From Public Chain Ecosystem to the "Solana Internet": How Blinks Technology is Changing the Crypto Rules?
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From Public Chain Ecosystem to the "Solana Internet": How Blinks Technology is Changing the Crypto Rules?
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the intrinsic connection between Solana Actions and Blinks technology, as well as their potential applications across multiple scenarios.
Navigating Web3 tides with focused insightsBy Shigeru, CGV FOF
Blinks technology, a revolutionary innovation within the Solana ecosystem, enables users to interact directly with the blockchain via simple URLs or QR codes—eliminating the need for complex wallet setups or transaction procedures. This novel interaction model dramatically lowers the barrier to entry for blockchain, expands its application boundaries, and accelerates the deep integration of the Solana ecosystem with the broader internet.
"Solana Internet" is more than just a new concept—it represents an entirely new network paradigm. As stated in Blinks' official slogan: "It's time to connect Solana to the entire internet." With Blinks technology, this vision of connecting Solana to the whole internet is gradually becoming reality.
The CGV Research team has conducted an in-depth analysis of the intrinsic relationship between Solana Actions and Blinks technology, as well as their potential across multiple use cases, exploring how this technology can drive broader adoption of both Solana and blockchain at large.
Why Can’t We Understand Blinks Without First Understanding Solana Actions?
Before exploring how Blinks revolutionize our interaction with blockchain, we must first understand its foundational pillar—Solana Actions. Just as skyscrapers require solid foundations, the convenience and power of Blinks are built upon the underlying framework provided by Solana Actions.
(1) Actions are APIs that allow the construction of transaction messages using complex business logic (on-chain and off-chain). These messages can be previewed, signed, and sent by clients. Native buttons, QR codes, or URLs (Blinks) can trigger an Action.
Examples of Actions:
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Stake SOL to help secure the Solana network, including liquid staking tokens
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Allow customers to pay at retail stores by scanning a QR code
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Token-gated minting experiences, where only verified holders can access specific resources or benefits
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Enable e-commerce websites to accept cryptocurrency payments directly from product pages
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Fund a trading account before a margin call
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Integrate blockchain functionality into gaming platforms for in-game asset purchases and trades
(2) Blinks are a method of interacting with Actions. Blinks enable users to execute blockchain transactions directly from a URL, allowing decentralized applications (dApps) to be accessed from any platform or device.
Examples of Blinks:
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Tipping content creators on social media without requiring complex wallet setup
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Minting custom NFTs or participating in governance voting directly from a URL
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Allowing users to vote on community policies through links embedded in newsletters
(3) The Relationship Between Actions and Blinks
Imagine Actions as a "kitchen." In this kitchen, you can prepare various complex and delicious dishes (i.e., blockchain transactions). You add ingredients (on-chain and off-chain logic) and follow recipes (API specifications). This kitchen is highly flexible, capable of creating diverse dishes to meet different needs.
Blinks, then, function like a "food delivery service." Once a dish is prepared in the kitchen, it can be delivered directly to customers (users) via the delivery service (Blinks). Customers don't need to visit the kitchen themselves or understand how the meal was made—they simply click a link or scan a QR code to enjoy the final product.
In short, the relationship between Actions and Blinks mirrors that of a "kitchen" and a "delivery service." Actions handle the preparation of transactions, while Blinks deliver them to users, enabling effortless and instant execution. This approach greatly simplifies user experience, making blockchain technology far more accessible and user-friendly.
Blinks’ “Reduced Jumps”: Could This Be Solana’s Killer Feature for Mass Crypto Adoption?
From first principles, Blinks enhances usability and expands blockchain applications by minimizing user navigation steps ("reduced jumps"), thereby improving user experience and accelerating dApp adoption. These features significantly boost the convenience and accessibility of the crypto ecosystem, paving the way for broader blockchain adoption.
(1) From a psychological perspective, “reduced jumps” help:
Simplify decision-making: Each redirect or additional click increases cognitive load and decision time. Streamlining the process reduces thinking time, enabling faster purchasing decisions.
Reduce drop-off points: Every step is a potential exit point—users may abandon the process due to slow loading times or complexity. Fewer steps significantly reduce such attrition.
(2) Looking at successful internet products, how “reduced jumps” improve conversion rates and user experience:
TikTok's in-video shopping feature embeds purchase links or shopping carts directly into short videos, allowing users to buy products without leaving the video feed.
In 2023, TikTok’s U.S. shopping user base grew by 72.3% to 23.7 million. 67% of TikTok users say they’ve been inspired to buy products even when not actively shopping. 68% of Gen Z consumers prefer buying directly on TikTok.
Amazon saw a dramatic increase in conversion rates after introducing its One-Click Purchase feature. Industry experts estimate this single innovation boosted conversions by over 70%. This simplified checkout process has since been widely emulated across e-commerce platforms.
About 70% of cart abandonment is attributed to complicated checkout flows. After implementing one-click purchasing, Amazon users spent 28.5% more on average, increased purchase frequency by 43%, and bought 36% more product categories.
The Right Fit: Recommended Use Cases for Blinks
1. Social Media Tipping:
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Example 1: A popular YouTuber like MrBeast posts a charity challenge video. Viewers can click the Blinks link in the video description to directly tip Solana wallets linked to charitable organizations.
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Example 2: Ethereum co-founder @VitalikButerin shares his views on Ethereum’s future via tweet. Fans can support him instantly through the Blinks link in the post.
