Tout ce qui compte
dans le Web3_

Les meilleurs news et analyses cryptos. Chaque semaine. 100% indépendant.

Devenez Insider

This content was generated by Whalee (BETA), an AI crypto assitant that analyses cryptocurrencies. Informations can be incomplete and/or erroneous. Please always double check and DYOR.

What is FileCoin?

Filecoin (FIL) is a decentralized storage network that incentivizes a global network of computer operators to provide file sharing and storage services. It uses a blockchain-based protocol with built-in economic incentives and cryptography to ensure reliable data storage and retrieval. Users pay to store files, and storage providers are rewarded with FIL tokens for offering storage and retrieval services.

How is FileCoin used?

FileCoin (FIL) is the native cryptocurrency of the Filecoin network, which is a decentralized peer-to-peer digital file storage network and marketplace. FIL is used in several ways to facilitate the smooth operation of the network:

  1. Storage Payments: Users pay storage providers in FIL to store their data on the network. The payment is made in advance for a certain period of time, incentivizing providers to maintain the data's availability.

  2. Retrieval Payments: When users retrieve their data, they make a payment in FIL to the storage providers, ensuring that the data remains accessible.

  3. Blockchain Rewards: FIL is used to reward providers who validate and add new blocks to the Filecoin blockchain. Providers receive a block reward in FIL for each new block added and earn transaction fees in FIL for processing storage and retrieval transactions.

  1. Governance: FIL holders can participate in network governance by voting on proposals that impact the future development and direction of the network.

These uses of FIL ensure the network's reliability, security, and efficiency, making it a crucial component of the Filecoin ecosystem.

How do I store FileCoin?

To store Filecoin (FIL) tokens, you need a Filecoin wallet. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Choose a Wallet:

    • Desktop Wallets: You can use desktop wallets like Trust Wallet or Exodus, which support FIL and offer a user-friendly interface.
    • Mobile Wallets: For mobile devices, FoxWallet is a good option for self-custody.
    • Hardware Wallets: Ledger is a secure hardware wallet that supports FIL.
    • Web-Based Wallets: YouHodler is a feature-rich web-based wallet that allows you to buy, sell, trade, and earn interest on your FIL tokens.
  2. Set Up the Wallet:

    • Create an Account: Sign up for the chosen wallet service.
    • Generate a Private Key: The wallet will generate a private key that unlocks access to your FIL balance on the Filecoin blockchain.
    • Get a Public Address: The wallet provides a public address to receive FIL payments.
  3. Transfer FIL to Your Wallet:

  • Send FIL from an Exchange: If you have FIL on a centralized exchange (CEX), transfer it to your wallet.
  • Use Fiat Gateways: If you want to buy FIL with traditional currencies, use fiat gateways available in some wallets like YouHodler.
  1. Secure Your Wallet:
    • Keep Your Private Key Safe: Protect your private key from unauthorized access.
    • Use Strong Passwords: Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to secure your wallet account.

By following these steps, you can securely store your Filecoin tokens and manage your FIL assets effectively.

How to buy FileCoin?

To buy Filecoin (FIL) tokens, you can follow these steps:

  1. Choose an Exchange: Select a reliable cryptocurrency exchange that supports FIL, such as Binance, Kraken, or Gemini. Ensure the exchange is secure and has a good reputation.

  2. Create an Account: Sign up for an account on the chosen exchange. This typically involves providing personal information and verifying your identity through a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) process.

  3. Fund Your Account: Deposit funds into your exchange account using a supported payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, bank transfer, or other cryptocurrencies.

  1. Select the FIL Trading Pair: Navigate to the exchange's trading platform and select the FIL trading pair, such as FIL/USD or FIL/BTC.

  2. Place a Buy Order: Enter the amount of FIL you want to purchase and confirm your order. You can choose between a one-time purchase or a recurring buy.

  3. Store Your FIL: Once your purchase is complete, you can store your FIL in your exchange account or transfer it to a personal wallet for added security.

Remember to always do your own research, understand the fees and risks involved, and follow the specific instructions provided by the exchange you choose.

Discover
FileCoin
We give you the tools to invest your time and money in 1000+ tokens.
Subscribe

History of FileCoin

The history of Filecoin (FIL) dates back to 2014 when Juan Benet founded Protocol Labs, a research and development company. In July 2014, Protocol Labs published a whitepaper titled "Filecoin: A Cryptocurrency Operated File Storage Network," which outlined the vision for a decentralized data storage network. This vision was further refined in a 2017 whitepaper titled "Filecoin: A Decentralized Storage Network" that detailed the path towards constructing the Filecoin network.

