What is Walrus (WAL)?

Walrus is a decentralized network for storage and data availability, created to support blockchain-based and AI-focused applications. It offers a practical way to store large files — such as images, videos, and datasets — that are expensive or impractical to keep directly on-chain.

The protocol runs on the Sui blockchain and works closely with Sui’s smart contract system, giving developers dependable and flexible storage options. Walrus was originally developed by Mysten Labs and now operates as an independent network. It is governed through its native WAL token and supported by the Walrus Foundation.

How Walrus Works?

Encoding and off-chain storage

When data is uploaded, Walrus breaks it into smaller parts called slivers using Red Stuff, its custom erasure-coding method. Instead of storing full copies of a file on every node, these slivers are spread across many storage providers, reducing overhead while keeping data recoverable.

Storage nodes must regularly prove they still hold their assigned slivers. Even if some nodes go offline, the full file can still be restored from the remaining fragments. This design allows Walrus to stay reliable without relying on full replication, which is common in traditional blockchain storage systems.

On-chain metadata

Large files in Walrus are handled as blobs, meaning collections of unstructured data like media files or datasets. Rather than placing these blobs on-chain, only their metadata and availability proofs are recorded on the Sui blockchain.

Availability proofs are cryptographic confirmations showing that storage nodes continue to hold the required fragments. Anyone can verify that a file is accessible without downloading the entire dataset. Developers can reference these blobs directly in their applications using smart contracts written in Move.

Data retrieval

When a user requests a file, an aggregator collects the necessary slivers from multiple nodes and reconstructs the original data. The completed file can then be served through a CDN or cache for faster access. Because only small fragments are transferred before reconstruction, this process stays efficient even with large files.

Walrus Sites

Walrus Sites allow developers to host decentralized websites directly on Walrus and Sui, offering an alternative to conventional web hosting. Static site files are uploaded through a site-building tool and stored permanently across the network.

Each site is linked to a Sui address, can be tied to NFTs, and supports SuiNS for readable naming. Since content is distributed across decentralized nodes, it remains accessible and resistant to censorship. While these sites are static by default, wallet connections and smart contracts can be added to support interactive and on-chain features.

Use Cases

Walrus can work alongside other blockchains to support applications that need scalable, decentralized storage, including:

• NFTs and DApps: Hosting images, video, and audio files that can be accessed via HTTP, making it easier to build media-rich decentralized applications.
• Artificial intelligence: Storing datasets, model weights, and training proofs to help maintain availability and data authenticity.
• Blockchain archiving: Acting as a storage layer for blockchain history, such as checkpoints, transaction logs, and historical state snapshots.
• Data availability: Supporting Layer 2 systems by certifying off-chain data like blobs, validity proofs, and zero-knowledge proofs used for verification.
• Decentralized web hosting: Running full websites where both front-end and back-end components can operate on-chain.

What is the WAL Token?

WAL is the native token of the Walrus protocol and is issued on the Sui blockchain. The total supply is capped at 5 billion tokens, with a deflationary design that reduces supply through token-burning. WAL is used across the network in several ways:

• Payment: WAL is used to pay for storage. Users can pay upfront, and tokens are released over time to storage nodes and stakers as rewards.
• Security: Network security is supported through delegated staking. Users can stake or delegate WAL to storage nodes and earn rewards based on performance. When slashing is introduced, poorly performing nodes will face penalties.
• Governance: WAL holders can vote on network parameters and penalty rules, helping guide protocol decisions.

The WAL token is listed on many platforms, including Poloniex, XT, Coinone and Crypto.com. If you’re looking to list your token on similar platforms, understanding the token listing process and crypto exchange listing fees is essential.

Future Roadmap and Vision

Upcoming developments

Walrus is focused on growing its node network, adding encrypted storage support, and improving integration with major Web3 platforms. A significant update planned for late 2025 is expected to introduce stronger privacy features and cross-chain compatibility, expanding the practical use of WAL.

Long-term direction

The team’s goal is for Walrus to become a standard infrastructure layer for decentralized data storage, supporting dApps, NFT platforms, and enterprise use cases across the broader ecosystem.

Market expansion

As demand for decentralized storage increases, Walrus plans to expand into areas such as digital media, gaming, and enterprise cloud services, supporting wider WAL adoption.

Technology integration

Future work includes connections with AI-based data management tools and partnerships with other blockchain infrastructure providers to improve scalability and interoperability.

Conclusion

Walrus combines decentralized storage with blockchain infrastructure to manage large datasets in a secure and efficient way. Built on Sui and powered by the Red Stuff encoding system, the network reduces storage costs while maintaining availability. With tools like Walrus Sites and token-based storage incentives, it offers developers a practical option for building data-heavy applications in a decentralized setting.

For more insights and updates on the crypto world, don’t forget to check out our blog at Listing.Help.