#walrus Protocol is a decentralized storage and data availability network developed by
Mysten Labs. Built on theSui blockchain, it specializes in storing large, unstructured data "blobs"—such as videos, AI datasets, and blockchain archives—at a fraction of traditional costs. The protocol utilizes a novel erasure-coding algorithm called Red Stuff. This technology splits files into small fragments (slivers) and distributes them across a global network of nodes. This ensures high resilience: even if up to two-thirds of the storage nodes go offline, the original data can still be fully reconstructed.
Launched on mainnet in early 2025, #walrus operates using the native $WAL token. Users pay in $WAL for fixed-term storage, while node operators and stakers earn $WAL as rewards for securing and providing data availability. Its unique architecture makes storage "programmable," allowing developers to manage data via Sui smart contractsfor use-cases like decentralized social media and verifiable AI.
