Skip to main content

Zaps & Lightning

Zaps are instant Bitcoin tips sent over the Lightning Network. They're one of Nostr's most unique features.

What are Zaps?​

Zaps let you:

  • Tip content creators directly
  • Show appreciation more meaningfully than likes
  • Get paid for your content
  • Send any amount - from 1 sat to millions
You ──Zap (21 sats)──▶ Creator
    └── Instant! ──┘

How Zaps Work​

How Zaps Work

  1. You click the zap button on a post
  2. Choose an amount
  3. Your wallet pays via Lightning Network
  4. Creator receives sats instantly
  5. The zap appears on the post

Setting Up to Receive Zaps​

Step 1: Get a Lightning Address​

A Lightning address looks like an email:

yourname@wallet.com

Popular options:

WalletAddress FormatNotes
Wallet of Satoshiyou@walletofsatoshi.comEasy, custodial
Albyyou@getalby.comBrowser extension
Primalyou@primal.netBuilt into app
ZeusSelf-hostedNon-custodial

Step 2: Add to Profile​

  1. Open your Nostr client
  2. Go to profile settings
  3. Find "Lightning Address" or "LN Address"
  4. Paste your address
  5. Save!

Step 3: Start Receiving​

That's it! Anyone can now zap you.

Setting Up to Send Zaps​

Option 1: Wallet Connection​

Some clients connect to wallets:

  • Alby - Browser extension
  • Zeus - Mobile wallet
  • Built-in - Primal has integrated wallet

Option 2: External Wallet​

  1. Click zap button
  2. Client generates invoice
  3. Copy to your wallet
  4. Pay the invoice

Option 3: Built-in Wallet​

Apps like Primal have built-in wallets:

  1. Fund your wallet
  2. Zap directly
  3. No external app needed

Zap Amounts​

Common Amounts​

SatsUSD (approx*)Used For
21$0.02Quick appreciation
100$0.10Nice tip
500$0.50Great content
1,000$1.00Really loved it
10,000$10.00Exceptional
21,000+$21.00+Generous support

*USD values vary with Bitcoin price

Custom Amounts​

Most clients let you choose any amount.

Zap Splits​

Some posts split zaps between multiple people:

  • Collaborators
  • Platforms
  • Charities

The creator sets up splits in their client.

Visibility​

Public Zaps​

  • Appear on the post
  • Show amount and sender
  • Part of the social experience

Private Zaps​

Some clients support private zaps:

  • Amount hidden
  • Sender anonymous
  • Still reaches creator

Custodial (Easy)​

Someone else holds your Bitcoin:

  • Wallet of Satoshi - Simplest option
  • Primal - Built into the app
  • Alby - Browser-based

Non-Custodial (You control)​

You hold your own Bitcoin:

  • Zeus - Mobile, full control
  • Breez - Easy Lightning
  • Phoenix - Self-custodial Lightning

Choosing a Wallet​

If you want...Choose...
Easiest setupWallet of Satoshi
Built into NostrPrimal
Browser integrationAlby
Full controlZeus or Phoenix

Buying Bitcoin​

To send zaps, you need Bitcoin/sats:

  1. In-app purchase - Some wallets let you buy
  2. Exchange - Buy on Coinbase, Cash App, etc.
  3. P2P - Buy from individuals
  4. Earn - Receive zaps for your content!

Zap Etiquette​

Do's​

  • ✅ Zap content you genuinely appreciate
  • ✅ Any amount is meaningful
  • ✅ Zap new creators to encourage them
  • ✅ Reply with zaps to show support

Don'ts​

  • ❌ Expect zaps back
  • ❌ Only zap for follow-backs
  • ❌ Feel obligated to zap everything

Troubleshooting​

Zaps Not Working?​

  1. Check Lightning address - Is it set in your profile?
  2. Wallet balance - Do you have sats?
  3. Connection - Is wallet connected?
  4. Invoice expired - Try again quickly

Not Receiving Zaps?​

  1. Verify Lightning address - Test sending to yourself
  2. Check profile - Is address saved correctly?
  3. Wallet active - Is your wallet receiving?

Common Issues​

IssueSolution
Invoice expiredPay faster or request new
Wallet not connectedReconnect in settings
Wrong addressDouble-check in profile
No balanceFund your wallet

Beyond Tips​

Paywalls​

Some creators gate content behind zaps:

  • Pay to unlock
  • Supports premium content
  • Built into some clients

Marketplace Payments​

Zaps work for buying/selling:

  • Pay for goods
  • Instant settlement
  • No payment processor

Streaming Tips​

Live streamers receive zaps:

  • Real-time support
  • Interactive streaming
  • On Zap.stream

Why Zaps Matter​

For Creators​

  • Direct monetization
  • No platform cut (usually)
  • Global payments
  • Instant settlement

For Users​

  • Meaningful engagement
  • Direct support to creators
  • Better than ads
  • Fun to participate!

Next Steps​