Future Giants: TENT Studios — Streaming the Future Inside Telegram

DAZN’s $5 billion sports catalog is now streaming inside Telegram — no app downloads, no logins, just premium sports content where you already spend your time. Behind it all is TENT Studios, the product studio pioneering licensed entertainment and on-chain engagement for the Telegram ecosystem.

The Opportunity

The global video streaming market was valued at $98 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $316 billion by 2030. While global players chase fragmented markets, TENT Studios is building directly inside Telegram — the messenger app with more than 1 billion users worldwide.

Through an official licensing deal with DAZN, TENT launched the first-ever premium streaming Telegram's mini-app ecosystem. Their soft launch reached 30,000 monthly active users in just two weeks, proving the appetite for frictionless, social-first streaming.

“We’re ambitious, but as a market pioneer, there are also challenges,” says founder Michael Watford. “Our soft launch focused on one goal — delivering the best possible user experience before scaling.”

The Product

TENT Studios brings licensed entertainment directly to Telegram users — starting with sports and expanding to news and general media. The DAZN mini app debuted this summer with The FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, targeting audiences in Brazil, North America, and Europe.

Through @DAZNOFFICIAL_BOT, users can instantly access live and recorded content — no downloads, no sign-ups. Watching becomes a social experience: matches are shared in group chats, discussed in real time, and viewed collectively across Telegram communities.

“The Telegram universe is different — it’s not one-size-fits-all,” adds Watford. “Users are smart, communities are active, and brands must integrate, not just advertise.”

The Team Behind the Vision

TENT Studios was founded by Serge Suchkov, Vinny O’Grady, and Michael Watford — a trio blending deep Telegram-native expertise with traditional media and tech experience.

• Serge Suchkov — Founder of Ylem, a Telegram-focused venture studio; board member at bemo.finance and tac.build, with a successful exit at Radario.

• Vinny O’Grady — Connects the dots between corporate media partnerships and tech fundraising.

• Michael Watford — Leads digital strategy and marketing, shaping TENT’s storytelling and user growth.

TENT Rewards: Watch-to-Earn Is Here

At the heart of TENT’s model lies TENT Rewards — a watch-to-earn system that rewards genuine engagement.

Users earn points for:

• Watching live content and highlights

• Joining watch-alongs and discussions

• Inviting friends

• Completing content quests

These points convert into real value — including subscription discounts, pay-per-view credits, exclusive drops, and premium community perks.

Powered by the TON blockchain, rewards are settled instantly with zero friction and minimal fees. Users can earn, spend, and transfer value entirely within Telegram, without ever touching an external crypto wallet.

Early Traction and Growth

TENT’s rapid growth — 30,000 MAU in two weeks — reflects both strong content quality and Telegram’s viral distribution power.

Sports clips spread organically through chats; friends recommend matches; fans organize community viewings. This creates a network effect — high retention, low acquisition cost, and a powerful engagement loop.

With Telegram’s 1 billion-user base and a first-mover advantage in licensed content, TENT is establishing a formidable moat against competitors still focused on Web2 platforms.

TON Integration: Streaming Meets On-Chain

“Composability is massive for us,” Watford explains. “Bots, mini apps, channels — all powered by TON — fit together like building blocks.”

TON’s sharded architecture processes millions of microtransactions per second, keeping streams and payments smooth even during high-traffic events.

TON’s native wallet integration means fans can instantly earn and spend within the experience, without complex onboarding or gas fees.

This seamless fusion of Web3 economics and Web2 usability defines TENT’s technological edge.

What’s Next for TENT Studios

TENT is already in discussions with global broadcasters and entertainment brands eager to reach Telegram’s massive user base. Upcoming expansions will move beyond sports into news, lifestyle, and general entertainment.

Their multi-channel revenue model includes advertising, subscriptions, pay-per-view, and referral partnerships. As discoverability remains the key challenge for streaming in Telegram, TENT’s collaboration with the TON Foundation plays a pivotal role in scaling distribution.

“Our vision is clear,” says Watford. “We’re building the infrastructure that lets any entertainment company deploy Telegram-native experiences. When discoverability clicks, the streaming potential is limitless.”

The Future of Entertainment Is Telegram-Native

TENT Studios isn’t just streaming — it’s redefining distribution.

By merging content, community, and crypto rewards into a single, frictionless experience, it represents a blueprint for the next era of digital media.

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