- Growth Drivers
5.1 Popularization of Cryptocurrency Trading
Cryptocurrency trading is often seen as having a significant issue: the high barrier to entry due to the complexity of trading knowledge. Compared to stock trading, cryptocurrency trading requires more foundational steps, such as creating a wallet and completing KYC procedures, which can be obstacles for the general public. Additionally, even with centralized exchanges, the user interfaces are relatively complex and less straightforward compared to Telegram Bots.
Since the emergence of Unibot, the project has aimed to simplify the trading process by focusing on minimizing operational complexity. All interactions are handled through conversations with the bot, and it offers a fast Uniswap sniper for rapid and precise trades. The convenience of Unibot lies in allowing users to trade anytime and anywhere through Telegram, without relying on other trading platforms. This greatly contributes to the long-term popularization of cryptocurrency trading.
Recently, the surge in trading volumes through Telegram bots has validated the market’s demand for such trading methods. Particularly for tokens with low liquidity or those not yet listed on exchanges, Telegram bots have significantly increased their exposure. This also provides traders with more investment options, creating a win-win situation.
5.2 Telegram as a Platform
As one of the most popular social media apps globally, Telegram has over 55 million daily active users, providing a fertile ground for the development of Telegram Bots. Thanks to its broad recognition and user base, Telegram is planning to transform into a super app similar to WeChat, supporting the operation of various mini-programs within its platform. This move not only enhances its functionality but also opens new avenues for decentralized payments.
To achieve this grand vision, Telegram is collaborating with leading technology and cryptocurrency companies, including the TON Foundation and Tencent Cloud, with the aim of expanding its global influence and accelerating the decentralization process. This series of strategic moves highlights Telegram’s potential as a key super app in the future Web3 space.
Telegram Bots built on such a powerful platform are undoubtedly set to benefit, with the potential to convert Telegram’s large user base into a loyal user group for these bots, further strengthening their impact in digital trading and cryptocurrency integration.
- Risks
6.1 Asset Security Risks
When using Telegram bots for cryptocurrency trading, users face asset security risks. These bots often require the creation of a dedicated wallet or the connection to an existing wallet. In either case, the bot may gain access to private keys, leading to potential security vulnerabilities.
Private Key Access Risks: These bots can access private keys, raising significant security concerns. Private keys are akin to the master keys to a user’s digital wealth, and their exposure could lead to severe consequences, including theft and unauthorized transactions. Access to these keys by bots significantly increases the risk of security breaches.
Challenges of Self-Custody: By entrusting bots with wallet creation and private key management, the fundamental principle of self-custody in cryptocurrency is somewhat undermined. Relying on automated systems rather than personal control can create a false sense of security, making users vulnerable to mismanagement or even malicious activities.
Mismanagement and Unauthorized Access Risks: Telegram bots are typically designed to manage assets without direct user oversight, opening the door to potential mismanagement. Additionally, a lack of robust security protocols can lead to unauthorized access, whether through flaws in the bot’s security or external threats.
To mitigate these risks, users are advised to exercise caution when using Telegram bots for cryptocurrency trading. This includes thoroughly researching the bot’s security features, avoiding the storage of large amounts of assets in wallets accessed by these bots, and regularly monitoring transaction activities for any signs of unauthorized actions.
While Telegram bots offer convenience and efficiency in trading, they also pose substantial risks to asset security. Users must remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard their digital assets in this evolving field.
6.2 Risks of Lack of Code Audits
For Telegram bots, the absence of comprehensive and regular security code audits can increase the risk of exploiting vulnerabilities. This lack of auditing results in a deficiency of transparency and oversight, putting users’ assets at risk. For instance, both Unibot and Banana Gun, according to data from Certik, have not undergone code audits by Certik, thereby exposing users to risks associated with smart contracts.
Due to the project’s failure to pass Certik’s code audit and KYC verification, its ratings are low in both “code security” and “fundamental health.”
Similarly, Banana Gun has faced issues; within less than three hours of the token’s launch, its price experienced extreme volatility, plummeting from a peak of $8.7 to just $0.02, nearly zero.
In response to this unusual market behavior, the Banana Gun team explained in an official announcement that a critical error in the token contract, which the team had failed to fix, caused the issue. They added that although the contract had been audited twice, the error remained undetected. This incident underscores the risks associated with projects that have not undergone code audits.
Unibot opted for a lesser-known third-party for code auditing and did not undergo KYC verification. This situation could affect the project’s credibility and security, as less well-known audit firms may not provide the same level of audit quality as more prominent firms. Additionally, the lack of KYC verification increases the risk of dealing with anonymous or opaque entities.
6.3 Intense Competition
In the highly competitive Telegram Bot ecosystem, the market entry barriers are relatively low, making it easy to replicate and imitate projects, which results in significant market saturation. In such a competitive landscape, individual bots may face challenges with user retention, making it crucial to build strong competitive barriers. This means that projects need to have unique advantages to prevent market invasion by competitors.
For example, Bonkbot’s popularity in the Solana meme coin sector is largely attributed to its status as a market pioneer. However, user loyalty in this sector is generally low, as users tend to choose services based on product performance and potential returns rather than brand loyalty. This implies that if better trading conditions or more attractive opportunities arise, users will quickly switch to other platforms. This is a key reason why platforms like Unibot or Maestro Bot have struggled to maintain their leading positions.
In conclusion, while the Telegram Bot field shows promising growth potential, it does not guarantee that every project will stand out in the competition. Investors need to be aware of the potential investment risks associated with each project and recognize the unpredictability of this market.
7 Summary and Outlook
7.1 Intensifying Competition Among Telegram Bots in the Solana Ecosystem
Market Saturation and Leadership Formation: As competition among Telegram Bots in the Solana ecosystem intensifies, with prominent projects like Unibot and Banana Gun entering the fray, the market is becoming increasingly saturated. In such an environment, only a few projects are likely to survive, necessitating that each project develop a unique roadmap and value proposition.
Personalization and Innovation: Projects must differentiate themselves through personalized services, technological innovation, or improved user experiences to attract and retain users.
7.2 The Cryptocurrency Market Enters a Bull Market
Impact of Policies and Market Sentiment: Benefiting from positive policy developments, the cryptocurrency market is gradually entering a bull phase. This will attract more retail investors to the market, favoring the adoption of tools such as Telegram Bots.
Market Positioning and Popularity: Given that Telegram Bots aim to simplify the cryptocurrency trading process, their appeal to average Web 2 users will increase as more retail investors enter the market.
7.3 Development of Telegram Bots in the Ordinals and Bitcoin Markets
Positive Trends in the Bitcoin Market: The Ordinals market is benefiting from positive trends and news in the Bitcoin space, and it is expected to grow further.
Early Market and Opportunities: As the market for Bitcoin Telegram Bots is still in its early stages, there is an optimistic outlook for future development. This presents a significant opportunity, especially for projects that can quickly adapt to market demands and innovate their services.
In summary, while market competition is fierce, it also means there are numerous opportunities. For Telegram Bot projects, it is crucial to identify and leverage these trends while continuously innovating and improving to maintain their competitiveness and appeal in the market.