As the tap-to-earn trend gains momentum within the Telegram ecosystem, platforms are exploring new ways to engage and educate users.
Storm Trade, an ecosystem of decentralized finance (DeFi) products directly integrated into Telegram, is tapping into this trend with its learn-to-earn model, introduced through Storm Academy — a free platform that rewards users for learning about DeFi.
In this interview, Storm Trade discusses the rise of tap-to-earn, how Storm Academy aims to transform DeFi education and what sets Storm Trade apart in the competitive world of decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
Cointelegraph: What do you think about the current tap-to-earn trend in the Telegram ecosystem?
Storm Trade: I believe it’s a fantastic way to onboard users and expand the ecosystem. Games like Notcoin, Yescoin, Hamster, Blum and others are driving significant growth in user metrics. However, the question arises: where do these users go next?
Let’s imagine I’ve earned $100 in BLUM tokens — what can I do with them? That’s where we come in with Storm Academy. Suppose a user doesn’t just want to sell their airdrop but instead seeks to invest the funds. They take our beginner course and start understanding DeFi. While they won’t become experts overnight, they’ll grasp the fundamentals of DeFi processes.
We’d be fortunate if they realize that investing their $100 in DeFi could yield more profit than just selling it on an exchange. After completing the courses, we tell them: “Hey, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test.” It doesn’t have to be on Storm Trade; it could be a lending protocol or liquidity pools on swap platforms.
In essence, as a global product, our mission is to help users evolve from novices into people who understand DeFi, and by planting seeds now, in a few years, we’ll have a generation of users well-versed in the DeFi industry.
CT: What inspired Storm Trade to create a “learn-to-earn” experience?
ST: When we talk about futures trading, it can sound intimidating and confusing, especially for those new to Web3. In comparison, games and “tap” apps feel much simpler and more predictable.
However, we see that futures protocols are generating more and more trading volume compared to spot trading. This indicates that users are gradually learning and discovering new ways to earn beyond simple token buying and holding.
📚 Meet Storm Academy – Your Gateway to the World of #DeFi, Right in Telegram
— Storm Trade ⚡️ (@storm_trade_ton) September 24, 2024
Friends, we are thrilled to announce the launch of Storm Academy – a unique educational platform in the form of a Telegram Mini App that combines learning, fun, and real earnings.
🎓 With Storm… pic.twitter.com/S5GnDGuPRd
This leads us to believe that if we educate users on DeFi ourselves, we have a chance to accelerate the mass adoption of perpetual DEXs and cultivate a new generation of DeFi enthusiasts who truly understand the processes within the ecosystem.
That’s how we came to develop a separate branch of our ecosystem focused on educating users through gamified learning. In Storm Academy, users not only learn from industry professionals but also earn rewards for their education, converting their knowledge into real income.
CT: Why did you choose the Telegram ecosystem as the base for your new educational program?
ST: Our main product, Storm Trade, is already in this network. It’s clear that Telegram is all about the audience. It’s about connecting with friends and playing games, which, by the way, are getting better and better.
So, if you want to attract a large potential audience to your project or game, Telegram Mini Apps (TMA) are a fantastic and versatile tool. What’s even more interesting is that you can integrate your existing app, practically from any network, into this ecosystem.
Yes, we’re working with The Open Network (TON) + TMA combination, but many major players are bringing their existing products into TMA, so it looks like a surefire success for the mass adoption of your app.
CT: Can you provide details on how Storm Academy’s “learn-to-earn” model works within Telegram?
ST: Storm Academy offers educational courses on trading and DeFi, rewarding users directly to their wallets. Right now, Storm Trade is running a massive rewards season, and one way to earn rewards is to complete lessons in Storm Academy.
The interface of Storm Academy. Source: Storm Trade
All you need to do is connect any wallet in the TON network to Storm Academy and start learning. This way, you’re farming not just knowledge but also Reward Points, which will earn you airdrops of the STORM token at the end of the reward season.
CT: What makes Storm Academy different from traditional trading education programs?
ST: First of all, the price. Storm Academy is designed by DeFi professionals and offers free education, with the added benefit of earning rewards as you learn.
Secondly, the approach. Sure, you can find plenty of trading courses online, but courses on DEX trading, blockchain mechanics and DeFi processes are still rare. We are pioneers in this space.
Storm Academy represents a paradigm shift. Instead of simply saying, “Use our product and pay fees,” we offer users the chance to improve their skills, guiding them from scratch and receiving gratitude in return.
CT: How does Storm Academy help users bridge the gap between learning and applying trading skills, especially in comparison to pay-to-learn models?
ST: The true value of Storm Academy lies in its being a unique product in both education and SocialFi.
It’s not just about skimming through lessons to earn rewards. To complete a course and receive a reward, users must pass a test, which can’t be done without fully engaging with the prior material.
As a result, we produce fully onboarded DeFi users who can then decide whether to use Storm Trade or apply their knowledge elsewhere.
CT: How do you see Storm Academy shaping the future of DeFi and trading education?
ST: I believe Storm Academy fits perfectly into the current and future narrative of SocialFi, where the focus is not just on profit but on providing real value to users.
In this sense, I think we’ve hit the mark. By cultivating knowledge and planting seeds now, we’ll eventually see the fruits of mass DeFi adoption and TON blockchain growth, knowing that we played a role in it.
Don’t just do what makes money, though that’s important. Do what people truly need, and you’ll gain something far greater and more valuable than just money.
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