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STAMPS: A Protocol for Storing Images On-Chain in Transaction Outputs Immutably on Bitcoin
IMPORTANT NOTICE: STAMPS IS A BLOCKCHAIN-AGNOSTIC PROTOCOL.
FOR RULES SPECIFIC TO THE BITCOIN STAMPS PROJECT, PLEASE VISIT:
Storing "Art on the Blockchain" as a method of achieving permanence is often a misnomer in the NFT world. Most NFTs are merely image pointers to centralized hosting or stored on-chain in prunable witness data. We propose a method of embedding base64-formatted image data using transaction outputs in a novel fashion.
The means by which this is achieved is encoding an image's binary content to a base64 string, placing this string as a suffix to STAMP: in a transaction's description key, and then broadcasting it using the Counterparty protocol onto the Bitcoin ledger. The length of the string means that Counterparty defaults to bare multisig, thereby chunking the data into outputs rather than using the limited (and prunable) OP_RETURN. By doing so, the data is preserved in such a manner that is impossible to prune from a fullnode, preserving the data immutably forever.
Given the cost of preserving data in this manner, we suggest the following guidance: 24x24 pixel, 8-colour-depth PNG or GIF. The constraints of this "canvas" are ideal for pixel art. In particular, the CryptoPunks use a native resolution of 24x24 pixels.
STAMPS will be numbered based on the transaction timestamp. This is to ensure that the STAMPS directory is ordered chronologically. The first STAMP will be the first transaction to include the STAMP: string with a valid base64 string appended in the description key, and so on. A transaction with an invalid or indecipherable base64 string will not be considered a STAMP. The STAMP number will begin at zero and continue indefinitely.
What is STAMP?
STAMP, a blockchain-agnostic protocol, revolutionizes the way images are stored on-chain by embedding them immutably in Bitcoin transaction outputs. Unlike most NFTs that merely point to centralized hosting, STAMP ensures true permanence by encoding image data into base64 strings and embedding them directly into transaction descriptions. This method leverages the Counterparty protocol, which chunks the data into outputs, making it impossible to prune from a full node.
The protocol's design is particularly suited for pixel art, with a recommended canvas size of 24x24 pixels and 8-color-depth PNG or GIF formats. This constraint aligns perfectly with the native resolution of popular digital art like CryptoPunks. Each STAMP is uniquely numbered based on the transaction timestamp, ensuring a chronological order in the STAMP directory.
Beyond its technical prowess, STAMP also functions as a cryptocurrency (STAMP), facilitating transactions and trading on various exchanges. The dual nature of STAMP—both as a protocol for immutable digital art storage and as a tradable cryptocurrency—sets it apart in the blockchain ecosystem. The innovative use of base64 encoding and Counterparty protocol ensures that the data remains immutable, providing a robust solution for digital permanence.
What is the technology behind STAMP?
STAMP leverages a blockchain-agnostic protocol to store images immutably on-chain, specifically utilizing the Counterparty protocol on the Bitcoin ledger. This innovative approach allows for the embedding of base64-formatted image data directly into transaction outputs. Unlike traditional NFTs that often point to centralized hosting or use prunable witness data, STAMP ensures that the image data is preserved permanently on the blockchain.
The process begins by encoding an image's binary content into a base64 string. This string is then appended to the transaction's description key with the prefix "STAMP:". When broadcasted using the Counterparty protocol, the data is chunked into outputs through bare multisig, bypassing the limitations of the OP_RETURN field. This method ensures that the data cannot be pruned from a full node, thereby achieving true immutability.
To optimize storage and cost, the recommended image format is a 24x24 pixel, 8-color-depth PNG or GIF. This format is particularly suitable for pixel art, akin to the CryptoPunks, which also use a 24x24 pixel resolution. The constraints of this "canvas" make it ideal for creating and preserving digital art in a compact and efficient manner.
The blockchain on which STAMP operates, Bitcoin, provides a robust foundation for security and transparency. Bitcoin's decentralized nature and extensive network of nodes make it highly resistant to attacks from bad actors. Each transaction is verified by multiple nodes, ensuring that any attempt to alter or falsify data is quickly identified and rejected. This decentralized verification process is a cornerstone of blockchain technology, providing a high level of trust and security.
STAMP transactions are ordered chronologically based on their timestamps. The first transaction to include a valid base64 string appended to the "STAMP:" prefix in the description key is considered the first STAMP. Subsequent transactions follow in order, with each new STAMP being assigned a unique number. This chronological ordering ensures a clear and traceable history of all STAMPs created.
