Paws Migrates to Solana, Gains 80 Million Users, Launches PAWS Token

Paws is a Telegram-based Mini App developed by the team behind projects such as Notcoin and Dogs. Launched in October 2024 on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, Paws quickly gained popularity with its simple tap-to-earn concept, attracting over 20 million users within eight days and surpassing 80 million users within a few months. The app allows users to earn points by completing tasks, referring others, and interacting with mini-game elements, which can be converted into real tokens.

In March 2025, Paws migrated from TON to Solana, a move that brought more scalability, lower fees, and deeper integration with a broader decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. This shift also introduced the PAWS token, used for governance, staking, in-game purchases, and more. The app's core philosophy is that users create value every time they engage online, and Paws aims to reward them for it. Users can activate the bot on Telegram (@PAWSOG_bot) and start earning points by tapping items, reading posts, joining groups, completing quizzes, and referring friends.

Paws has a simplified interactive interface that allows users to earn points and stay involved in its gamified engagement economy. Users are rewarded for social activity by completing micro-tasks such as tapping virtual objects, joining Telegram channels, referring friends, or answering simple quizzes. Every action earns points, which are later converted into PAWS tokens. These tokens can be staked, used in Paws’ upcoming in-app economy, or possibly traded depending on future listings. The simplicity and referral model make it addictive and viral. Additionally, Paws syncs with existing wallets like Phantom on Solana or Telegram-native wallets, making it easy for new users to get started.

Paws initially ran on TON, but in early 2025, it announced a major shift to Solana. This move was driven by Telegram's policy mandating that all Mini Apps and third-party crypto wallets on its platform operate exclusively on TON. Paws opted to migrate to Solana, leading to over 80 million users transitioning to the new blockchain. This migration resulted in more than 9 million downloads of the Phantom crypto wallet and the creation of over 1 million new Solana addresses. Paws also introduced non-fungible token (NFT) vouchers on the Solana-based marketplace Magic Eden, resulting in over 100,000 transactions within two weeks. This strategic move allowed Paws to evolve from a viral Telegram application into a full-fledged Web3 brand, with plans to integrate DeFi features, gaming partnerships, and social engagement tools.

Paws has demonstrated substantial growth and user engagement, but users must conduct their own research before joining. The team behind Paws has a track record with projects like Notcoin and Dogs, and the successful migration to Solana indicates long-term planning and future orientation. However, there are concerns about limited transparency, potential bot-driven airdrop farming, and regulatory uncertainty. Users should exercise caution, especially when considering financial investments.

As Paws matures, the team behind it has hinted at a much bigger vision: turning Paws into a dynamic Web3 super app. The roadmap includes an in-app marketplace where users can spend their PAWS tokens on digital goods, services, and utility items. Paws also plans to introduce customizable avatars powered by NFTs, social leaderboards, guild mechanics, and DeFi integrations. With a user base exceeding 80 million and growing, Paws is laying the groundwork to evolve into a full-blown Web3 social and gaming hub. However, its rapid rise also warrants caution, as regulatory clarity and long-term sustainability remain key concerns.

No viral Web3 game is complete without an airdrop, and Paws is no exception. Users who engage with the app earn points, which are later converted into PAWS tokens distributed via an airdrop. The PAWS token officially launched on March 18, 2025, with key events including the opening of withdrawals to exchanges, token deposits becoming available, and withdrawals to Phantom Wallet and the official PAWS listing. The airdrop distribution allocated 62.5% to Paws app users, 7.5% to established Solana communities, and the remaining percentage to ecosystem growth, partnerships, and liquidity. Despite the successful migration and platform enhancements, the PAWS token launch faced challenges such as price volatility, airdrop confusion, and communication gaps. As of April 2025, the PAWS token is listed on a few exchanges, including Bybit, MEXC, and KuCoin, with growing speculation that listings on more centralized exchanges may follow.