Understand Nostr in 2 Sentences
Nostr is a decentralized social network where you connect, share, and follow others using cryptographic keys instead of centralized accounts. Your public key is your username, and your private key is your password – keep it safe!
What Is Nostr
Nostr represents the future of social networking because it is decentralized, meaning no single company or authority owns or controls it. This ensures true freedom of speech, as no one can censor or ban you from the platform. Privacy is also a core principle, with your data staying in your hands rather than being sold to advertisers.
One of Nostr’s standout features is its integration with Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, enabling fast and seamless micropayments called “zaps.” These allow users to tip or support each other directly, adding a powerful financial layer to social interactions. Combined with its resilience – making it nearly impossible for governments or corporations to shut down – Nostr embodies the internet’s original vision: open, free, and empowering for everyone.
Set Up Your Nostr Account (Key Pair)
Download a Nostr Client
Mobile: Damus (iOS) or Amethyst (Android)
Web: Snort
Generate Your Keys
Open the app or website, and it will generate a public/private key pair for you.
Save Your Private Key: Write it down or store it in a secure password manager. Never share it with anyone.
Set Up a Lightning Wallet
Imagine you’re using Nostr, and someone likes what you post – a cool idea, a funny joke, or an interesting thought. They can send you a “tip” as a way of saying “Thanks, I like this!”
Instead of regular money, these tips are sent using Bitcoin on the Lightning Network, which is like a super-fast highway for small Bitcoin payments. These tips are called zaps on Nostr.
So:
- If you have a Lightning wallet connected to your Nostr profile, people can zap you as a tip.
- You can zap others if you like their posts or ideas.
- It’s like a virtual “tip jar” but with Bitcoin, and it happens instantly.
It’s a fun way to interact, support others, and even earn a little Bitcoin while posting!
Download a Lightning Wallet:
Try Wallet of Satoshi (easy to use) or Phoenix Wallet (non-custodial).
Fund Your Wallet:
Buy some Bitcoin from an exchange (e.g., Binance, Coinbase, or a local platform). Send Bitcoin to your Lightning wallet.
You don’t need to do this if you don’t want to send money – you may receive tips from other nostr users anyway
Get Your Lightning Address:
In the wallet, find your Lightning Address (usually in the form of you@service.com).
Add Your Profile Info
Go to your Nostr app’s profile settings.
Add:
- Name: Your preferred username.
- Bio: A short description of yourself.
- Picture: Upload a profile picture.
- Lightning Address: Paste your Lightning Address into the tip or zaps field. This will be provided by the wallet app.
Follow People and Explore Channels
Use the app’s Discover or Explore tab to find popular profiles or communities.
Search for the #introductions hashtag to connect with others.
Follow a few people or channels that interest you.
Make Your First Post in #introductions
Write a post like this:
Hi everyone! 👋 I’m new to Nostr. Excited to explore decentralized social media.
Feel free to connect! #introductions
Try a Zap
Visit someone’s profile or post that accepts Lightning payments.
Use your Lightning wallet to send a small tip. Usually there will be a zap icon next to the persons post. ⚡ click on it to send satoshis (the smallest denomination of bitcoin) 21 satoshis is a good place to start. About $0.02
Learn and Explore More
As you get comfortable, try:
- Joining themed hashtags (#nostr, #bitcoin, #tech).
- Experimenting with Nostr-specific features (zaps, relays).
- Connecting your profile to services like Nostrplebs for a custom username.
- Try different apps using the nostr profile. See how all your posts are there on other nostr platforms.