Arweave is a blockchain-based storage protocol. It leverages crypto technology and acts as a decentralized network on which users can store documents and applications securely and permanently. Arweave works by matching people with extra hard drive space with those who are looking to store data or host content on the network. Users can then access the documents and applications hosted on the Arweave network.

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

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

In technical terms, the Arweave protocol consists of two core components. This is a blockchain-like structure known as a blockweave, and a sustainable storage endowment.

Arweave’s blockchain uses an innovative mining mechanism in order to secure its network. This process involves creating and testing Succinct Proofs of Random Access in each period of block production. Miners (data storers) need to replicate data in order to receive block rewards. Rewards are distributed in the form of AR tokens for successfully replicating data and producing blocks. The more data a miner stores, the more likely it is to be the block producer.

Additionally, on top of the Arweave network is the permaweb. It functions in a similar way to the traditional web. It comprises many interlinked protocols, including documents such as PDFs, videos, and applications. Data in the permaweb is stored forever. It is intended to be an accessible collection of “everything known to us”. Once a document is submitted to the permaweb it is unchangeable. 

In order to combat abuse, the Arweave protocol’s active group developers and storers work to maintain the network. In this manner, the users themselves control the content and publish what they deem to be appropriate by filtering the applications and transactions against illicit material.

Applications can be built on top of the permaweb using tools created by the Arweave community. This includes UI hosting, database queries, and smart contracts for programming rewards. 

Where can you buy AR?

AR is available for trading on the following CEXs and DEXs listed here. The most popular platforms with the highest liquidity are Binance, Gate.io, OKX, MEXC Global, and KuCoin. The price of AR will vary depending on the choice of exchange and overall market conditions. For up-to-date and historic data for AR market prices, please view the price charts on this page.