doesn't move to the desktop app automatically. You'll need to set up a separate secret chat with the same person on the desktop. It's probably a bit more secure when compared to WhatsApp's messages or even the normal ones, even if it may be a bit inconvenient.
Telegram uses two types of encryption, as stated in their FAQ page: Server-client encryption which is for chats stored in the Cloud Server and client-client encryption, which is used by Secret Chats. If you're really into the technical details, they use 256-bit symmetric AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA encryption, and Diffie–Hellman secure key exchange.
Hackers who wanna earn some extra moolah and have some solid street cred to boast about can give the Cracking Contest a go for $300,000 at Telegram's expense. It might not be as much money compared to some of the other crypto bounties out there but hey, consider it community service.
The company claims that it never has nor will disclose the user information it holds, but those wishing to communicate in complete privacy will need to think carefully before using the platform and should certainly enable the secret chats function.
Telegram has generated its fair share of controversy over the last few years, as the platform has found itself used by the likes of jihadis, the far-right and those spreading p*rnography – often that featuring underage children. The jihadi adoption caused particular disquiet, especially when it was reported that Islamic State (ISIS) fighters were using Telegram to communicate and spread propaganda.
Crypto Telegram
One of the most popular features that Telegram offers (quite apart from the insanely joyful sticker packs) is that users can find Telegram channels and join Telegram groups, which can broadcast messages to large audiences. The best Telegram channels can be thought of as a news feed where subscribers can sign up and receive regular updates. They allow for an unlimited number of subscribers and do not support replies – meaning that the channel admin can broadcast exclusively.
Posts in channels have a handy feature that tells you how many people have viewed the post in question (it’s the eye symbol in the bottom right, next to the timestamp). This way, both creators and other subscribers can gauge the popularity of particular posts, enabling the former to better tailor their content in the future.
The Channels feature has been enthusiastically embraced by the crypto community to disseminate information regarding all aspects of the sector. As a result, a plethora of crypto-related channels have sprung up in recent years, dedicated to a wide variety of topics, including news, market action, trading insights, gossip and much more. As expected, these range from the good to the bad to the ugly, which is why we’ve listed ten of the best ones below.
Telegram and crypto haven’t always been easy bedfellows, though, as the company got its fingers badly burned when it attempted to launch its Telegram Open Network (TON) blockchain project back in 2018. It secured around $1.7 billion in funding from qualified investors, intending to develop a proof of stake blockchain with its own native GRAM token.
That was until the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) intervened and sued Telegram shortly before the project’s official launch in 2019. The SEC maintained that the project constituted the sale of an unregistered security. A federal court later found in favour of the authorities.
Telegram and the SEC reached a settlement that involved the former paying an $18.5 million fine and returning all the money it had raised from investors. Not exactly the most auspicious of forays into the world of crypto.
The failure of the Telegram ICO may have limited the company's crypto ambitions for the time being, but the platform is firmly established as the go-to messaging app for the crypto community. So if you're looking to get involved with all that crypto Telegram has to offer, then read on. Many of the channels listed here can also be found in Guy's video on the same topic for those who prefer to read over watching videos. Right, now that you have a bit of background about the Telegram app, let's help you find Telegram channels that relate to crypto and give you our top picks.
The Top 10 Best Telegram Channels for Crypto
1. Coin Bureau Insider
Well, obviously. Guy has been working on Coin Bureau Insider for over two years now and has over 141,000 subscribers hanging on his every word. The channel is a place for him to air his thoughts in real-time and instantly share valuable and relevant bits of information that he stumbles across during his (very long) working day, and has gone on to become one of the top Telegram Crypto groups around,
While YouTube remains Coin Bureau’s main outlet, the Telegram channel provides a vital addition to the stable. It allows Guy to communicate with subscribers much more immediately than he could on the Tube. Those YouTube videos take time to research, write, film and edit, making it difficult to get information out quickly. With Telegram, updates and insights can be fired out a lot more quickly – after all, the saying ‘time is money’ applies to crypto perhaps more than anything else.
