BRC20 is a token standard built on the Bitcoin blockchain using the Ordinals protocol, enabling the creation of fungible tokens inscribed directly onto satoshis—the smallest units of Bitcoin. Unlike traditional smart contract platforms, BRC20 tokens do not rely on a separate virtual machine but instead leverage Bitcoin’s native security and decentralization. While still in its early stages, the BRC20 ecosystem has sparked renewed interest in Bitcoin’s potential beyond simple value transfer.
Understanding BRC20 and the Ordinals Protocol
At its core, BRC20 refers to a class of fungible tokens created by inscribing specific data—such as token symbols, supply, and minting rules—onto individual satoshis via the Ordinals protocol. This protocol assigns a unique identifier to each satoshi based on its mining order, allowing users to attach digital content like text, images, or JSON files directly onto Bitcoin’s blockchain.
The Ordinals protocol enables users to inscribe up to 4 MB of data onto a single satoshi, effectively turning them into carriers of digital artifacts. This innovation laid the foundation for both Bitcoin NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and BRC20 tokens (fungible tokens).
When developers inscribe structured JSON data defining a token’s name, symbol, and total supply, they can issue new BRC20 tokens. These tokens are then transferred through a process known as "transferring inscriptions," which moves the associated data along with the underlying satoshi.
👉 Discover how you can participate in the growing Bitcoin token ecosystem today.
BRC20 vs. Bitcoin NFTs: Key Differences
While both BRC20 tokens and Bitcoin NFTs rely on the same inscription mechanism, their purposes differ significantly:
- BRC20 Tokens: Fungible assets where every unit is interchangeable, similar to ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum. Examples include ORDI and RATS.
- Bitcoin NFTs: Unique digital collectibles inscribed individually onto satoshis, making each one distinct—akin to ERC-721 tokens.
This distinction allows Bitcoin to support two parallel digital asset classes without altering its base layer or introducing smart contracts.
Current State of the BRC20 Ecosystem
Despite being experimental, the BRC20 space has seen rapid growth in trading volume and community engagement. As of 2025, most popular BRC20 tokens are community-driven meme coins with limited utility beyond speculation and trading.
Top BRC20 Tokens by Market Value
| Note: Table format removed per instructions. |
Currently, leading BRC20 tokens include:
- ORDI: A community-launched meme coin not officially affiliated with the Ordinals project. It holds the highest market capitalization among BRC20 assets.
- sats: Another meme-inspired token with no functional use case outside trading.
- rats: Gained attention due to viral marketing but lacks real-world applications.
According to the Ordinals development team, the BRC20 standard remains experimental, and widespread practical adoption has yet to emerge. Consequently, many active projects within this space focus primarily on speculation rather than utility.
Some Bitcoin purists criticize the rise of BRC20 tokens, arguing that they congest the network and drive up transaction fees (known as "gas fees") without adding meaningful functionality. However, supporters believe that enabling tokenization on Bitcoin—without relying on smart contracts—represents a significant step toward expanding its use cases.
“Even if today’s BRC20 activity seems speculative, the idea of extending Bitcoin’s capabilities natively is incredibly promising,” says Dylan LeClair, a well-known crypto analyst.
How to Buy BRC20 Tokens: A Step-by-Step Guide
Purchasing BRC20 tokens requires specialized tools since standard wallets like MetaMask do not support Bitcoin inscriptions. Below is a clear walkthrough using Unisat Wallet, one of the most widely adopted BRC20-compatible wallets.
Step 1: Download a BRC20-Compatible Wallet
Begin by installing Unisat Wallet, which supports BRC20 tokens and integrates seamlessly with the Ordinals ecosystem. Visit the official website and download the Chrome extension from the Chrome Web Store. Ensure you're accessing the correct URL: https://unisat.io.
Note: Unisat Wallet currently only supports desktop versions of Google Chrome.
