In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain and digital ownership, inscriptions have emerged as a groundbreaking innovation—transforming how we perceive data storage, asset creation, and token standards across multiple chains. At the forefront of this movement stands OKX Inscriptions, powering the largest multichain ecosystem for on-chain artifacts, from Bitcoin’s tiniest units to next-generation token protocols.
But what exactly are inscriptions, and why do they matter in today’s decentralized landscape? Let’s explore.
What Are Inscriptions?
Inscriptions refer to the process of embedding various forms of digital content—such as text, images, videos, or even smart contracts—onto the smallest denominations of a blockchain’s native currency. On Bitcoin, that unit is the sat (or "satoshi"). Inspired by the Ordinals protocol, inscriptions allow each satoshi to carry unique data, effectively turning it into a non-fungible or semi-fungible digital asset.
While Bitcoin pioneered this concept, the idea has since expanded across multiple blockchains, giving rise to new inscription standards:
- Ethscription on Ethereum
- SPL-20 on Solana
- APT-20 on Aptos
- SRC-20 (Stamps) on Bitcoin
- BRC-20, DRC-20, ARC-20, and the upcoming Runes protocol
These standards reflect a growing trend: using blockchains not just for transactions, but as permanent, immutable ledgers for creative expression and digital ownership.
👉 Discover how multichain inscriptions are redefining digital collectibles.
Creating Inscriptions Across Chains
OKX supports inscription creation on a wide range of networks, making it one of the most accessible platforms for creators and developers.
Currently Supported Networks:
- Bitcoin – Leverage the Ordinals protocol to inscribe NFTs and tokens directly onto sats.
- Ethereum – Use Ethscription to create lightweight, censorship-resistant digital assets.
- Polygon – Benefit from low-cost minting with high throughput.
- 20+ additional networks – Expand your reach across emerging ecosystems.
This multichain approach empowers users to experiment with different consensus mechanisms, gas models, and community dynamics—all within a single unified interface.
Managing Your Inscribed Assets
Beyond creation, managing your inscribed assets is crucial. OKX offers comprehensive support for tracking and organizing your growing portfolio.
Available Asset Standards:
- Ordinals (BRC-20 & NFT collections) – Own rare digital artifacts inscribed on Bitcoin.
- Stamps (SRC-20) – Hold permanent image-based inscriptions stored via the Counterparty protocol.
- Ethscriptions (ETHS) – Track Ethereum-based inscribed tokens with full transparency.
Upcoming Support:
- Atomicals (ARC-20) – A PoW-driven, fair-launch token standard built for true decentralization.
- Doginals (DRC-20) – Bringing fungible tokens to Dogecoin, elevating its utility beyond memes.
- Runes & Rune Alpha – The next evolution in Bitcoin-based fungible tokens, designed for efficiency and scalability.
With continuous updates and expanding compatibility, OKX ensures you stay ahead in the fast-moving inscription space.
Trading Inscribed Tokens
A robust ecosystem needs liquidity. OKX enables seamless trading of popular inscription-based tokens across major chains.
Currently Tradable:
- BRC-20 tokens via Ordinals
- SPL-20 tokens on Solana
- APT-20 tokens on Aptos
- Ethscriptions (ETHS)
These markets provide price discovery, secure settlement, and deep liquidity pools—essential for both collectors and investors.
Future Listings:
As new protocols gain traction, OKX is committed to supporting:
- ARC-20 (Atomicals)
- DRC-20 (Doginals)
- Runes
This forward-looking integration strategy ensures users can access cutting-edge assets at launch.
The Evolution of Key Protocols
Understanding the history and technical distinctions between inscription protocols helps clarify their value propositions.
Ordinals Protocol
Launched in December 2022 by developer Casey Rodarmor, Ordinals introduced a system that assigns a unique number (ordinal) to each satoshi. By attaching metadata—like images or text—to individual sats, users could create NFT-like assets directly on Bitcoin. Unlike Ethereum NFTs, these are fully on-chain and require no smart contracts.
👉 Learn how to create your first Bitcoin inscription today.
