Cryptopedia - Towns

What Is Towns Protocol ($TOWNS) Towns Protocol is a communication infrastructure project designed to enable developers to build real-time messaging applications. It is composed of an EVM-compatible Layer 2 blockchain, decentralized stream nodes for message delivery, and smart contracts deployed on Base, an Ethereum Layer 2. Towns Protocol enables the creation of programmable group chats called Spaces. Each Space is owned and operated by its creator or community. Spaces support encrypted messaging, on-chain memberships, staking mechanisms, and monetization through smart contract functionality. The protocol is designed to allow users to build communication platforms without relying on centralized intermediaries. Towns Protocol is developed by the team behind the Towns application and was founded by the creators of Houseparty, a social video app acquired by Epic Games. The team is based in the United States and is backed by investors including a16z crypto, Coinbase Ventures and Benchmark. How does $TOWNS power the Towns ecosystem? - Secures the network through Proof-of-Stake (PoS) - Enables protocol features and functionality - Gives holders decision-making power over protocol evolution The more Towns grows, the more $TOWNS strengthens the network. Project Architecture and Functionality The Towns Protocol architecture includes the following components: - A Layer 2 blockchain for executing smart contracts and recording state changes - Decentralized off-chain nodes for transmitting real-time encrypted messages between participants - Modular smart contracts that enable programmable logic for Space creation, membership, and governance All communication on the network is end-to-end encrypted. Developers may use the protocol to create customizable frontends, plugins, or moderation tools for their Spaces. What Makes Towns Protocol Distinct Towns introduces a model in which messaging environments are programmable and owned at the application level. Unlike conventional social platforms, Towns does not retain control over user data, monetization, or access. Each Space can implement custom rules, membership fees, access gating, or staking-based incentives through smart contracts deployed by its creator. The ability to stake directly to a Space introduces a new participation model. Token holders may support Spaces by staking $TOWNS to them, which may grant them access, rewards, or decision-making influence within that Space. Token Supply and Distribution Towns Protocol has an initial supply of 10,000,000,000 $TOWNS tokens. The distribution is as follows: - 57% allocated to the community for grants, airdrops, governance rewards, and long-term ecosystem growth - 35% allocated to team members and investors - 8% allocated to node operators and delegators for bootstrapping decentralized infrastructure Availability $TOWNS is deployed on Ethereum and Base. It is available on selected centralized and decentralized exchanges. Users may also earn tokens by participating in Spaces, staking, or contributing to the development of the protocol. Additional information can be found at www.towns.com