The Ultimate Guide to OrdinalsBot: Everything You Need to Know
Looking to get started on Bitcoin Ordinals?
OrdinalsBot has emerged as the easiest onboarding ramp to the Ordinals ecosystem, trusted by major players and casual users alike. Many of the most notable projects in the space—from Runestones to the top BRC-20 token ORDI—were inscribed via OrdinalsBot.
Before OrdinalsBot’s launch in February 2023, inscribing digital assets onto the Bitcoin blockchain could be daunting. It required users to possess considerable technical expertise, including setting up a full Bitcoin node and accessing the extensive Ordinals index. This posed a significant barrier to entry for artists, collectors, and casual users who wished to explore the burgeoning field.
OrdinalsBot revolutionized this landscape by introducing an online tool that democratized the process, allowing anyone to inscribe Ordinals with just a few clicks. This innovation was a game-changer, making it significantly easier and more accessible for individuals to participate in the rapidly developing Ordinals space.
“Inscribing enables people to write data (text, images, videos and sounds) directly onto the Bitcoin blockchain (using OrdinalsBot with just a click of a button),” explains Laughlan. “Unlike other NFTs, which often rely on external storage that can be altered or lost, inscriptions on Bitcoin are immutable because they are securely stored on the blockchain itself.”
Since then, OrdinalsBot has launched an industry-leading API and SDK that can generate inscription orders and has been used by leading platforms like Magic Eden, XVerse, and more. The company has recently introduced support to etch, mint, and launch Runes. Additionally, it offers the capability to make payments in any Rune or BRC20 through their TokenPay product and provides reward points to all wallets that mint through their platform. As the Ordinals market continues to develop, the startup is well-positioned to expand its market share as an essential infrastructure player.
This Ultimate Guide will lay out everything you need to know to understand OrdinalsBot and why they are an essential part of the Ordinals ecosystem.
The Team
Created in February 2023, OrdinalsBot’s founding team consists of Brian Laughlan, Toby Lewis, Ordinarius, and David Henderson.
Laughlan is the Co-Founder and Head of Product of OrdinalsBot. Based in Zurich and with a background in front-end engineering and web design, Laughlan previously founded Satoshibles, an NFT collection consisting of 5,000 generative illustrations inspired by Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto.
Lewis is the Co-Founder and Head of Strategy at OrdinalsBot. He brings investment experience and market insights to the table. Lewis previously founded MetaLink Capital and market monitoring company Novum Insights, where he still serves as CEO.
Ordinarius serves as OrdinalsBot’s Co-Founder and Tech Lead. The pseudonymous developer brings a wealth of experience developing on Bitcoin and Lightning to the team.
Henderson serves as Co-Founder and CFO of OrdinalsBot, overseeing the startup’s financial operations. He previously co-founded MetaLink Capital with Lewis.
Launch & Development
OrdinalsBot’s launch came 13 years after Bitcoin’s enigmatic creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, witnessed the blockchain’s first commercial use for a JPEG image. Satoshi’s envisioned functionality for Bitcoin extended beyond mere currency into a realm where it could actively support the arts and creative sectors.
“Our mission is to lower the barriers to entry for individuals and businesses looking to leverage Bitcoin’s unique properties, such as immutability, security, and decentralization,” says Laughlan. “Through our suite of user-friendly tools, powerful APIs, and strategic partnerships, we are committed to driving the widespread adoption of Bitcoin-based digital assets and fostering a vibrant community of developers, artists, and entrepreneurs.”
OrdinalsBot was launched on Feb.7, 2023, at the dawn of the Ordinals protocol, coinciding with the popular Bitcoin Punks mint. Its popularity quickly grew, and the service accounted for 40% of all inscriptions in those early days.
With a customizable launchpad that empowers users to inscribe Ordinals, mint Runes, and more, OrdinalsBot has streamlined the process and made it accessible to non-technical builders and creators who wish to make their mark.
Since its creation, OrdinalsBot has served more than 110,000 wallets and powered some of the largest and most renowned inscriptions in Bitcoin’s history, including Runestones, Bitcoin Punks, and ORDI, the first BRC20 token to reach a $1 billion market cap. OrdinalsBot has also helped cross the cultural chasm by empowering renowned artists like French Montana and Wu-Tang Clan rapper Ghostface Killah to launch Ordinals projects.
The Runestone airdrop proved to be a formative moment for OrdinalsBot. In February, the company partnered with Marathon Digital Holdings to inscribe the nearly 4 MB parent Runestone in the largest inscription on Bitcoin at the time. The event captivated the Ordinals community and raised OrdinalsBot’s industry profile by demonstrating its capabilities to a wider audience.
OrdinalsBot has raised more than $4.5 million in funding to date, with backing from top investors like DACM, Eden Block, Kestrel0x1, and UTXO Management. Boasting partnerships with notable players like BRC-20 creator Domo and Marathon Digital, OrdinalsBot has cemented its position as a kingmaker in the Bitcoin cultural landscape.
