Crypto Native Social Media Apps Live in 2025
Crypto-native social media apps are built on blockchain technology, emphasizing decentralization, user ownership of data/content, token incentives, and Web3 features like NFTs or crypto rewards.
Lens Protocol
ninjapromo.io +2A decentralized social graph on Polygon, allowing users to own profiles and content as NFTs; integrates with apps like Orb and Phaver for posting and monetization.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •User ownership of profiles and content as NFTs
- •Monetization opportunities through integrations
- •Built on Polygon for lower transaction costs
Cons
- •Limited mainstream adoption
- •Requires understanding of NFTs and blockchain
- •Dependent on ecosystem growth
Suggested Improvements
- •Simplified onboarding for non-crypto users
- •Cross-platform integration with traditional social media
- •Improved discovery mechanisms for new users
Farcaster
ninjapromo.io +2Ethereum-based decentralized network for microblogging; users pay in crypto for storage, with frames for interactive apps; growing with Warpcast client.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Built on Ethereum with strong decentralization
- •Frames for interactive applications
- •Growing user base with Warpcast client
Cons
- •Storage costs in crypto
- •Limited to microblogging format
- •Still niche compared to traditional platforms
Suggested Improvements
- •Reduced storage costs through layer 2 solutions
- •Expanded content formats beyond microblogging
- •Better mainstream user onboarding
Bluesky
blocksurvey.io +1AT Protocol-based decentralized platform; users control data and can migrate servers; token integration for moderation and rewards in development.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Users control their data
- •Server migration capability
- •Token integration in development
Cons
- •Still in development for token features
- •Smaller user base than traditional platforms
- •Protocol complexity for new users
Suggested Improvements
- •Simplified user interface for non-technical users
- •Accelerated token feature development
- •Better integration with existing social networks
Mastodon
blocksurvey.io +1Federated open-source network (ActivityPub protocol); crypto elements via server-hosted tokens; no central control, with thousands of instances.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •No central control
- •Thousands of instances to choose from
- •Open-source and federated
- •Some crypto token integration
Cons
- •Fragmented user experience across instances
- •Limited crypto integration compared to Web3 platforms
- •Smaller overall user base
Suggested Improvements
- •Standardized user experience across instances
- •Enhanced native crypto wallet integration
- •Improved discovery of content across the network
Steemit
blocksurvey.io +2Blockchain-based blogging platform on Steem; users earn STEEM tokens for content and curation; rewards voting system.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Earn tokens for content creation
- •Curation rewards system
- •Established blockchain platform
Cons
- •Centralized elements despite blockchain foundation
- •Token value volatility
- •Competition from newer platforms
Suggested Improvements
- •Full decentralization of platform governance
- •Stable token economy mechanisms
- •Modern UI/UX design
Friend.tech
ninjapromo.io +1SocialFi app on Base (Ethereum L2); users buy/sell 'keys' to access private chats with influencers; token-gated communities.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Direct access to influencers
- •Token-gated communities
- •Built on Ethereum L2 for scalability
Cons
- •Speculative key pricing
- •Privacy concerns with key trading
- •Limited to specific influencer ecosystem
Suggested Improvements
- •Regulated key pricing mechanisms
- •Enhanced privacy controls for users
- •Expanded beyond influencer-focused model
Mirror
collabnix.com +1Web3 publishing platform on Ethereum; users mint articles as NFTs, collect editions, and crowdfund via crypto.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Articles as NFTs for ownership
- •Crowdfunding capabilities
- •Built on Ethereum for security
Cons
- •High gas fees for Ethereum transactions
- •Limited to publishing use case
- •Requires crypto wallet for participation
Suggested Improvements
- •Layer 2 integration to reduce transaction costs
- •Expanded content types beyond articles
- •Simplified onboarding for non-crypto users
Audius
ninjapromo.io +1Decentralized music streaming on Solana/Ethereum; artists earn AUDIO tokens from fans; no intermediaries.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Direct artist-to-fan monetization
- •No intermediaries taking revenue
- •Multi-chain support (Solana/Ethereum)
- •High quality audio streaming
Cons
- •Smaller music catalog than traditional platforms
- •Requires understanding of crypto for full features
- •Competition from established streaming services
Suggested Improvements
- •Expanded music catalog through partnerships
- •Simplified user experience for non-crypto users
- •Integration with traditional music industry
Phaver
https://socialdao.ai/Social app on Lens Protocol; users earn points/tokens for engagement, with NFT profiles and cross-chain features.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Earn rewards for engagement
- •NFT profile customization
- •Cross-chain compatibility
- •Built on Lens Protocol for ownership
Cons
- •Dependent on Lens Protocol adoption
- •Token value may fluctuate
- •Newer platform with smaller community
Suggested Improvements
- •Reduced dependency on single protocol
- •Stabilized token economy
- •Community growth and engagement features
CyberConnect
alchemy.com +1Web3 social graph protocol; powers apps with on-chain relationships and token-gated access.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Protocol-level approach for broader adoption
- •On-chain relationship building
