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What is Nostr?

Nostr is a decentralized social network that gives you complete control over your online identity and data. Unlike traditional social media platforms owned by corporations, Nostr is an open protocol that anyone can use.

The Basics​

Think of Nostr like email, but for social media:

  • You own your identity - Your account isn't controlled by any company
  • You choose your app - Many different apps work with the same account
  • Your content is yours - Take your followers anywhere you go
  • No central authority - No one can ban you from the entire network

How It Works (Simply Put)​

How Nostr Works

  1. You use an app (called a "client") to write posts
  2. Relays are servers that store and share your posts
  3. Others see your posts through their apps

What Makes Nostr Different?​

Traditional Social MediaNostr
Company owns your accountYou own your keys
Locked into one appUse any compatible app
Platform can delete your accountNo central authority
Algorithms control what you seeYou choose your experience
Your data is the productYour data is yours

Real-World Analogy​

Imagine if you could:

  • Write a letter once and have it delivered to multiple post offices
  • Anyone could pick it up from any post office they trust
  • You sign every letter with your unique seal that can't be forged
  • No single post office could stop you from sending mail

That's essentially how Nostr works!

Getting Started​

Ready to try it? Here's what you'll need:

  1. A client (app) - We'll help you choose one
  2. Your keys - Like a username and password, but better
  3. Some relays - Most apps set these up automatically
No Email Required

Unlike most platforms, Nostr doesn't require an email address or phone number. Your identity is cryptographic, which means it's mathematically yours.

Next Steps​