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Setting Up Your Profile

Your profile is how others see you on Nostr. A complete profile helps people find and connect with you.

Profile Components​

FieldPurposeRequired?
NameDisplay nameRecommended
Username@handle (name)Recommended
PictureProfile photoRecommended
BannerHeader imageOptional
BioAbout youRecommended
WebsiteYour linkOptional
Lightning AddressReceive zapsRecommended
NIP-05VerificationOptional

Step-by-Step Setup​

1. Access Profile Settings​

In your client:

  • Look for your profile icon
  • Find "Edit Profile" or settings icon
  • Open profile editor

2. Add a Display Name​

Your main name shown on posts:

  • Can be your real name
  • Can be a nickname
  • Can include emoji
  • Example: "Alice", "Satoshi", "🚀 Space Fan"

3. Set a Username​

Your @handle:

  • Lowercase letters and numbers
  • Used for mentions
  • Example: "alice", "satoshi21"

4. Upload Profile Picture​

A good profile picture:

  • Square format works best
  • Clear and recognizable
  • Under 1MB typically

Hosting options:

  • Upload through client
  • Use nostr.build
  • Use any image URL

5. Add a Banner (Optional)​

The header image on your profile:

  • Wide format (3:1 ratio common)
  • Shows personality
  • Not essential

6. Write Your Bio​

Tell people about yourself:

  • Keep it brief
  • Mention interests
  • Add personality
  • 160-300 characters is good

Example:

Building things on Nostr. Coffee enthusiast.
Helping newbies get started. #bitcoin #nostr

7. Add Website​

Link to your:

  • Personal website
  • Blog
  • Other social media
  • Portfolio

8. Add Lightning Address​

So people can zap you:

  • Format: name@wallet.com
  • Get from your wallet provider
  • Essential for receiving tips

→ See Zaps & Lightning for setup

9. Add NIP-05 Verification (Optional)​

Adds a checkmark/verification:

  • Format: name@domain.com
  • Requires domain ownership
  • Builds trust

→ See Verification

Profile Tips​

Do's​

  • ✅ Use a recognizable profile picture
  • ✅ Fill in the essentials
  • ✅ Add a Lightning address
  • ✅ Keep bio updated
  • ✅ Be authentic

Don'ts​

  • ❌ Leave it completely blank
  • ❌ Use offensive content
  • ❌ Impersonate others
  • ❌ Forget to save!

Profile Visibility​

Public Information​

Everything in your profile is public:

  • Visible to anyone
  • Stored on relays
  • Searchable

Privacy Considerations​

If you want privacy:

  • Use a pseudonym
  • Don't include personal details
  • Use anonymous avatar
  • Skip location info

Syncing Across Clients​

Your profile syncs everywhere:

Edit on Damus → Saved to Relays → Visible on Primal, Amethyst, etc.

Changes may take a moment to propagate.

Troubleshooting​

Changes Not Saving?​

  1. Check internet connection
  2. Verify relay connections
  3. Try saving again
  4. Restart the app

Picture Not Uploading?​

  1. Check file size (try smaller)
  2. Try different format (JPG, PNG)
  3. Use external host
  4. Paste direct URL

Profile Blank in Other Clients?​

  1. Give it time to sync
  2. Check relay overlap
  3. Try refreshing

Example Profiles​

Minimal but Effective​

Name: Alice
Picture: [friendly photo]
Bio: Exploring Nostr. Bitcoin curious.
Lightning: alice@getalby.com

Complete Profile​

Name: Alice Anderson
Username: alice
Picture: [professional photo]
Banner: [branded image]
Bio: Nostr educator | Bitcoin enthusiast | Building the future
     of social media. Ask me anything about getting started!
Website: https://alice.example.com
Lightning: alice@getalby.com
NIP-05: alice@example.com

Updating Your Profile​

When to Update​

  • Changed interests
  • New Lightning address
  • Want a new look
  • Added verification

How to Update​

Same process as setup:

  1. Go to profile settings
  2. Make changes
  3. Save

Next Steps​