- •Token-gated access features
Cons
- •Protocol complexity
- •Dependent on third-party app development
- •Limited direct user interface
Suggested Improvements
- •Simplified developer tools and documentation
- •Reference implementations for common use cases
- •Direct user-facing applications
DTube
blocksurvey.io +1Decentralized video platform on Avalanche; censorship-resistant, with token rewards for uploads/views.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Censorship-resistant content
- •Token rewards for creators
- •Built on Avalanche for scalability
Cons
- •Smaller content library
- •Less polished user interface
- •Limited mainstream adoption
Suggested Improvements
- •Expanded content library through creator incentives
- •Modernized user interface and experience
- •Cross-platform content sharing
Sapien
rapidinnovation.ioBlockchain social network for communities; token-based governance and privacy-focused.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Token-based governance
- •Privacy-focused design
- •Community-centric approach
Cons
- •Limited user base
- •Niche focus may limit growth
- •Token value volatility
Suggested Improvements
- •Expanded user acquisition strategies
- •Diversified platform features beyond niche communities
- •Stabilized token economy
Towns Protocol
New additionA decentralized, open-source communication infrastructure designed for building real-time messaging applications and programmable social networks. It enables user-owned 'spaces' (digital town squares or group chats) with features like encrypted messaging, on-chain integrations, decentralized storage, and token-based monetization through its native $TOWNS token.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •User-owned digital spaces with encrypted messaging
- •On-chain integrations and decentralized storage
- •Token-based monetization through $TOWNS token
- •Supports customizable bots and apps
- •Censorship resistance with programmability
- •Over $36 million in total earnings facilitated
Cons
- •Relatively new protocol with limited adoption
- •Requires understanding of blockchain technology
- •Dependent on Base and Caldera infrastructure
Suggested Improvements
- •Simplified onboarding for non-technical users
- •Expanded beyond crypto/DeFi focused communities
- •Enhanced cross-protocol compatibility
- •Improved user discovery mechanisms
Etch Social
etch.social +1A decentralized social media platform focused on creating permanent, blockchain-based content that preserves human history and culture through authenticated, tamper-proof posts. It emphasizes true decentralization by allowing anyone to deploy their own ERC-7847 smart contract for posting, without relying on centralized platforms or gatekeepers, turning any compatible blockchain into an open social network.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Permanent and authenticated content as immutable NFTs using ERC-7847 standard
- •True decentralization with user-owned content as NFTs
- •Strong interoperability with Nostr and Bluesky (AT Protocol)
- •Customizable feeds (Buffet System) blending multiple network content
- •Content lives on-chain ensuring longevity for centuries
- •Cross-posting and viewing content from Nostr and Bluesky networks
Cons
- •Still niche with modest community engagement
- •Requires Base ETH for transactions and wallet integration
- •Underused Discord community
- •Very low token price with minimal trading volume
- •Newer platform with limited adoption
Suggested Improvements
- •Increase community engagement and user onboarding
- •Improve documentation and tutorials for new users
- •Expand mobile app development beyond planning stage
- •Enhance token utility and ecosystem incentives
- •Increase awareness and adoption through marketing
Token Contract:
DeSo
deso.comA blockchain specifically designed for decentralizing social media, where all content including profiles, posts, comments, private messages, likes, follows, social tokens, NFTs, and more are stored directly on the blockchain. DeSo enables developers to build social networks, NFT marketplaces, DAO tooling, and other social applications with built-in monetization features.
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Extremely low transaction costs ($0.000017 per transaction)
- •All social data stored directly on-chain
- •Built-in monetization with social tokens, NFTs, crypto tips, and DAOs
- •End-to-end encryption for private content
- •Protocol-level content encryption and on-chain limit orders
- •Supports a wide variety of social applications
Cons
- •Lesser known blockchain with smaller ecosystem
- •Limited mainstream adoption compared to established platforms
- •Requires understanding of blockchain for full features
- •Smaller developer community than Ethereum or other major chains
Suggested Improvements
- •Increase awareness and adoption among mainstream users
- •Expand developer tools and documentation
- •Build more diverse social applications on the platform
- •Improve user onboarding for non-crypto users
Token Contract:
Trade Token:
Apps on this Platform:
Hive
hive.ioA blockchain DPOS , 3 second confirmations, feeless, no gas costs, and decentralized
Blockchain:
Pros
- •Free transactions)
Cons
- •Lesser known blockchain with 40k followers
Suggested Improvements
- •Increase awareness and adoption among mainstream users
- •Expand developer tools and documentation
- •Build more diverse social applications on the platform
- •Improve user onboarding for non-crypto users
Token Contract:
Trade Token:
Apps on this Platform:
Key Characteristics
Common Features
- •User ownership of data and content
- •Token incentives for engagement
- •Integration with crypto wallets (MetaMask, etc.)
- •SocialFi (social finance) mechanics
Technology Stack
- •Built on major blockchains (Ethereum, Solana, Polygon)
- •Decentralized protocols (Lens, Farcaster, AT)
- •NFT integration for profiles and content
- •Token-gated communities and access
