Bitcoin’s meteoric rise as a store of value is undeniable—but can it ever become a true medium of exchange? For BTC to evolve from "hodl" asset to everyday currency, these critical shifts must happen:

1️⃣ Transaction Speed & Cost Must Improve

Bitcoin’s base layer processes ~7 TPS, with fees spiking during congestion (e.g., $50+ in 2024 bull runs). Scaling solutions like the Lightning Network (now handling $500M+ daily volume) are essential for micropayments.

2️⃣ Price Stability Is Non-Negotiable

Volatility remains Bitcoin’s Achilles’ heel. While BTC’s 30-day volatility has dropped to ~40% (vs. 120%+ in 2021), it’s still too wild for merchants. Wider adoption of BTC-backed stablecoins could bridge this gap.

3️⃣ Regulatory Clarity & Merchant Adoption

- Pro-crypto policies (like Trump’s proposed "National Bitcoin Reserve") could legitimize BTC for commerce.

- Retail integration (e.g., PayPal, Shopify) must expand beyond niche markets.

4️⃣ User Experience Overhaul

- Self-custody wallets need to be as simple as Venmo.

- Tax compliance tools must automate reporting for everyday spending.

5️⃣ A Shift in Mindset

Bitcoiners must actually spend BTC—not just hoard it. Initiatives like discounted BTC payments (e.g., Fold App’s 5% back in BTC) incentivize real-world use.

Key Context:

- Lightning Network adoption grew 300% YoY, but still represents <1% of BTC’s $1T+ market cap.

- El Salvador’s experiment (BTC as legal tender) shows promise but faces liquidity hurdles.

🔥 The Big Question: Will Bitcoiners prioritize utility over speculation?

💬 Discuss below: Would YOU spend Bitcoin daily if fees were <$0.01 and volatility stabilized?