Web3 is a significant step forward from Web2. While Web2 is focused more on usability, data collection, and user-generated content, Web3 focuses on decentralization, user ownership and control, and interoperability. As we transition from Web2 to Web3, the opportunity to develop better web protocols is now possible.
During the transition, we can expect some of the biggest impacts to be in the area of messaging and how messaging is used. Since traditional protocols were designed for Web2, they do not have the capabilities needed for Web3. Thus, XMTP was created.
So, what exactly is XMTP, and how does it work?Let’s
What Is XMTP?
The new Extensible Message Transport Protocol (XMTP) provides a network and standard for secure and private messaging between blockchain accounts. XMTP is used on messaging applications to provide users with essential features such as a decentralized network, interoperability, blockchain account support, and user ownership.
XMTP and XMTP Labs are currently focused on helping developers by providing initial networks, documentation, and guides on implementing XMTP on theirdecentralized applications (DApps).
XMTP is gaining support from big tech corporations. To understand how powerful and useful XMTP can be, you can try it out in Coinbase Wallet, Converse, CyberConnect, Lens, Unstoppable Domains, and any DApp using the Lens protocol.
How Does XMTP Work?
XMTP works in three layers, namely, the application layer, the client layer, and the network layer.
That all sounds very well and good, but what are the benefits of using an XMTP-enabled app?
4 Benefits of XMTP Messaging Apps
As discussed earlier, Web3 significantly changes how we use the internet and how it operates. XMTP adheres to the Web3 standards by making messaging convenient, secure, and decentralized. XMTP does this by providing messaging apps advanced functionalities that users will benefit from, including:
In short, XMTP enables much greater integration of messaging services into modern Web3 apps, bringing crypto, blockchain, and messaging closer.
Should You Switch to An XMTP DApp?
With the many advantages of XMTP, it is quite tempting to switch to an XMTP-supported messaging app. However, since XMTP is still a new protocol, users will encounter problems should they use an app built on XMTP.
Many of the big messaging platforms we currently use, such as WhatsApp, Messenger, and Snapchat, do not currently support XMTP. Without interoperability among these platforms, XMPT-supported apps can’t connect to these Web2 messaging applications. So, if you switch to using an XMTP app right now, you won’t be able to use that app to connect with anyone using any of the popular messaging apps we use today.
Furthermore, XMTP is currently using adistributed network, not a decentralized one. XMTP Labs own the two XMTP servers that are currently available. These servers are meant to jump-start the XMTP network while they work on spreading server nodes. So, until their decentralization phase begins (very soon), using XMTP won’t be all that decentralized.
Although the protocol itself is already solid at this stage, XMTP still needs to go through its decentralization phase and have wider adoption to appeal to the majority of the population.
The Future of Decentralized Messaging
As we transition from Web2 to Web3, we can expect XMTP and other decentralized internet protocols to gain larger adoption from developers across the globe. DApps are likely going to be the standard mode of two-way communication. And since blockchain accounts are required to create proxy identities for DApps, we might even see smart contract-enabled cryptocurrencies gain even more investors in the long run.
Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 will likely be a slow process. Until then, keep your WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Messenger apps installed on your phone while you play with DApps and wait for its mainstream adoption.
