Ordinals
Ordinals is an application-layer protocol built on Bitcoin, launched in January 2023, that assigns serial numbers to satoshis and allows arbitrary dat
Ordinals is an application-layer protocol built on Bitcoin, launched in January 2023, that assigns serial numbers to sat...
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Sep 2026 · Wynik świeżości: 50%
What is Ordinals?
Ordinals is an application-layer protocol built on Bitcoin, launched in January 2023, that assigns serial numbers to satoshis and allows arbitrary dat
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The Ordinals protocol numbers satoshis in the order they are mined and lets users "inscribe" arbitrary data into the witness of a Bitcoin transaction, binding it to a specific satoshi. Inscriptions live entirely on Bitcoin's base layer, lev
Ordinals brought NFTs to Bitcoin — previously Bitcoin lacked a native NFT standard. It sparked debate about Bitcoin's intended use (spam vs innovation), drove up fees during demand surges, and created a new asset class and ecosystem on Bitc
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1. What Are Ordinals
Ordinals is a protocol that inscribes data (images, text, media) directly onto individual satoshis of Bitcoin, creating Bitcoin-native NFTs. It assigns each satoshi a number and enables "inscriptions."
2. How It Works
The Ordinals protocol numbers satoshis in the order they are mined and lets users "inscribe" arbitrary data into the witness of a Bitcoin transaction, binding it to a specific satoshi. Inscriptions live entirely on Bitcoin's base layer, leveraging its security. BRC-20 tokens later extended the concept to fungible token-like inscriptions.
3. Why It Matters
Ordinals brought NFTs to Bitcoin — previously Bitcoin lacked a native NFT standard. It sparked debate about Bitcoin's intended use (spam vs innovation), drove up fees during demand surges, and created a new asset class and ecosystem on Bitcoin.
4. Key Facts
- Inscriptions are stored in Taproot witness data
- Rare sats (e.g., first sat of each block) carry premiums
- BRC-20 tokens use inscription-based JSON
- Ordinals trading happens via marketplaces like Magic Eden
5. Related Concepts
- bitcoin
- taproot
- nft
- digital-collectible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ordinals?
Ordinals is an application-layer protocol built on Bitcoin, launched in January 2023, that assigns serial numbers to satoshis and allows arbitrary dat
How does Ordinals work?
Ordinals is a protocol that inscribes data (images, text, media) directly onto individual satoshis of Bitcoin, creating Bitcoin-native NFTs. It assigns each satoshi a number and enables "inscriptions." The Ordinals protocol numbers satoshis in the order they are mined and lets users "inscribe" arbi
Why does Ordinals matter in Web3?
- taproot - nft - digital-collectible