Arweave is a blockchain-based storage protocol. It combines crypto technology with a decentralized infrastructure where users can keep documents and applications securely and permanently. The network matches parties with surplus hard drive capacity to those who want to store data or run hosted content. After publishing, users can retrieve the files and applications from the Arweave network.

AR is Arweave’s native cryptocurrency, with a maximum supply of 66,000,000 AR.

What are Arweave’s key features and how does it work?

At the protocol level, Arweave includes two main building blocks. These are a blockchain-like structure called a blockweave, and a sustainable storage endowment.

Arweave secures its network through an original mining design. During each block production period, miners create and verify Succinct Proofs of Random Access. To earn block rewards, miners (data storers) must replicate the data. Rewards are paid out as AR tokens to miners who successfully replicate data and produce blocks. In general, miners storing more data have a higher probability of being selected as the block producer.

Built on the Arweave network is the permaweb, which operates much like the conventional web. It brings together many linked protocols and supports content such as PDFs, videos, and applications. Items stored on the permaweb are intended to remain indefinitely. It aims to serve as an open index of “everything known to us”. After a document is added to the permaweb, it cannot be changed. 

To reduce misuse, the Arweave protocol relies on its active community of developers and storers to keep the network running. This structure helps ensure that users maintain control over what gets shared and published, including by filtering applications and transactions for illicit material.

Developers can create applications on top of the permaweb with tools provided by the Arweave community. This can include UI hosting, database queries, and smart contracts that handle programming rewards. 

Where can you buy AR?

AR can be traded on the CEXs and DEXs listed here. The most widely used exchanges with the highest liquidity include Binance, Gate.io, OKX, MEXC Global, and KuCoin. The AR price you see will differ by exchange selection and broader market conditions. For the latest and historical AR price information, consult the price charts on this page.