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What Is Shelby? Aptos’ New Hot Storage Protocol for Real-Time Web3 Data
Key Takeaways
- Shelby Protocol is a decentralized hot blockchain storage solution by Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto, offering cloud-grade performance with sub-second data access.
- Designed for real-time Web3 workloads like AI pipelines, Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), storage providers, gaming, and video streaming within the Aptos ecosystem and beyond.
- Runs on the Aptos blockchain (~600 ms finality, 160k+ TPS, ultra-low fees) and Jump Crypto’s low-latency infrastructure.
- Supports on-chain monetization tools: pay-per-view, tipping, subscriptions, and programmable access control.
- Incentivizes node operators with read-based rewards for storing and delivering data quickly and reliably.
- Devnet launch is planned for Q4 2025, followed by a public testnet.
Introduction
Shelby Protocol on Aptos is changing how Web3 stores and delivers data.
Created by Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto, Shelby is a decentralized hot blockchain storage network built for real-time, high-speed data access. Unlike cold storage, Shelby is made for live and dynamic content. Users can stream video, load in-game assets, or power AI models with instant access.
Shelby combines the speed of Web2 cloud infrastructure with the security and ownership of Web3. It is fast, programmable, and works across multiple blockchains starting with Aptos. For creators, developers, and businesses, Shelby unlocks new ways to store, share, and monetize data on-chain.
What is Shelby and How Does It Work?
Shelby Protocol is a decentralized hot blockchain storage network developed by Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto, built for real-time Web3 workloads such as streaming, AI pipelines, DePIN feeds, and gaming. It delivers cloud-level speed with sub-second data retrieval, powered by a global mesh of high-performance nodes, a dedicated fiber-optic backbone, and edge caching.
The network runs first on the Aptos blockchain, offering ~600-millisecond finality, up to 160,000 transactions per second, and ultra-low fees. Shelby is chain-agnostic, with planned support for Ethereum, Solana, and other networks.
Data is stored using erasure coding, which splits files into fragments across multiple nodes for both speed and reliability. A smart contract layer lets developers set access rules, pricing, and digital rights management. This enables monetization models such as pay-per-view, subscriptions, tipping, and token-gated access.
By combining robust infrastructure with on-chain programmability, Shelby makes the leap for the industry to evolve from slow, decentralized cold storage into a fast, creator-friendly protocol - for the next generation of Web3 applications and unlock many more data use cases.
Key Features and Benefits
Hot Storage at Scale: The Shelby Protocol delivers real-time, high-speed blockchain storage for data-intensive Web3 applications.
Chain-Agnostic Deployment: Operates first in the Aptos ecosystem with expansion planned to other major blockchains.
Dedicated Fiber Network: Low-latency backbone ensures fast, reliable performance for streaming, gaming, AI, and DePIN workloads.
Read-Incentivized Monetization: Rewards node operators, storage providers, and creators for storing and delivering data.
Data Integrity and Built-In Resilience: Distributed design and Clay erasure coding protect against data loss and downtime.
Funding and Backing
Shelby is developed by Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto, two leaders in blockchain technology and decentralized infrastructure. There has been no dedicated funding round for Shelby, but the project benefits from the financial strength and technical expertise of both teams.
Aptos Labs has raised over $350 million since 2022 from major investors, including a16z, Binance Labs, and Jump Crypto. This capital supports the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects like Shelby.
Jump Crypto, the blockchain arm of Jump Trading Group, brings deep expertise in low-latency networking, global fiber infrastructure, and high-performance systems. This ensures Shelby can deliver fast, reliable, and censorship-resistant decentralized storage.
Why Shelby Matters for Web3
Most decentralized storage providers today are optimized for permanence rather than performance. They work well for archiving but struggle to serve real-time applications. This limits what developers, creators, and businesses can build in Web3.
Shelby removes these limits by delivering hot storage that is decentralized, fast, and programmable. In the Aptos ecosystem, this opens the door for high-performance, data-intensive experiences on-chain while keeping the benefits of blockchain storage.
Token Generation Event (TGE) & Airdrop Potential
Shelby has not announced a native token, TGE, or airdrop. While some decentralized projects reward early users later, there is no confirmation this will apply here. Follow official Shelby channels for accurate updates, and treat any unofficial claims with caution.
Key Use Cases for Shelby
Shelby’s combination of real-time speed, decentralization, and on-chain programmability unlocks a wide range of applications that were previously impractical for Web3 storage.
Streaming and Media Delivery
Video platforms can stream content directly from decentralized nodes with sub-second load times, enabling live broadcasts, on-demand libraries, and interactive media without relying on centralized CDNs.
Gaming and Virtual Worlds
Shelby can deliver in-game assets, skins, and environment data instantly, keeping gameplay smooth while ensuring players truly own their digital items.
AI and Machine Learning Pipelines
AI models can access training datasets, inference inputs, or real-time sensor feeds without delays. Shelby’s high throughput and programmable access controls make it possible to share or sell data streams securely.
DePIN Data Feeds
Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks can use Shelby to store and distribute real-time sensor data, geospatial maps, and IoT device outputs to participants without bottlenecks.
NFT Metadata and Digital Art
Artists and marketplaces can host high-resolution NFT assets and dynamic metadata that update in real time, while keeping full control over access and monetization.
By serving these use cases with the performance of Web2 and the ownership of Web3, Shelby creates new possibilities for developers, creators, and businesses to deliver fast, interactive, and secure experiences on-chain.
Roadmap
Shelby’s development is structured to move from controlled builder access to a fully decentralized, multi-chain storage network.
Developer Access Phase
Early builder access to CLI, SDK, and APIs for testing and feedback.
Devnet Launch
Public developer network in late 2025 for broader participation.
Testnet and Incentives
Public testnet following Devnet; no formal incentive program announced yet.
Mainnet Deployment
Production-grade rollout with support for additional blockchains.
Multi-Chain Expansion
Long-term goal of integrating with Ethereum, Solana, and DePIN ecosystems.
Future Prospects
Shelby is set to expand beyond its Aptos launch, with Devnet and the First Up, First Served builder program paving the way for mainnet. Its chain-agnostic design could see integrations with Ethereum, Solana, and DePIN networks, making it a versatile storage layer for high-speed Web3 applications.
If it maintains its performance and security, Shelby could become as essential to Web3 as content delivery networks are to Web2, powering everything from global streaming to AI-driven dApps.
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