WalletConnect + WCT: From Seamless Connections to Community-Driven Infrastructure in Web3
1. WalletConnect: The Universal Web3 Connector
Since its debut in 2018, WalletConnect has become a key piece of Web3 infrastructure—like the Visa of crypto—enabling secure, cross-chain wallet-to-DApp communication. Today, it supports more than 600 wallets and over 40,000 applications, facilitating billions of secure connections.
WalletConnect is:
Chain-agnostic: Compatible with Ethereum, Solana, Cosmos, Polkadot, Bitcoin, and others.
Private by design: Uses end-to-end encryption and doesn’t store wallet addresses or user data.
Originally mobile-first: Solved the problem of mobile wallets connecting to desktop DApps, and has since expanded into a universal connection layer.
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2. Introducing WCT: WalletConnect’s Next Chapter
As the platform matured, WalletConnect launched WCT (WalletConnect Token) to support its transition to a decentralized, community-governed model.
Key Roles of WCT:
1. Staking – Node operators, wallet providers, and developers stake WCT to secure the network and earn rewards.
2. Governance – Token holders vote on protocol upgrades, fees, and incentive structures.
3. Rewards – High-performing nodes and contributors receive WCT as incentives.
4. Fees (Future Vision) – While WalletConnect currently operates free of charge, WCT may eventually be used to pay for premium services or relay usage—pending community decisions.
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3. Thoughtful Rollout: Transferability & Token Design
WCT was initially non-transferable to avoid speculation and focus on real utility.
As of April 15, 2025, WCT is fully transferable, opening the door for DeFi integrations and trading on secondary markets.
Token Allocation (1 Billion WCT Total):
27% → WalletConnect Foundation (ecosystem growth)
18.5% → Team (4-year vesting)
18.5% → Community airdrops (wallets, apps, node operators)
17.5% → Staking and performance incentives
11.5% → Early backers
7% → Protocol development
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4. From Users to Builders: A New Model
WCT transforms the WalletConnect ecosystem:
Users stake, earn, and govern—they’re no longer just passive participants.
Developers and node operators get recognized and rewarded for reliable performance.
The community makes key decisions, like setting fees and guiding protocol evolution.
This marks WalletConnect’s shift from a connection tool to a community-driven utility layer.
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5. Real-World Traction: Growth & Participation
Staking is active: Over 106 million WCT staked by 142,000+ holders; some earn up to 22% APY.
Massive usage: ~292 million total connections, 45 million unique wallets, 62,000+ apps integrated.
Listed on major exchanges: Binance, Upbit, KuCoin, OKX, and more—boosting liquidity and access.
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6. What This Means for Web3
WalletConnect’s evolution injects real ownership into infrastructure:
Users become co-owners of the connection layer.
Developers and node operators gain both voice and value.
Governance becomes open and inclusive, with a DAO future on the horizon.
Just like TCP/IP powers the internet, WalletConnect—through WCT—is becoming a permissionless, community-led base layer for Web3.
