Theta Network is a Layer 1 built for video delivery and decentralized compute. It uses a two-token model in which THETA is the staking and governance token and TFUEL is the gas token.
Theta launched its mainnet in March 2019 as a chain for video streaming and content delivery, and later added decentralized compute. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.
Total value locked (DeFi)
$288,218
Value locked in DeFi protocols on Theta Network. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
Theta uses a multi-level Byzantine Fault Tolerant design that splits the work between two kinds of node. A small set of Validator nodes proposes and orders blocks, and a much larger set of community-run Guardian nodes finalizes those blocks and checks the validators. Both kinds of node are secured by staking THETA, and producing blocks pays out rewards in TFUEL rather than in THETA.
Consensus: Multi-level BFT
Theta uses a multi-level Byzantine Fault Tolerant design that splits the work between two kinds of node. A small set of Validator nodes proposes and orders blocks, and a much larger set of community-run Guardian nodes finalizes those blocks and checks the validators. Both kinds of node are secured by staking THETA, and producing blocks pays out rewards in TFUEL rather than in THETA.
Two-token model
THETA is staked to run nodes and to vote on protocol changes, and its supply is fixed at 1 billion. TFUEL is the gas token used to pay transaction fees, deploy smart contracts and pay for compute and delivery work.
Validators and Guardians
A small group of Validator nodes proposes blocks, while thousands of Guardian nodes finalize them and watch the validators, which spreads out who has to be trusted.
Built for video and compute
The network is aimed at video streaming, content delivery and, more recently, GPU compute for tasks such as rendering and AI workloads, with payments settled in TFUEL.
EVM compatible
The Theta virtual machine is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, so contracts and tools written for Ethereum can run on Theta.
Ecosystem & usage
What Theta Network is used for.
Theta is used to pay for video delivery, content distribution and compute work, with TFUEL covering fees and THETA securing the network through staking.
THETA is the staking and governance token, with a fixed supply of 1 billion, used to run nodes and vote on changes. TFUEL is the gas token used to pay fees, deploy contracts and pay for delivery and compute work.
What is Theta used for?
It is built for video streaming and content delivery and has added decentralized GPU compute for tasks such as rendering and AI workloads. Fees and usage are paid in TFUEL.
Does Theta use mining or staking?
It uses staking through a multi-level BFT design. Validator nodes propose blocks and Guardian nodes finalize them, and both are secured by staked THETA. Block rewards are paid in TFUEL.
Is Theta compatible with Ethereum?
Yes. The Theta virtual machine is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, so Ethereum contracts and developer tools can run on Theta.
Can I hold THETA in Zypto App?
Not yet. THETA isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Theta Network using the "Request Theta Network" button above.
ThetaSwap · Dexs$117,158
ThetaCash · Synthetics$102,293
VoltSwap · Dexs$68,767
OCTOplace · NFT Marketplace$0