BRC-20: Tokenization on Bitcoin
Introduced in March 2023 by an anonymous developer known as domodata, BRC-20 brought ERC-20-style functionality to Bitcoin. Using JSON-formatted inscriptions, users can deploy, mint, and transfer fungible tokens directly on the Bitcoin blockchain.
Despite its simplicity, BRC-20 sparked controversy. Casey Rodarmor himself criticized it for potentially cluttering Bitcoin with inefficient data bloat—leading to his next project: Runes.
Atomicals (ARC-20): Fair Launch by Design
Launched in September 2023 by another anonymous builder, Atomicals aimed to fix perceived flaws in Ordinals. Instead of treating assets as附加 data, Atomicals reimagines them as first-class citizens on Bitcoin. It introduced ARC-20, the first inscription protocol using Proof-of-Work (PoW) for fair distribution and anti-spam protection.
Because it relies on PoW mining for minting, ARC-20 resists bot-driven mints and promotes equitable access.
Doginals (DRC-20): Empowering Dogecoin
Dogecoin, long seen as a meme coin, is undergoing a transformation through DRC-20. This standard enables the creation of interchangeable tokens similar to BRC-20—but optimized for Dogecoin’s network parameters and vibrant community.
It marks a pivotal shift: from joke currency to programmable blockchain platform.
Stamps (SRC-20): Permanent on Bitcoin
Created by Mike In Space, Stamps leverages the older Counterparty protocol to embed base64-encoded images directly into Bitcoin transaction outputs. Unlike some transient inscription methods, Stamps require full nodes to store the data—ensuring permanence and censorship resistance.
This makes SRC-20 ideal for archiving historically significant or artistically valuable content.
Runes: The Future of Fungible Tokens on Bitcoin
On September 26, 2023, Casey Rodarmor announced Runes—a new protocol designed to replace BRC-20. Built from the ground up for efficiency, Runes uses Bitcoin’s UTXO model to manage fungible tokens without bloating the chain.
Key advantages:
- Native UTXO integration reduces overhead
- Compatible with layer-2 solutions like RGB and Lightning Network
- Prevents spam through streamlined mechanics
As Runes launches, it may become the preferred standard for scalable token issuance on Bitcoin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between BRC-20 and ERC-20?
A: While both enable fungible token creation, ERC-20 runs on Ethereum using smart contracts, whereas BRC-20 uses JSON inscriptions on Bitcoin via the Ordinals protocol—without requiring smart contract functionality.
Q: Are inscriptions secure?
A: Yes. Since inscriptions are recorded directly on the blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin), they benefit from the same immutability and cryptographic security as transactions.
Q: Can I transfer my inscribed assets to another wallet?
A: Absolutely. As long as your wallet supports the relevant standard (like BRC-20 or SRC-20), you can send and receive inscriptions like any other digital asset.
Q: Why use multiple chains for inscriptions?
A: Different blockchains offer varied benefits—Bitcoin provides unmatched security and permanence; Ethereum enables rich interactivity; Solana offers speed and low fees. A multichain strategy maximizes flexibility.
Q: Is OKX involved in developing these protocols?
A: OKX does not develop the core protocols (like Ordinals or Atomicals), but actively supports their adoption through tools, trading pairs, and user education.
Q: How do I start creating inscriptions?
A: You can begin by connecting your wallet to OKX and selecting a supported network. Then follow step-by-step guides to inscribe text, images, or deploy tokens—all without coding experience.
👉 Start your journey into multichain inscriptions now.
Final Thoughts
The rise of inscriptions represents more than just a technical novelty—it's a cultural shift toward permanent, user-owned digital expression. From Bitcoin’s sacred chain space to Ethereum’s expressive canvas and Dogecoin’s playful evolution, inscription protocols are unlocking new possibilities for artists, developers, and collectors alike.
And with OKX Inscriptions, you gain access to the broadest multichain ecosystem—backed by powerful tools, deep liquidity, and relentless innovation.
Whether you're launching your first BRC-20 token or exploring the future of Runes, now is the time to participate in one of crypto’s most dynamic frontiers.
Keywords: inscriptions, BRC-20, Ordinals protocol, multichain ecosystem, BTC inscriptions, digital ownership, fungible tokens on Bitcoin, OKX Inscriptions