BZZ token
The native token of Swarm grants users access to data relay and storage services while also serving as compensation for node operators who provide these services.
Uses
Write and persist data
BZZ is used by publishers to write data to the Swarm network and have it stored securely for extended periods of time.
Participate as a storage provider
The BZZ tokens which publishers pay to upload and store data on the Swarm network are redistributed to full node operators in exchange for the data storage services which they provide.
Current storage price
0 BZZ
for 1 GByte for 1 month
Current redistribution pot
0 BZZ
rewarded approximately every 15 minutes to a chosen node
How to get BZZ
There are various ways to acquire BZZ tokens, including through centralised custodial exchanges where BZZ can be traded for either fiat currency or cryptocurrency, and also through decentralised non-custodial exchanges and protocols where BZZ can be traded directly for other cryptocurrencies.
Note that BZZ is available as a token on both the [Ethereum and Gnosis Chain blockchains](https://docs.ethswarm.org/docs/learn/tokens#swarm-ecosystem-tokens), however it is only the Gnosis version which can be used to [purchase postage stamp batches](https://docs.ethswarm.org/docs/develop/access-the-swarm/buy-a-stamp-batch) which are used for writing data to Swarm, and also used as [stake](https://docs.ethswarm.org/docs/bee/working-with-bee/staking) to operate a full node and earn BZZ for providing storage.
*Warning: The use of any cryptocurrency exchange platform entails risks—it is vital to stay informed on the best practices in order avoid potential losses.*
Decentralised exchanges (DEXs)
Make certain to check you are connected to the correct blockchain in your browser extension wallet (such as Metamask) when using any of these DEXes.
Centralised exchanges (CEXs)
An updated list of centralised exchanges can be found listed on price-tracking websites such as [Coingecko](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/swarm#markets) or [Coinmarketcap](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/ethereum-swarm/markets/) under their ‘markets’ tab.
How to use BZZ
Stake BZZ to run a full node
BZZ is required as non-refundable [stake](https://docs.ethswarm.org/docs/bee/working-with-bee/staking) in order to operate a Swarm full node and become eligible for earning more BZZ in exchange for providing data storage services.
Upload and download data with Swarm Desktop
Use BZZ to purchase the postage stamp batches which are used to pay for [publishing data on Swarm](https://docs.ethswarm.org/docs/desktop/upload-content). Install Swarm Desktop in order to [buy your first batch](https://docs.ethswarm.org/docs/desktop/postage-stamps) and get direct access to the Swarm P2P network.
Use BZZ to make your dApp unstoppable
Reserve space on the Swarm network by [buying postage stamp batches](https://docs.ethswarm.org/docs/learn/technology/contracts/postage-stamp) using BZZ so you can [host](https://docs.ethswarm.org/docs/develop/access-the-swarm/upload-a-directory) your censorship resistant decentralised application.
FAQ
Is the token supply deflationary like Bitcoin?
The token supply is not fixed and can increase or decrease via the bonding curve. Put simply, if the supply goes up by one token, so does its price in the bonding curve contract, and vice versa. This makes BZZ neither inflationary nor deflationary. You can read about Swarm’s supply and bonding curve in detail [here](https://medium.com/ethereum-swarm/swarm-and-its-bzzaar-bonding-curve-ac2fa9889914).
What can I store with BZZ?
Almost anything you can imagine! You can store and retrieve many types of data—from webpages, NFT metadata, archives, to database backups, streaming audio and video, and much more. You can get started with uploading data by [purchasing your first batch of stamps](https://docs.ethswarm.org/docs/develop/access-the-swarm/buy-a-stamp-batch).
Will I receive BZZ if I run a full node?
The storage incentive system compensates storage providers through a redistribution mechanism, depending on the amount of BZZ tokens they stake, and whether or not they are selected for redistribution. Read more about the incentive system [here](https://medium.com/ethereum-swarm/the-mechanics-of-swarm-networks-storage-incentives-3bf68bf64ceb) and [here](https://docs.ethswarm.org/docs/bee/working-with-bee/staking#maximizing-staking-rewards).
Where is the BZZ token present?
BZZ is an ERC-20 token which was originally created on the Ethereum network and was later also bridged to the Gnosis Chain blockchain to serve as the payment and incentive token for the Swarm network. BZZ may be transferred back and forth between the two chains using the [Omnibridge](https://omnibridge.gnosischain.com/bridge) decentralised cross-chain token bridge, however it is only the Gnosis Chain version which may be used to directly interact with Swarm.
Disclaimer
BZZ utility token should not be purchased for financial gain or speculation. There are risks related with holding and using BZZ token and other cryptocurrency, staking and participating in the network as a node operator. The node may not receive any reward at all, amounts staked may be unexpectedly slashed, uploaded data may become unavailable or corrupt, temporarily or permanently lost depending on the performance of the network during these phases. Only by participating actively in the network, its parameters can be tested and patched when needed. An external audit on the upgrades will be conducted in parallel with the estimated delivery date being March 2023. All dates and information in this page is indicative and may change without prior warning. Follow us on discord and twitter for updates.