OrdinalsBot recently launched its Runes launchpad and sold out its debut launch SHORT•THE•DOLLAR in less than a day.
API
OrdinalsBot’s comprehensive API suite offers a one-stop shop to power platforms in the Ordinals, Runes, and BRC-20 ecosystems.
The API suite transcends traditional boundaries by enabling the seamless integration of inscription services into user platforms. This allows projects to manage, create, and monitor the inscription of up to 10,000 files per batch, offering immense scalability. Additionally, the API suite facilitates image optimization and customizable fee settings, providing a tailored approach to blockchain interactions. The suite also provides tools for inscribing, searching inscriptions, creating collections or marketplaces, accepting payments in Runes or BRC-20, and inscribing on rare and special sats.
What sets the OrdinalsBot API suite apart is its robust payment infrastructure, accommodating both Lightning and on-chain Bitcoin transactions. It also allows the inscription of rare sats, adding unique value. API partners benefit from a revenue model that includes a share of both service fees and rare sats transactions, enhancing the commercial viability of their projects.
Developers can harness the /collectioncreate endpoint of the OrdinalsBot API suite to develop intricate HTML collections featuring multiple artwork layers. This capability opens the door to crafting unique, complex digital art pieces that stand out in the Ordinals space.
Furthermore, the API suite is instrumental in developing applications that enable the inscription of images, audio, video and text onto the Bitcoin blockchain. This feature can be utilized for embedding a variety of textual content such as quotes, poetry, and contracts directly into the blockchain, ensuring they are preserved securely and are resistant to tampering.
The /collectioncreate endpoint also supports on-demand inscription services. This allows users to inscribe files whenever necessary, adding a layer of flexibility and immediate access to blockchain services that cater to time-sensitive needs.
Additionally, the API suite includes search functionalities that can verify the authenticity of inscribed content. This feature is crucial for maintaining transparency and building trust in the veracity of digital assets stored on the blockchain.
Lastly, the API suite plays a critical role in managing BRC-20 token transfers. Using the API suite to inscribe JSON files and transfer them between addresses ensures a smooth transition of token balances. This functionality enhances the overall usability and effectiveness of digital tokens within the blockchain ecosystem, making it easier for users to manage their assets efficiently.
Adopting the OrdinalsBot API suite is straightforward, bolstered by the recent introduction of an SDK that simplifies technical integration. A dedicated support team ensures a smooth onboarding experience and provides ongoing support, ensuring that projects can leverage the API’s full potential efficiently.
TRIO
Continuing its tradition of innovation, OrdinalsBot recently launched TRIO, billed as the world’s first utility-driven BRC-20 token.
Named for the trio of product lines offered by OrdinalsBot, TRIO is designed to align incentives and drive ecosystem growth. The product lines include inscription minting, launchpad, and consumer services, an API for enterprises, and a marketplace for inscription and Ordinals trading.
“The official utility token of OrdinalsBot, TRIO, is designed to supercharge the platform’s tools and services,” says Lewis. “Holders will be able to use TRIO for a discount on fees, earn staking-like rewards, get rewarded for platform engagement and contributions, gain access to exclusive mints and participate in governance. The TRIO token will align incentives between the platform and community, driving demand and encouraging long-term holding.”
Looking Ahead
While OrdinalsBot has achieved a remarkable amount in a year and a half, the team is just getting started. With new product launches on the horizon and notable partnerships with the likes of artist Trevor Jones and Royalty, which represents iconic IPs like the Elvis Presely estate, the startup is showing no signs of slowing down.
OrdinalsBot is expanding its suite of offerings with several innovative tools and services aimed at enhancing user engagement and functionality within the blockchain space. These developments include a token payment API, which will allow projects to accept payments in any BRC-20 token, including TRIO and Runes tokens. This feature is designed to facilitate smoother transactions and broaden payment options within the ecosystem.
Additionally, OrdinalsBot is launching Ord.me, a new social network tailored for the blockchain community. This platform aims to foster connections and collaborations among users in the Ordinals ecosystem.
Another significant addition is the Inscriptions Marketplace. This marketplace will serve as a hub for swapping and trading both fungible and non-fungible inscriptions and Ordinals. It aims to provide a dynamic environment for users to buy, sell, or trade their digital assets in a secure and efficient manner.
Furthermore, TRIO Staking Rewards will be introduced to incentivize engagement with the platform. Users who hold and stake TRIO will have the opportunity to earn rewards in both TRIO and Bitcoin, encouraging long-term interaction and investment in the platform’s offerings. These initiatives collectively aim to enhance the user experience, broaden OrdinalsBot’s reach, and cement its position as a leader in blockchain innovation.
“We envision a future where Bitcoin’s full potential is realized through the seamless integration of data, media, and complex digital assets,” says Lewis. “By providing the critical infrastructure and tools needed to inscribe, manage, and trade these assets, we aim to accelerate Bitcoin’s transformation into a robust, decentralized ecosystem that empowers creators, collectors, and innovators alike.”