The Counterparty protocol, which STAMP utilizes, is a platform built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain. It allows for the creation and management of digital assets and decentralized applications. By leveraging Counterparty, STAMP can take advantage of Bitcoin's security and stability while adding its own unique functionality for storing image data.
In addition to its technical robustness, the STAMP protocol also emphasizes transparency and traceability. Each STAMP transaction is recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain, providing a permanent and publicly accessible record. This transparency ensures that the provenance and ownership of each STAMP can be easily verified, adding an extra layer of trust for artists and collectors alike.
The technology behind STAMP not only secures the data but also democratizes digital art by making it accessible and verifiable on a global scale. By embedding image data directly into the blockchain, STAMP eliminates the need for centralized storage solutions, reducing the risk of data loss or tampering. This decentralized approach aligns with the core principles of blockchain technology, promoting security, transparency, and immutability.
What are the real-world applications of STAMP?
STAMP (STAMP) is a cryptocurrency with intriguing real-world applications, particularly in the realm of blockchain technology. One of its primary uses is the storage of images on the blockchain. This is achieved through a protocol that allows images to be embedded immutably within transaction outputs on the Bitcoin network. By encoding an image's binary content into a base64 string and placing it in a transaction's description key, STAMP ensures that the data is preserved in a manner that cannot be pruned from a full node, thus maintaining its permanence.
Another significant application of STAMP is the issuance of fungible tokens on the Bitcoin network. This capability allows for the creation and management of tokens that can represent various assets or utilities, providing a versatile tool for developers and businesses looking to leverage blockchain technology for tokenization.
STAMP also plays a role in representing ownership of security tokens. Security tokens are digital assets that represent ownership in a real-world asset, such as shares in a company or real estate. By using STAMP, these tokens can be securely and transparently managed on the blockchain, offering a reliable method for tracking ownership and transactions.
The protocol is blockchain-agnostic, meaning it can be adapted for use on different blockchain networks, although it has specific rules for its implementation on Bitcoin. This flexibility allows for broader adoption and integration into various blockchain ecosystems.
In the NFT space, STAMP addresses the issue of permanence by embedding image data directly onto the blockchain, rather than merely pointing to centralized hosting. This method ensures that the art remains immutable and accessible, providing a robust solution for digital artists and collectors who value the longevity and security of their digital assets.
STAMP is listed on several cryptocurrency exchanges, making it accessible for trading and investment. This accessibility supports its adoption and use in various blockchain applications, further enhancing its utility and relevance in the cryptocurrency space.
What key events have there been for STAMP?
STAMP, a blockchain-agnostic protocol designed for storing images immutably on the Bitcoin blockchain, has experienced several pivotal moments that have shaped its journey.
One of the earliest significant events for STAMP was its listing on KuCoin, a major cryptocurrency exchange. This listing provided STAMP with increased visibility and accessibility to a broader audience of cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors. Following this, STAMP also secured a listing on SuperExet, further expanding its reach within the crypto community.
A notable partnership with Binance marked another key milestone for STAMP. This collaboration not only enhanced the credibility of STAMP but also integrated it into one of the largest and most influential cryptocurrency ecosystems. The partnership facilitated greater adoption and utilization of STAMP within the blockchain space.
STAMP's listing on Coinbase represented another crucial event. As one of the most prominent cryptocurrency exchanges, Coinbase's inclusion of STAMP significantly boosted its profile and provided a platform for increased trading volume and liquidity.
The development of the STAMPS protocol itself stands out as a landmark achievement. This protocol allows for the storage of images on-chain in transaction outputs on the Bitcoin blockchain, ensuring the permanence and immutability of the data. By encoding an image's binary content to a base64 string and embedding it in a transaction's description key, the STAMPS protocol preserves the data in a manner that is impossible to prune from a full node.
In the realm of crypto stamps, the release of the trilateral crypto stamp collection from Austria, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg was a significant event. This collection highlighted the growing interest and adoption of blockchain technology for philatelic purposes. Additionally, the launch of the first-ever Belgian crypto stamp featuring a dragon further underscored the innovative applications of blockchain in traditional industries.
Another noteworthy event was the acquisition of Bitstamp by Robinhood. While not directly related to the STAMP protocol, this acquisition reflects the broader trend of consolidation and strategic partnerships within the cryptocurrency industry, which can have indirect implications for protocols like STAMP.
These events collectively illustrate the dynamic and evolving landscape of STAMP within the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors.
The live STAMP price today is $0.028210 USD with a 24-hour trading volume of $149,892 USD. We update our STAMP to USD price in real-time. STAMP is up 4.45% in the last 24 hours. The current CoinMarketCap ranking is #3898, with a live market cap of not available. The circulating supply is not available and a max. supply of 1,000,000,000 STAMP coins.