The world of Bitcoin-based token standards is evolving rapidly, and OKX has stepped forward with an innovative proposal that could reshape how users interact with digital assets on the Bitcoin network. Introducing BRC-30, a proposed extension of the popular BRC-20 token standard, designed to bring staking functionality to Bitcoin-native tokens and even BTC itself.
This new protocol aims to unlock passive income opportunities for holders of BRC-20 tokens and bitcoin, leveraging familiar design principles while introducing key mechanisms for depositing, minting, and withdrawing staked assets. By integrating staking into the Bitcoin ecosystem, BRC-30 could significantly enhance user engagement, improve asset retention, and contribute to a more resilient and dynamic market structure.
Understanding BRC-30: An Evolution of BRC-20
At its core, BRC-30 builds upon the foundation laid by BRC-20, which introduced fungible tokens to the Bitcoin blockchain using ordinal inscriptions. While BRC-20 enabled token creation and transfers, it lacked native support for utility-driven features like staking or yield generation.
BRC-30 addresses this gap by incorporating staking-specific operations directly into the protocol layer. The standard allows users to lock up their BRC-20 tokens or even bitcoin (BTC) in designated pools, receiving corresponding BRC-30 tokens in return—representing their staked position and accrued rewards.
This mechanism not only incentivizes long-term holding but also introduces a new dimension of economic activity on Bitcoin, traditionally seen as a passive store of value.
👉 Discover how next-gen token standards are unlocking new possibilities on Bitcoin.
How BRC-30 Works: A Three-Party Interaction Model
The BRC-30 framework operates through a structured interaction between three key entities: project developers, users, and backend servers. Each plays a distinct role in maintaining transparency, security, and usability.
For Project Developers: Customizable Staking Pools
Developers can deploy BRC-30-compliant staking pools by defining critical parameters such as:
- The type of token accepted for staking (e.g., specific BRC-20 tokens or BTC)
- The reward token to be distributed
- Mining (reward) rate per block or time unit
- Total reward supply
- Permissions for multi-pool participation
Once deployed, these pools become live and ready for user deposits. The flexibility in configuration enables diverse use cases—from community-driven incentive programs to protocol-level reward distributions.
For Users: Simple and Transparent Staking
End users interact with BRC-30 through three primary actions:
- Deposit: Lock your BRC-20 tokens or BTC into a staking pool.
- Mint (Claim): Generate and receive your earned reward tokens at any time.
- Withdraw: Exit the staking pool and reclaim your original assets.
Importantly, users retain full control over their assets throughout the process. There’s no need to trust third parties—the system is built on transparent rules enforced by code.
For Servers: Open and Auditable Computation
A crucial innovation in BRC-30 is its commitment to transparency. Backend servers responsible for tracking balances and calculating rewards must provide open-source interfaces that allow anyone to verify profit computations.
Every user's staking return is calculated consistently across both the backend system and public tools. This ensures fairness, prevents manipulation, and fosters trust in decentralized environments where auditability is paramount.
Why BRC-30 Matters: Benefits for the Bitcoin Ecosystem
Introducing staking capabilities via BRC-30 brings several transformative advantages:
1. Passive Income for Token Holders
For the first time, owners of BRC-20 tokens can earn yield directly on-chain without relying on centralized platforms. This aligns incentives between holders and projects, encouraging deeper participation.
2. Reduced Selling Pressure
Staking locks up supply temporarily, which may reduce short-term selling pressure in volatile markets. This can lead to greater price stability and healthier tokenomics over time.
3. Enhanced Utility for Bitcoin
By enabling BTC staking within the BRC-30 framework, Bitcoin transitions from a purely store-of-value asset to one capable of generating yield—without compromising its security model.
4. Developer Flexibility and Innovation
With customizable staking rules, developers can design gamified reward systems, loyalty programs, or cross-token incentives that drive adoption and community growth.
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Core Keywords Driving the Narrative
To align with search intent and improve discoverability, the following core keywords have been naturally integrated throughout this article:
- BRC-30
- BRC-20
- Bitcoin staking
- Token standard
- Passive income crypto
- Staking mechanism
- Ordinal inscriptions
- Decentralized finance (DeFi) on Bitcoin
These terms reflect high-interest topics among crypto enthusiasts and investors looking to understand emerging trends in blockchain innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between BRC-20 and BRC-30?
A: BRC-20 is a token standard for creating fungible tokens on Bitcoin using ordinal inscriptions. BRC-30 extends this by adding native staking functionality, allowing users to earn rewards by locking up BRC-20 tokens or BTC.
Q: Can I stake actual bitcoin (BTC) using BRC-30?
A: Yes—BRC-30 supports staking of both BRC-20 tokens and native BTC, depending on how the staking pool is configured by the project developer.
Q: Is BRC-30 officially adopted yet?
A: As of now, BRC-30 is a proposal put forward by OKX. It has not been universally adopted but represents a significant step toward expanding Bitcoin’s functional capabilities.
Q: Are there risks involved in staking via BRC-30?
A: While the protocol promotes transparency, risks may include smart contract vulnerabilities (if applicable), impermanent loss analogs in multi-token pools, or project-specific failures. Always research before participating.
Q: How are rewards calculated in a BRC-30 staking pool?
A: Rewards are determined by factors like mining rate, total stake size, and duration. Calculations are performed transparently using open-source tools accessible to all users.
Q: Do I need permission to create a BRC-30 staking pool?
A: No—like other ordinal-based standards, BRC-30 is permissionless. Any developer can deploy a compliant staking pool following the defined specifications.
The Future of Staking on Bitcoin
As layer-one blockchains evolve, so too do expectations from users. The demand for utility, yield, and engagement is no longer confined to Ethereum or Solana—it’s reaching even the most conservative networks like Bitcoin.
BRC-30 represents a bold step toward making Bitcoin not just digital gold, but a living financial ecosystem where assets work for their owners. If widely adopted, it could catalyze a new wave of innovation in decentralized applications built atop the world’s most secure blockchain.
While still in proposal stage, the concept demonstrates how creative extensions of existing standards can unlock powerful new functionalities—without altering Bitcoin’s underlying consensus rules.
👉 See what’s next in blockchain evolution—where value meets utility.