Coin Bureau Insider is also the place to go if you’re looking for sneak previews of Guy’s upcoming videos, as well as updates about new merch lines, deals and other juicy morsels that come Guy’s way. He also occasionally shares updates about his own portfolio. However, if you want these in detail, then his weekly newsletter is where you’ll find a full rundown.
As ever with Guy, there’s no shilling here, and the channel is focused on keeping you informed and in the know. While many other channels also post the same news stories and look largely similar, Guy avoids all that and prefers to share stuff you might not find elsewhere. He also gives his two cents on the latest stories from the cryptoverse, as well as sharing links and other resources that cross his path. A must for anyone wanting to have Coin Bureau with them wherever they go.
2. Bitcoin Industry
The "Bitcoin Industry" Telegram channel (@bitcoin_industry) is a dynamic and rapidly updated source for news and insights in the cryptocurrency world, with a particular focus on Bitcoin. This channel stands out for its prompt reporting, ensuring that subscribers receive the latest developments in the crypto industry faster than many other sources. It covers a wide range of topics, from market trends and investment tips to technological advancements and regulatory updates.
Subscribers to "Bitcoin Industry" can expect a mix of content, including analysis of market movements, information about new crypto projects, and updates on blockchain technology. The channel also features discussions on the broader implications of cryptocurrency adoption and its impact on the global financial landscape. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a newcomer to the world of digital currencies, "Bitcoin Industry" offers valuable insights and up-to-date information to help you stay ahead in the fast-paced world of crypto.
The whopping number of 62k eyeballs per post in the Metaverse NFT News TG channel speaks to the channel's popularity and the interest in NFTs in general. If you have a limited amount of energy to follow NFT news, consider subscribing to this Telegram channel. It acts as a news aggregator for all things NFT-related. The team post news that they believe are important so what you're reading is the "second round". This might be limiting to some, but it also prevents you from feeling overwhelmed, which is very easy for it to happen. They do a quick summary of the news piece together with a link for you to read from the actual source.
4. DeFi Million
A new DeFi project pops up every day, asking for our attention and participation. With the number of projects packing the crypto space regularly, it's not easy to figure out which ones are worth our attention to begin with, especially if everything sounds promising. Enter the DeFi Million Telegram channel. With more than 1.7 million subscribers glued to it, it's one of the most popular Telegram channels in crypto. If you want to start dipping your toes into the DeFi space and are happy to have this information curated before it hits your eyeballs, this would be a worthy channel to have on your Telegram list.
The quality of the projects are a bit up in the air, but there is no shortage of projects building on big-name chains. As long as you do your own due diligence, there is a good possibility for a pleasant surprise.
5. 100 Eyes Crypto Scanner
For beginners just getting started in technical analysis who want to see what's going on before they dip their toes in, the 100 Eyes Crypto Scanner Telegram channel is a good start. With the free version, you can get updates for BTC, ETH, EOS and XRP on 15m, 1hr and 4hr timeframes. Premium subscribers get a whole lot more goodies because you can customise the following:
- Type of alerts to resist, i.e. RSI, Bollinger Band etc.
- Timeframes to be alerted on
- Type of cryptocurrencies you're following
The subscription package ranges between $10.00 - $12.50 per month, depending on whether you take the 6-month or 12-month subscription package. The more experienced traders might find this a worthwhile investment.
6. Whale Alert
"Whales" in the crypto world refers to wallets with vast amounts of tokens, notably BTC and ETH. If you'd like to know when whales move, Whale Alert is the crypto channel for you. Whales have the ability to influence the market, which is not something that happens in the stock market. This also speaks to the size of the cryptomarket that, no matter how high the market cap, it is still prone to manipulation.
Anytime there is movement between a whale wallet and an exchange, it speaks to a possibility that some kind of action is afoot or about to be put into action. Some common ways of interpreting the info deals with inflows and outflows to/from exchanges. Large amounts moving to exchanges signify an intention to sell and vice versa.
7. Glassnode
Glassnode is one of the top reference tools for anyone serious about crypto. They are an on-chain data and intelligence platform with many metrics and insights for paid and free members. The Glassnode channel features 1 -2 posts daily, packed with information on a macro level and how it affects the crypto market. This is an excellent place to get a solid education in crypto, albeit more on the trading and technical analysis side. So if you'd like to read quality, in-depth analysis of what's happening in the market, this is the channel to go to.
