LINE messenger to introduce mini dApps via Kaia blockchain

Japanese messaging giant LINE is gearing up to introduce mini-decentralized applications on its messaging app in collaboration with the Kaia DLT Foundation, a UAE-based organization that supports the Kaia blockchain.

According to an announcement on Aug. 29, mini dApps will be introduced as part of the Kaia Wave, an initiative launched by the Kaia DLT Foundation to support Web3 developers. 

The Kaia DLT Foundation was introduced as an independent body following a merger between two prominent blockchain projects, from Line and South Korean tech giant Kakao. Its purpose is to oversee the governance and management of the layer-1 EVM-based Kaia blockchain, which combines Line’s Finschia blockchain and Kakao’s Klaytn blockchain.

Kaia Wave was announced alongside the mainnet launch of the Kaia chain. The blockchain network is integrated with Kakao’s Kakaotalk platform and LINE’s LINE messengers, boasting a cumulative user base of over 250 million users.

With the Kaia Wave initiative, the Kaia DLT Foundation plans to incentivize developers to build mini dApps tailored to LINE’s extensive user base in countries like Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia. Developers would use Kaia’s NEXT WEB software development kit to create the mini dApps that would launch within the LINE Messenger.

The foundation is collaborating with LINE NEXT, the Web3 unit of LINE Corporation, as a part of the builders program.

“Through the Kaia Wave project, LINE NEXT will focus on delivering a more efficient Web3 platform for builders and improving accessibility and convenience for users.”

Young-su Ko, CEO of LINE NEXT

LINE plans to tap into the growing trend of integrating blockchain-based applications directly within messaging platforms pioneered by its competitor, Telegram. The messaging giant introduced support for what it calls ‘Telegram Mini Apps’ in 2023 and later allowed developers to integrate these applications with The Open Network blockchain.

Telegram’s popularity surged even further with the introduction of play-to-earn games that incentivize users with tokens launched on the TON blockchain, with projects like NotCoin (NOT) and Hamster Kombat amassing millions of users.

Subsequently, the messaging app has also introduced a mini app store to make it easier for its approximately 950 million users to access the Web3 space.