Logo币圈导航
Adwebhunter
webhunter
免费网站流量检测工具,发现竞争对手网站,寻找替代方案
icon of Bitcoin STAMPS

Bitcoin STAMPS

Bitcoin STAMPS (also called SRC-20 tokens) are a new class of Bitcoin-native NFTs that store tiny images directly in spendable transaction outputs on the Bitcoin blockchain. Because the image data is encoded as base64 and split across transaction outputs, STAMPS are designed to be immutable and resistant to pruning, distinguishing them from other inscription methods that rely on witnesses or external databases. Technical constraints limit STAMPS to very small graphics (24×24 pixels) and only a few file types (PNG, GIF, SVG), which reduces storage overhead but also constrains creative possibilities. The protocol is still early-stage: initial implementations used Counterparty broadcasts, while updated SRC-20 encoding writes directly to Bitcoin transactions, and ecosystem integration with wallets and marketplaces is ongoing. Reception is mixed—some criticize the network cost and limited utility, while others view STAMPS as a way to spur Bitcoin infrastructure and collector interest.

image of Bitcoin STAMPS
Visit Website

Introduction

Overview

Bitcoin STAMPS (often called SRC-20 tokens) are an emerging NFT format built directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. Their goal is to provide a permanent, on-chain way to represent tiny digital artworks or collectibles by embedding encoded image data into spendable transaction outputs. STAMPS aim for long-term immutability by making their data part of the transaction outputs that every full node downloads, rather than relying on off-chain storage or witness data that could be pruned.

Core Capabilities

  • 1. Permanent on-chain storage: STAMPS encode image data into transaction outputs so that the data is propagated to and stored by all full nodes, making pruning infeasible.

  • 2. Simple tokenized identifiers: Each STAMP receives a unique identifier recorded on-chain, enabling provenance and ownership tracking like other NFTs.

  • 3. Compact image support: STAMPS target extremely small images (24×24 pixels) and support a limited set of file formats (PNG, GIF, SVG), prioritizing permanence over large media capability.

  • 4. Direct blockchain encoding (SRC-20): The protocol encodes data directly into Bitcoin transactions (the SRC-20 specification), eliminating the need for earlier broadcast methods such as Counterparty.

  • 5. Tradeability via external platforms: While native marketplace support is limited at launch, developers plan or have discussed integrations with wallets and marketplaces to enable minting, discovery, and trading.

How They Work

SRC-20 STAMPS convert a small image file into a base64 string and chunk that string across transaction outputs. Because the data is placed inside spendable outputs instead of in a witness or off-chain pointer, every full node that downloads and stores the Bitcoin ledger will retain the bytes that constitute the image. Developers and indexers (for example, stampchain.io) decode the base64 payload to reconstruct the artwork and provide interfaces for collectors to view and trade STAMPS.

The encoding process limits file size and complexity, so STAMPS intentionally restrict supported formats to PNG, GIF, and SVG and impose a strict pixel dimension cap. Those constraints reduce storage costs per STAMP but also create deliberate trade-offs around artistic freedom and utility.

Differences from Ordinal Inscriptions

STAMPS and Ordinal inscriptions are both attempts to create Bitcoin-native digital assets, but they diverge in design and trade-offs. Immutability is emphasized for STAMPS because outputs are downloaded by all nodes, whereas Ordinals often depend on witness data that—while generally preserved—could theoretically be pruned. Size limitations favor Ordinals for richer content (Ordinals can leverage larger block payloads), while STAMPS enforce tiny images to keep global storage burdens lower. STAMPS are narrower in file type support, whereas Ordinals can host a wide array of data types including apps, videos, and audio via taproot workaround techniques.

Industry Reaction and Adoption

Reactions to STAMPS have been mixed. Critics worry about putting even small, non-fungible media onto Bitcoin, citing potential network congestion and limited use cases given the tiny image size. Proponents counter that STAMPS can help grow Bitcoin tooling and collector interest, and that the SRC-20 approach may encourage further development of wallets, indexers, and marketplaces. As of the article’s posting, integrations with major NFT marketplaces were not yet standard, but conversations with platforms and wallet teams were underway.

Why Watch STAMPS

STAMPS are a useful case study in balancing permanence, cost, and usability on Bitcoin. They highlight how design constraints (like 24×24 images and restricted formats) reflect a deliberate choice to preserve decentralization and ensure on-chain retention. For collectors, developers, and infrastructure providers, SRC-20 tokens may influence future experiments in Bitcoin-native assets and integration strategies. Observing adoption, marketplace support, and developer tooling will be key to judging whether STAMPS become a lasting niche or an experimental footnote.

Conclusion

Bitcoin STAMPS represent a pragmatic, permanence-focused approach to NFTs on Bitcoin: intentionally constrained, technically novel, and still early in adoption. Their emphasis on embedding data in spendable outputs differentiates them from other inscription techniques, creating both unique benefits (strong immutability) and clear limitations (tiny images and limited formats). As tooling and marketplace support evolve, STAMPS are worth watching for anyone interested in on-chain collectibles and the long-term growth of Bitcoin-based digital assets.

Back

Information

Categories

Tags

More Products

icon of Mempool

Mempool

Block explorerData on the chainDeveloper Tools

Mempool (mempool.space) is a real-time blockchain explorer and mempool visualizer designed to provide detailed, up-to-the-second information about transactions, fees, and recent blocks for UTXO-based networks such as Bitcoin and Litecoin. The site aggregates mempool state, fee-rate estimates, transaction replacements (RBF), recent block listings, mining pool attribution, and various network metrics like difficulty and average block time, presenting them in a clear, interactive interface. Users can inspect individual transactions, view recommended fee rates for different confirmation targets, and monitor unconfirmed transaction counts and memory usage. For both casual users and advanced operators, Mempool offers a blend of high-level summaries and granular data that helps with fee selection, transaction tracking, and general chain monitoring.

Bitcoin EcologyBase chain navigation
icon of Litecoin Space

Litecoin Space

Block explorerData on the chainMining-section

Litecoin Space is a web-based Litecoin block explorer and network monitoring tool that provides real-time visibility into blocks, transactions, mempool activity, and fee dynamics on the Litecoin blockchain. The site exposes essential data such as latest blocks (height, mining pool, transaction count, and block size), latest transactions (TXID, amounts, USD equivalents, and fees), and mempool statistics including unconfirmed transactions and memory usage. It also offers fee-priority indicators (No Priority, Low, Medium, High) and visual fee/time charts to help users estimate appropriate fees for different confirmation targets. Additionally, Litecoin Space displays difficulty adjustment information and provides links to block detail pages and related resources, making it useful for developers, miners, and ordinary users who need transparent, up-to-date chain data and fee guidance.

Base chain navigation
icon of Litecoin Block Explorer

Litecoin Block Explorer

Block explorerData on the chainDeveloper Tools

Litecoin Block Explorer is an online blockchain explorer focused on the Litecoin network. The site provides a searchable interface for blocks, transactions, and addresses, allowing users to inspect confirmations, transaction inputs/outputs, fees, and block details. Although the live site currently returns a Cloudflare "502: Bad Gateway" error, the project name and expected functionality make it clear this service aims to offer real-time or near-real-time blockchain data for Litecoin users, developers, and analysts. Typical features one would expect include block/transaction search, address history, mempool status, and potentially developer APIs for programmatic access. The explorer is intended to be a lightweight, focused tool for examining Litecoin blockchain activity and troubleshooting on-chain issues.

Base chain navigation