Stacks adds smart contracts and decentralized apps to Bitcoin without changing Bitcoin itself. Transactions settle to the Bitcoin chain, so Stacks inherits Bitcoin security while running its own programmable layer. Here is how it works and how it is used, not the price.
Total value locked (DeFi)
$97.9M
Value locked in DeFi protocols on Stacks. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
Miners spend Bitcoin to compete for the right to mine STX blocks, and that spent BTC is distributed to STX holders who lock, or "Stack", their tokens. Stackers earn BTC rewards for helping secure the network, and Stacks blocks are anchored to Bitcoin so transactions gain Bitcoin finality.
Consensus: Proof of Transfer (PoX)
Miners spend Bitcoin to compete for the right to mine STX blocks, and that spent BTC is distributed to STX holders who lock, or "Stack", their tokens. Stackers earn BTC rewards for helping secure the network, and Stacks blocks are anchored to Bitcoin so transactions gain Bitcoin finality.
A layer on Bitcoin
Stacks runs as a separate layer that connects to Bitcoin, so apps can use Bitcoin as a settlement base while running logic Bitcoin itself does not support.
Clarity smart contracts
Contracts are written in Clarity, a language designed to be predictable and easy to audit, with no compiler step that hides behavior.
Proof of Transfer
PoX recycles Bitcoin into the network: miners bid BTC and Stackers receive it, linking the two chains economically.
Nakamoto upgrade
The Nakamoto upgrade improved block speed and strengthened how Stacks blocks reach Bitcoin finality.
Ecosystem & usage
What Stacks is used for.
Stacks is used to build decentralized apps, financial tools, and digital assets that settle back to Bitcoin.
Stacks is a layer that brings smart contracts and decentralized apps to Bitcoin, with transactions settling to the Bitcoin chain.
What is Proof of Transfer?
PoX is the consensus method where miners spend BTC to mine STX blocks and STX holders who Stack their tokens earn BTC rewards.
What language are Stacks contracts written in?
Smart contracts on Stacks use Clarity, a language built to be predictable and easy to audit.
Can I hold STX in Zypto App?
Not yet. STX isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Stacks using the "Request Stacks" button above.
Zest V2 · Lending$69.9M
Granite · Lending$12.6M