2. Crowdfunding Campaigns:
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Example 1: GoFundMe launches a humanitarian crowdfunding campaign for Ukrainian refugees. Supporters can donate instantly via a Solana Actions button on the project page.
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Example 2: A Reddit community initiates a crowdfunding effort to restore a historic monument. Members contribute directly through a Blinks link in the discussion thread.
3. On-Chain Voting:
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Example 1: Uniswap, a leading blockchain project, uses Twitter to launch a community poll on feature development priorities. Community members vote directly via the Blinks link in the tweet.
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Example 2: A Reddit debate about introducing new community rules uses a Blinks link for transparent, tamper-proof on-chain voting.
4. NFT Minting and Bidding:
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Example 1: Artist Beeple unveils a new artwork on Twitter and includes a Blinks link, allowing fans to mint or bid on the NFT instantly.
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Example 2: SEND, the flagship application in the Blinks ecosystem, has been repeatedly endorsed by Solana’s founder. Its NFT series was the first freemint project on Blinks, once surpassing trading volumes of blue-chip NFTs like BAYC and Punks to become the most traded collection globally. The $SEND token was oversubscribed more than 700x during its presale, setting a record on Solana. However, as the community token powering the Blinks ecosystem, SEND still requires more time and content development to fully realize its narrative and growth potential.
5. Cryptocurrency Trading:
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Example 1: On Facebook Marketplace, a user finds a post selling cryptocurrency. Buyers can complete the purchase instantly via the Solana Actions button embedded in the post.
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Example 2: Influential trader @CryptoCobain tweets about an upcoming meme coin. Followers can purchase it immediately through the Blinks link in the tweet.
6. Token-Gated Content:
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Example 1: Netflix launches a token-gated exclusive series, accessible only to users holding a specific token. Subscribers verify ownership via Solana Actions integrated into the Netflix app.
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Example 2: Medium allows writers to create token-gated premium articles, viewable only by readers who hold designated tokens.
7. Advertising and Promotion:
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Example 1: Airbnb runs an Instagram ad promoting a new travel experience. Users click the Blinks link to book the experience or learn more.
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Example 2: Tesla tweets about its latest electric vehicle model, with a Blinks link enabling users to reserve the car or explore specs instantly.
8. Gaming Interactions:
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Example 1: EA Sports promotes new features of FIFA 23 on Twitter. Fans click the Blinks link to engage with interactive game elements directly from the tweet.
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Example 2: Blockchain gaming platform Decentraland hosts a virtual world exploration event on social media. Participants enter the game and join the event instantly via a Blinks link.
9. Enhanced Community Engagement:
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Example 1: A professional blockchain discussion takes place in a LinkedIn group. Participants use a Blinks link in the post to submit on-chain answers or share insights.
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Example 2: A Reddit thread on crypto investment strategies uses a Blinks link for on-chain voting to determine the community’s collective investment direction.
10. One-Click On-Chain Operations:
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Example 1: UNICEF launches an emergency fundraising campaign on its website. Donors can complete contributions instantly via a Solana Actions button, supporting global children’s education programs.
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Example 2: A DAO like Bankless DAO announces an initiative on social media. Members participate in voting or donations with one click via a Blinks link, streamlining engagement.
PayFi and Blinks: The Perfect Fusion of Financial Innovation and User Experience
It's worth emphasizing that PayFi—the financial innovation frontier in the Solana ecosystem—aligns perfectly with Blinks’ user experience optimization.
According to Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation, PayFi is a breakthrough financial concept focused on optimizing settlement speed. Unlike DeFi, PayFi emphasizes the value of instant settlement, which holds significant importance for trading and financial markets.
When combined with Blinks, PayFi can be advanced in areas such as creator monetization, invoice financing, payment risk management, and building a global private credit pool on Solana.
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Creator Monetization: Creators can monetize content via Blinks links, enabling users to tip or purchase without complex wallet setups—ideal for PayFi-driven monetization models.
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Invoice Financing: Businesses can rapidly complete invoice financing via Blinks, streamlining the process and boosting efficiency.
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Payment Risk Management: Blinks’ instant transaction capability supports faster settlements and improved risk control in PayFi payment processing.
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Credit Lending: Users apply for loans via Blinks links; the credit pool automatically evaluates eligibility and delivers real-time lending decisions.
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Invoice Financing: Companies submit financing requests via Blinks; the credit pool performs rapid assessments based on enterprise credit data and disburses funds instantly.
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Cross-Border Credit Services: Users worldwide apply for and receive credit evaluations via Blinks links, enabling consistent global credit services.
These use cases illustrate that Blinks is not merely a technical tool—it is a bridge connecting users, creators, enterprises, and financial markets. The convergence of Blinks and PayFi signals the dawn of a new era in finance: one that is faster, simpler, and more secure.
In mid-July, the Solana Foundation announced a major initiative: awarding $400,000 in grants to open-source developers building on Solana Actions and Blinks tools. This program is now live, inviting innovative projects from developers worldwide. Meanwhile, the SEND team has launched the "Blinkathon," a hackathon series aimed at inspiring developers to build and expand the SEND-powered Blinks ecosystem. These initiatives not only provide financial support but also offer a vast stage for innovation and real-world application of Blinks technology.
The CGV team believes that the "Solana Internet" represents not just technological convergence, but a philosophical shift—a perfect fusion of blockchain technology and the spirit of the internet, heralding the arrival of an open, interconnected, and shared digital world.
As Blinks technology matures and its use cases expand, we are witnessing the dawn of a new blockchain era. Let us wait and see how the "Solana Internet" will reshape our digital lives.
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