Step 2: Create Your BRC20 Wallet
After installation, click "Connect" and select "Create new wallet." You’ll be prompted to set a password and securely back up your 12-word recovery phrase (seed phrase). Never share this phrase with anyone.
👉 Secure your first Bitcoin-based token with confidence using trusted tools.
Step 3: Explore the BRC20 Marketplace
Once your wallet is set up, navigate to the "brc-20" tab within Unisat to browse available tokens. Key metrics include:
- Progress: Indicates whether the token has finished minting (fully issued).
- Holders: Number of unique addresses holding the token.
- Transactions: Total number of trades executed.
For example, selecting ORDI will show current listings from sellers. Each listing displays:
- Quantity available
- Price per token (in USD or BTC)
- Total cost in satoshis
Suppose a seller offers 100 ORDI at $21.93 each—the total would amount to approximately 0.045 BTC depending on current exchange rates.
Step 4: Connect Wallet and Execute Trade
To proceed, click "Connect" again and choose "Unisat Wallet" from the options. Authorize the connection by clicking "Sign" in the pop-up window.
Select your desired offer and review the final transaction details:
- Amount of satoshis required
- Estimated USD equivalent
- Network fee
Confirm by clicking "Confirm" to complete the purchase. The ORDI tokens will appear in your wallet once the transaction is confirmed on-chain.
Alternative: Buying BRC20 Tokens via OKX Exchange
For users seeking a more streamlined experience, centralized exchanges like OKX now offer direct access to BRC20 markets. On OKX Web3 Wallet, you can buy and sell BRC20 tokens instantly without managing complex on-chain transactions manually.
After purchasing, you can store your tokens securely in OKX Web3 Wallet or transfer them to a self-custody solution like Unisat for long-term holding.
👉 Access BRC20 tokens instantly through a trusted global platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between BRC20 and ERC-20?
BRC20 tokens operate on the Bitcoin blockchain using inscriptions via the Ordinals protocol, while ERC-20 tokens run on Ethereum and rely on smart contracts. BRC20 lacks programmability but benefits from Bitcoin’s robust security model.
Can I mint my own BRC20 token?
Yes, technically any developer can deploy a new BRC20 token by following the standard’s JSON schema for deployment. However, success depends heavily on community adoption and marketing efforts.
Are BRC20 transactions reversible?
No. Like all blockchain transactions, BRC20 transfers are irreversible once confirmed. Always double-check recipient addresses before sending funds.
Do BRC20 tokens work on MetaMask?
Not directly. MetaMask does not support Bitcoin inscriptions. You must use a dedicated wallet like Unisat or OKX Web3 Wallet to interact with BRC20 tokens.
Is the BRC20 standard officially supported by Bitcoin Core?
No. The BRC20 standard is community-developed and operates independently of Bitcoin Core developers. It leverages existing consensus rules but isn’t formally endorsed.
How secure are BRC20 tokens?
Since they exist as inscriptions on Bitcoin’s blockchain, their security is equivalent to Bitcoin itself. However, risks arise from wallet mismanagement, phishing sites, or unverified marketplaces.
Final Thoughts
The BRC20 phenomenon reflects a broader trend: the desire to expand Bitcoin’s utility beyond peer-to-peer cash. While current use cases remain largely speculative, the ability to issue tokens natively—without intermediaries or sidechains—marks an important milestone in Bitcoin’s evolution.
As history shows with NFTs and DeFi, early-stage ecosystems often begin with hype before maturing into meaningful innovation. Whether BRC20 evolves into a robust platform for decentralized applications or remains a niche experiment will depend on developer engagement and long-term utility development.
For now, investors and enthusiasts have multiple avenues to explore this emerging space—from self-custodied wallets like Unisat to user-friendly platforms like OKX Web3.
Core Keywords: BRC20, Bitcoin inscription, Ordinals protocol, buy BRC20 tokens, Unisat Wallet, Bitcoin NFT, fungible tokens on Bitcoin, cryptocurrency on Bitcoin blockchain