Token Sales and Development

In 2017, Protocol Labs conducted a two-part token sale, consisting of an Advisor Sale and a Public Sale. The Advisor Sale took place from July 21 to July 24, 2017, and the Public Sale followed in August 2017. These sales raised over $205 million for the development of Filecoin, with investors able to purchase FIL tokens using U.S. dollars and certain crypto assets. The token sales were conducted under Simple Agreements for Future Tokens (SAFTs), and Protocol Labs filed forms with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) claiming an exemption from registration for the offerings.

Mainnet Launch and Ecosystem Development

The mainnet of the Filecoin network was launched on October 15, 2020, marking the beginning of FIL token minting and distribution. The network's native cryptocurrency, FIL, is not an ERC-20 token and runs on its own blockchain technology. This allows Filecoin to manage its own consensus mechanism, which incentivizes network participants to provide the best services.

Key Features and Architecture

Filecoin operates as a decentralized, peer-to-peer digital storage marketplace built on blockchain technology. It allows users to rent out their excess storage space and provides a more sustainable and affordable alternative to traditional digital storage services. The network uses a proof-of-replication (PoRep) and proof-of-spacetime (PoSt) consensus mechanism to ensure trustless and timestamped guarantees of data storage.

Philanthropy and Growth

In April 2021, the Filecoin Foundation donated 50,000 filecoins worth $10 million to the Internet Archive. The foundation also supports other projects contributing to the ecosystem of the decentralized web. As of November 2023, the total storage capacity of the Filecoin network was 25 exbibytes (EiB), with 2.0 EiB of data stored.

Overall, Filecoin's history reflects its commitment to creating a decentralized data infrastructure that is both sustainable and affordable, with a strong focus on community development and philanthropy.

Discover
FileCoin
We give you the tools to invest your time and money in 1000+ tokens.
Subscribe

How FileCoin works

Filecoin (FIL) is a decentralized storage network that incentivizes users to store and retrieve files securely and reliably. Here's how it works:

Storage Providers

Storage providers are computers responsible for storing files and proving they have stored them correctly over time. Anyone can join Filecoin and become a storage provider, offering their unused storage capacity to the network. These providers are rewarded with FIL tokens for storing and maintaining files.

User Payments

When a user wants to store data on the Filecoin network, they pay in FIL tokens to the storage providers. This payment is made in advance for a certain amount of time that the data will be stored on the network. Similarly, when a user wants to retrieve their data, they make a payment in FIL tokens to the storage providers who stored the data.

Blockchain and Consensus

Filecoin operates on a blockchain, which records all transactions made through its native crypto token, FIL. The blockchain is maintained by a network of miners who validate and add new blocks to the blockchain. These miners are rewarded with FIL tokens for their work, ensuring the integrity and security of the network.

Governance

FIL tokens are also used for network governance, allowing FIL holders to vote on proposals and make decisions that impact the future development and direction of the network. This decentralized governance ensures that the network is controlled by its users rather than a single entity.

Incentives and Security

Filecoin's incentivized participation model encourages users to contribute their unused storage capacity to the network. This approach incentivizes network growth, leading to increased storage capacity and highly competitive storage prices. The decentralized nature and robust consensus mechanisms of Filecoin ensure high security for stored data, making it a reliable alternative to traditional cloud storage providers.

Staking FIL

Staking FIL involves participating in the network as a storage miner. Miners must acquire FIL tokens, set up a Filecoin node, and stake a certain amount of FIL tokens as collateral. They then offer storage and retrieval services to clients, earning rewards in FIL tokens for their contributions to the network.

FIL Token

The FIL token is the cryptocurrency that powers the Filecoin network. It is used for various purposes, including storage payments, retrieval payments, blockchain rewards, and governance. FIL tokens can be purchased on cryptocurrency exchanges or earned by providing storage capacity to the network.

Overall, Filecoin creates a decentralized market for storing and retrieving files, ensuring that data is stored reliably and securely while incentivizing users to participate in the network.