8. Rekt News
For those of you unfamiliar with the term "rekt" making the rounds in recent years, it's the same as "wrecked" used in English but spelled phonetically. As you can imagine, the Rekt News Telegram channel brings you all the bad things happening in the crypto world, of which there are many. The news serves as a reminder of the amount of caution that needs to be exercised when navigating the dangerous waters of the crypto world. It's also a good way to educate oneself in how these rug pulls and scams are executed. Not only will this help you to know what to look out for, but it's also adding more knowledge that you can use when evaluating projects.
9. Lunar Crush
Blockchain projects are all about the network effect. This is most apparent in the amount of social engagement found online. Lunar Crush aggregates the amount of interest found online for a project and ranks them using their own algorithms. The result is a Galaxy Score based on several metrics, including Social Volume, Social Engagement and Social Dominance. The higher the amount of engagement, the more likely the token's price goes up, which then leads to more people talking about it. Quite a self-fulfilling virtuous cycle, huh?
I like going to their website to find out what's everyone talking about. Sometimes it's a protocol I know nothing about; other times, it's something I hold. The only consistent thing I see is that whatever project that's high on the LunarCrush list is something that's in the midst of a pump. If you want to know how "alive" or "dead" the project is online, this is the channel to find out.
10. Airdrops One
"Airdrops One 🚀" (@airdrop1) is a dedicated Telegram channel that serves as a comprehensive source for cryptocurrency airdrops. This channel is particularly valuable for crypto enthusiasts who are always on the lookout for new opportunities to acquire free tokens. Airdrops are a popular marketing strategy used by new cryptocurrency projects to increase awareness and distribution of their tokens, and "Airdrops One" ensures that its subscribers are among the first to know about these opportunities.
The channel provides detailed information about each airdrop, including eligibility criteria, instructions on how to participate, and deadlines. This makes it easier for subscribers to quickly assess and engage with airdrops that match their interests. Additionally, "Airdrops One" often includes direct links to the airdrop events, streamlining the process for participants.
What sets "Airdrops One" apart is its focus on legitimacy and quality. The channel curators seem to take care in selecting airdrops, focusing on those from promising and credible projects, which is crucial in an industry where scams are not uncommon. For anyone interested in the crypto space, particularly those looking to expand their portfolio through airdrops, "Airdrops One" is an essential resource.
Noteworthy Mentions
Here are some more remarkable telegram channels that, while did not make the top ten cut, are still worth exploring -
- CryptoMiami is a crypto news channel that will help you assess big-picture shifts in the crypto economy. Channel aggregates insight spanning blockchain equities, crypto-politics, DeFi news, and everything you need to know with your morning cup of coffee.
- Bitcoin news covers all things Bitcoin. The channel aggregates news surrounding Bitcoin on-chain analytics, politics, and market analysis. As the most traded cryptocurrency, Bitcoin deserves a dedicated channel.
- Airdropforall offers one of the most comprehensive collections of Airdrop-related news, which receives frequent updates. Follow their telegram channel to receive real-time updates.
- Phemex: This channel, with over 94,000 members, is affiliated with the Phemex cryptocurrency exchange and provides regular updates on market trends and news. It's an excellent resource for those interested in trading education and strategy, offering trading tools, resources, and insights shared by the Phemex team. It caters primarily to those looking to deepen their knowledge of crypto trading and investment.
Best Crypto Telegram Channels: Conclusion
One thing I find very overwhelming is the amount of news and noise generated in the world, especially in the crypto space. Since there is very little regulation (which is what everyone likes about decentralization), I have to admit that it can be very stressful to do my own research all the time. Sometimes, it's just good to have someone throw me a lifeline so I can slowly make my way up the ladder. That's how I see these Telegram Crypto groups. They are doorways to something that may or may not be of interest to me. If a particular project sounds unusually exciting, then yeah, it's off to more info-gathering.
Feel free to not add any of them if you already have enough sources of information on your plate. As for me, I would add maybe one or two of them just for curiosity's sake. Who knows, I might get lucky!
