LINE messenger to introduce mini dApps via Kaia blockchain

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

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

The Kaia DLT Foundation was introduced as an independent organization following the merger of two prominent blockchain projects from Line and South Korean tech giant Kakao. Its purpose is to oversee the governance and administration 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 messaging apps, and has a total user base of over 250 million users.

With its Kaia Wave initiative, the Kaia DLT Foundation plans to encourage developers to create mini dApps tailored to LINE’s large user base in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia. Developers will use Kaia’s NEXT WEB software development kit to create mini dApps that will launch within LINE Messenger.

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

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

LINE NEXT CEO Young-su Ko

LINE plans to capitalize on the growing trend of integrating blockchain-based apps directly into messaging platforms, pioneered by rival Telegram. The messaging giant introduced support for what it calls ‘Telegram Mini Apps’ in 2023, later allowing developers to integrate those apps with The Open Network blockchain.

Telegram’s popularity was further boosted by the introduction of play-to-win games launched on the TON blockchain, incentivizing users with tokens. Projects such as NotCoin (NOT) and Hamster Kombat have reached millions of users.

The messaging app later also introduced a mini app store to facilitate access to the Web3 space for its approximately 950 million users.