Discover
FileCoin
We give you the tools to invest your time and money in 1000+ tokens.
Subscribe

FileCoin's strengths

Filecoin (FIL) has several strengths that contribute to its reliability and effectiveness as a decentralized digital storage network:

  1. Decentralized Storage: Filecoin operates on a peer-to-peer network, allowing users to store files without relying on centralized storage providers. This decentralized approach ensures that data is not controlled by a single entity, enhancing security and availability.

  2. Economic Incentives: Filecoin incorporates economic incentives to ensure that files are stored reliably over time. Storage providers are rewarded with FIL tokens for storing files correctly, which motivates them to maintain the integrity of the data.

  3. Cryptography and Verification: The network uses cryptography to ensure the secure storage and retrieval of files. Storage providers must prove that they have stored files correctly, and users can verify the integrity of their files at any time.

  1. Open Market: Filecoin facilitates an open market for storing and retrieving files, allowing users to negotiate storage deals with any miner on the network. This open market approach promotes competition and efficiency.

  2. Scalability and Flexibility: Filecoin supports a wide range of file formats, including audio and video files, making it suitable for various use cases such as NFT storage, metaverse assets, and archiving Web2 datasets.

  3. Large Network: The network has a significant number of nodes, with over 4,000 nodes allocating their hardware devices to the network and providing storage to 1,700 clients, indicating a robust and active community.

These strengths collectively contribute to Filecoin's reliability, security, and efficiency as a decentralized storage solution.

FileCoin's risks

Filecoin (FIL) faces several risks that can impact its reliability and long-term viability. One significant risk is that it is not immune to the dangers of blockchain obsolescence. Despite using blockchain technology to ensure data persistence, Filecoin is not permanent and could potentially shut down like other blockchains have in the past.

Another risk is the reliance on IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for hosting NFTs. While IPFS is a robust protocol, it does not guarantee the permanence of the assets it hosts. Many NFT projects use IPFS addresses to give the illusion of reliability, but these assets can still be lost if the hosting entity fails to maintain them.

Additionally, Filecoin's decentralized lending market can be volatile, with high borrowing costs for miners. This volatility can make it difficult for miners to maintain their operations, which could negatively impact the network's overall health.

Market risks are also a significant concern. Filecoin's value can fluctuate based on market conditions, and staking FIL tokens carries the risk of market downturns. This can result in financial losses for investors and stakers.

Finally, the risk of environmental harm is a consideration, although Filecoin staking is generally considered less harmful to the environment than traditional cryptocurrency mining.

Overall, while Filecoin has several benefits, it is essential to be aware of these risks to make informed decisions about investing in or using the platform.

Discover
FileCoin
We give you the tools to invest your time and money in 1000+ tokens.
Subscribe

Did FileCoin raise funds?

Discover
FileCoin
We give you the tools to invest your time and money in 1000+ tokens.
Subscribe

FileCoin’s team

  • Juan Benet: Founder of Filecoin and Protocol Labs.
  • Jesse Clayburgh: Team member.
  • Danielle Andrzejewski: Team member.
  • Ethan Bernstein: Team member.
  • Jason Rosenthal: Team member.
  • Katie Biber: General Counsel at Brex and advisor to the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Alex Feerst: CEO of Murmuration Labs and advisor to the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Philip Bildner: Team member.
  • Jesse Damiani: Team member.
  • Dietrich Ayala: Team member.
  • Ben Fisch: Team member.
  • Marta Belcher: General Counsel at Protocol Labs and Chair of the Filecoin Foundation Board.
  • Rainey Reitman: Board member of the Filecoin Foundation for the Decentralized Web (FFDW).
  • Sheila Warren: Head of Blockchain and DLT at the World Economic Forum and advisor to the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Veronica McGregor: Chief Legal Officer at Exodus and advisor to the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Wendy Hanamura: Director of Partnerships at Internet Archive and advisor to the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Brewster Kahle: Founder of Internet Archive and advisor to the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Joe Lubin: Founder of ConsenSys and co-founder of Ethereum, advisor to the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Georgia Quinn: General Counsel at Anchorage and advisor to the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Sandra Ro: CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council and advisor to the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Danny O'Brien: Employee at the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Sandra Ro: Employee at the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Stefan Magdalinski: Employee at the Filecoin Foundation.
  • Aaron Stanley: Employee at the Filecoin Foundation.

Whalee AI

The fundamental analysis assistant for crypto value investors.

Latest news

Want an analysis of this token? Tell us on Discord
Help us improve!
Tell us what you think of this page and which features you would like to see next.
OPEN FORM