The cryptocurrency market is developing not only through technology, but also through communities. This is especially noticeable in the CIS countries, where user engagement is often higher than in other regions. Here, digital assets are not just investments, but part of the culture: topics for discussion on Telegram, meetings of like-minded people, community activities.

That is why crypto platforms are increasingly turning to local interaction, relying on Telegram channels, ambassador programs and live events. This approach helps not only to promote products, but also to build long-term relationships with the audience.

(Meetup of the Binance crypto community in Kyrgyzstan).

Telegram in the CIS has long been something more than a messenger. It is a full-fledged media platform where communities are formed, trends are discussed, analytics are shared and AMA sessions are held.

The channels and chats of the largest exchanges are concentrated here: OKX, Bybit, Binance, Bitget and others. These are not just news feeds, but communities where AMA sessions, contests are held, new features are discussed, and communication is built between users and representatives of the platforms.

This is a space where representatives of the largest platforms arrange visas, give users the opportunity to express their opinions about the work of exchanges, and so on.

When online goes offline.

In 2024, the trend towards offline events from the crypto community intensified in the former CIS countries. And if a couple of years ago most of the events were held online, now it is increasingly possible to find announcements of meetups, conferences and live meetings.

For example, in the spring of 2024, a community meeting of OKX users was held in Yerevan, which was organized by the exchange itself, where participants from Armenia and neighboring countries were able to personally meet, discuss the industry and learn more about the possibilities of working with cryptocurrencies.

The discussion focused on Web 3, NFT, decentralized solutions, and security. According to the participants, the meeting was held in an informal atmosphere and with benefit. Such events are especially important for local communities, where live communication provides more benefits than any online course.

Later, similar events were held in Minsk, Almaty and Bishkek. The format is similar: informal communication, interactive, discussion of current market trends and new tools useful for both beginners and more experienced traders.

The participants noted that the value of such events lies in real connections: with the platform, with other users, with those who are already building a career in the field of cryptocurrencies or launching their products. Such meetings have become another confirmation that the crypto community in the CIS countries is not only active, but also ready to meet, share and grow together.

Exchanges at major crypto events.

In addition to their own events, crypto exchanges actively participate in the largest regional events that take place in the capitals and key crypto cities of Russian-speaking countries. Blockchain Life in Moscow, the Tashkent Blockchain Conference, Almaty Crypto Days, and Web 3 Days in Tbilisi increasingly include separate sections, booths, or presentations by representatives of leading platforms. At such forums, you can meet teams working with local markets and global industry leaders.

For example, representatives of OKХ, Bybit, Binance, and Kukoin participate in discussions, talk about new products, and share their experience in developing Web3 ecosystems in the former CIS countries. Such participation suggests that the region is perceived not just as an "additional market", but as a full-fledged growth point for the crypto industry. There is a lot of talent here, a high interest in innovation, and at the same time a vibrant, independent crypto community remains.

Why local communities are important.

Another important area is educational initiatives. In Russian—speaking countries, there is a high percentage of crypto enthusiasts - people who want to immerse themselves in the industry, but often do not know where to start. That is why exchanges are launching training platforms, YouTube shows, workshops and webinars.

Binance conducts lectures at universities in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. OKХ publishes security guides and Web 3 on its blogs. Bitget launches educational hackathons with awards. And some exchanges go further — for example, they organize weekly online marathons where participants learn trading, receive certificates and bonuses.

This increases the overall level of literacy and reduces risks, as well as forms a base for the next generation of users and crypto specialists. Those who do not just invest, but create products and develop the Web 3 ecosystem.

Platforms that actually work in the CIS have long understood that the main thing is not aggressive marketing, but long—term participation in the life of the community. Users like it when the platform's team speaks the same language, when comments are answered in the telegram channel, and meetings are held where they can ask a question directly.

More and more exchanges, including those working with a global audience, are creating local representative offices, Telegram chats, and events in individual cities. They involve both beginners taking the first steps, as well as experienced traders or developers of Web 3 projects.

What's especially nice is that it's all becoming part of the culture. Someone comes to a meeting for the first time and leaves with new acquaintances. Someone finds out about the project, which they then invest in. Someone finds a team to launch a startup.

Community as an ecosystem.

The format of the exchange's interaction with users has become multi-layered today. This includes support within the platform, social media activity, the creation of local ambassador programs, and a physical presence in cities.

Each exchange builds its own strategy: OKX relies on the community, Telegram and meetings; Binance actively works with educational projects and major events; Bybit often organizes trading tournaments; Bitget focuses on collaboration with local bloggers and contests. But they all have one thing in common: a focus on a real, vibrant community.