Coinranking
Bitcoin runes tokens
1 coins #55| | Coins | | | ||
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| | 1 |  Dog (Bitcoin) DOG | $ | +4.72%  | |
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Trending Bitcoin runes tokens
| Coins | Price | 24h | |
|---|---|---|---|
| | Dog (Bitcoin) DOG | $ | +4.72% |
Top gainers
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| | Dog (Bitcoin) DOG | $ | +4.72% | ||
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What are Bitcoin Runes tokens?
Bitcoin Runes are a new type of fungible token protocol that lives on Bitcoin’s base layer. They use the UTXO model and store transfer instructions in OP_RETURN outputs, making issuance and movement more efficient than earlier standards like BRC-20. Runes activate at each Bitcoin halving and aim to bring simple, light-weight tokens to Bitcoin without creating “junk” UTXOs or requiring off-chain indexers beyond those already used by Ordinals.
Key points
- UTXO-based – fits Bitcoin natively; one UTXO can hold many token balances.
- OP_RETURN storage – Runestones (transfer/issuance messages) sit in OP_RETURN, keeping chain bloat minimal.
- No native token – gas and security come from BTC; Runes are pure user tokens.
- Halving launch – protocol goes live at every halving block, creating a natural marketing cycle.
- Efficiency – avoids address-based or complex ordinal math; simpler for wallets and indexers.
Benefits vs. BRC-20
- Cleaner UTXO set – fewer dust outputs; better for node performance.
- Simpler logic – no need to juggle inscription envelopes or ordinal theory.
- Cheaper transfers – batch multiple token moves in one BTC tx.
- Wallet-friendly – easier to integrate because it mirrors normal BTC send/receive flow.
Common use cases
- DeFi on Bitcoin – DEXs, lending, yield farms that settle in Runes.
- Tokenised assets – stablecoins, gold, equity fractions.
- Gaming/NFT currencies – in-game gold or season passes issued as Runes.
- Loyalty/reward points – brands issue Runes to customers; tradeable on Bitcoin.
Risks
- Early ecosystem – few audited DEXs, bridges, or custody solutions.
- Indexer reliance – balances still verified off-chain; malicious indexer could lie.
- Regulatory fog – no SEC guidance yet; issuer KYC may be required for securities.
- Liquidity gaps – thin order books can cause 20–30 % slippage on large sells.
Bottom line
Runes give Bitcoin native, light-weight tokens with lower on-chain clutter. If tooling and liquidity mature, they could become the default fungible-token standard for BTC—just don’t expect instant utility; most Runes today are pure speculation.