Nostr In 2025 Is A Lot Like Bitcoin In 2012
I recently had the opportunity to chat with Vitor Pomplona, the mastermind behind the innovative Nostr client, Amethyst. In our conversation, Pomplona drew parallels between Nostr in 2025 and Bitcoin in 2012, likening both to be a bit raw but incredibly exciting to engage with.
Nostr, a decentralized protocol for various forms of communication including social media, is still in its infancy at just four years old. Developers are continuously striving to enhance the user experience within the clients they have crafted. These clients range from apps like Primal (similar to X) to Olas (reminiscent of Instagram) to Yakihonne (a platform akin to Substack).
One distinguishing feature of Nostr clients is the ability for users to “zap” (send small amounts of) bitcoin to one another as a way to show appreciation for the content shared within the community.
Pomplona is optimistic about the increasing traction that Nostr clients are gaining, drawing a parallel to the early days of Bitcoin when communities began to form and transactions began to flow.
The Rise of a Bitcoin-Fueled Creator Economy
Pomplona recognizes that social media platforms play a crucial role in enabling users to monetize their creations in ways that were previously unattainable. Many users aspire to earn a living through their online presence, a dream that Nostr clients aim to facilitate.
“Our ultimate goal is to empower creators to earn a sustainable income through our platform,” Pomplona expressed. As the Nostr user base expands, the potential for users to earn a livelihood within the largest bitcoin circular economy in the world continues to grow.
Amethyst: A Vision Realized
The creation of Amethyst stemmed from Pomplona’s vision of an all-encompassing Nostr client, inspired by Elon Musk’s ambitious plans for X (formerly Twitter). While Amethyst may not have fully realized this vision, it has evolved to serve as a testing ground for developers crafting new Nostr clients.
“Nostr clients should focus on empowering users to create and connect, rather than solely serving as a Bitcoin onboarding tool,” Pomplona emphasized. However, he believes that over time, users will naturally discover the self-sovereignty and censorship-resistant features of Nostr, as well as the benefits of utilizing Bitcoin for transactions.
In a world where freedom and censorship resistance are paramount, Nostr has become a beacon for new users seeking a platform that champions these values. Pomplona noted, “Most new Nostr users are drawn in by the promise of freedom, often in response to censorship in their own countries, and subsequently delve into the realm of Bitcoin.”
Overall, Nostr continues to pave the way for a decentralized and empowering online experience, offering users the opportunity to engage with content, connect with others, and explore the possibilities of a Bitcoin-fueled creator economy.
