@ The Nostr Review

**GM, Nostriches!** The Nostr Review is a biweekly newsletter focused on Nostr statistics, protocol updates, exciting programs, the long-form content ecosystem, and key events happening in the Nostr-verse. If you’re interested, join me in covering updates from the Nostr ecosystem! **Quick review:** In the past two weeks, Nostr statistics indicate over 221,000 daily trusted pubkey events. The number of new users has seen a notable decrease, with profiles containing a contact list dropping by 79%. More than 10 million events have been published, reflecting a 12% decrease. Total Zap activity stands at approximately 21 million, marking a 15% increase. Additionally, 15 pull requests were submitted to the Nostr protocol, with 2 merged. A total of 45 Nostr projects were tracked, with 8 releasing product updates, and over 569 long-form articles were published, 24% focusing on Bitcoin and Nostr. During this period, 7 notable events took place, and 2 significant events are upcoming. ## Nostr Statistics Based on user activity, the total daily trusted pubkeys writing events is about 221,000, representing a slight 8 % decrease compared to the previous period. Daily activity peaked at 17662 events, with a low of approximately 15781. The number of new users has decreased significantly. Profiles with bio are now around 25951, reflecting a 79% drop. Pubkeys writing events have decreased by 50% compared to the previous period. Regarding event publishing, all metrics have shown a decline. The total number of note events published is around 10 million, reflecting a 12% decrease. Posts remain the most dominant in terms of volume, totaling approximately 1.7 million, which is a 4.4 % decrease. Both reposts and reactions have decreased by about 5%. For zap activity, the total zap amount is about 21 million, showing an increase of over 15% compared to the previous period. Data source: https://stats.nostr.band/ ## NIPs [**Added optional signString() method**](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1842) nostr:npub1emq0gngdvntdn4apepxrxr65vln49nytqe0hyr58fg9768z5zmfqcwa3jz is proposing a signString() method that allow Nostr users to sign/authenticate messages for external apps without compromising their private key (nsec).It opens up a more generic and flexible challenge-response style external authentication method, using the same Schnorr signature mechanism that Nostr uses to sign events natively.External apps need only understand Schnorr signatures - they do not need to understand Nostr's event structure. This widens interoperability.A concrete example of where this would be useful is P2PK locking of Cashu ecash tokens to a Nostr pubkey (npub). Decoding the token requires a Scnorr signature on a structured message string. This method would allow a signer to handle It cleanly. **[add nipB0, social bookmarking](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1847)** nostr:npub180cvv07tjdrrgpa0j7j7tmnyl2yr6yr7l8j4s3evf6u64th6gkwsyjh6w6 defines kind:39701 as website bookmarks.Bookmarks can be queried by the d tag, which is just their URL without the scheme, which is always and everywhere assumed to be https://. The querystring and the hash must be removed entirely, unless their requirement is explicitly stated either by the user or by some hardcoded list of URLs that rely on query strings for basic routing provided by the client (I've searched the internet extensively and could only find 3 websites that do this: YouTube, Hacker News and a random guy's sad old blog). Bookmarks can be commented on with NIP-22. **[NIP-XX: Progress Event](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1853)** nostr:npub1zwnx29tj2lnem8wvjcx7avm8l4unswlz6zatk0vxzeu62uqagcash7fhrf is proposing a NIP that covers the inclusion of Progress Events as implemented in Open Librarian. While the specific implementation is focused on tracking reading progress, the NIP is generic enough to be used in a whole range of other progress tracking scenarios (e.g. Fitness challenges, course progression for learning, personal goals etc..) **[Extension of NIP-51](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1854)** nostr:npub1zwnx29tj2lnem8wvjcx7avm8l4unswlz6zatk0vxzeu62uqagcash7fhrf is proposing a NIP that includes a minor update to extend kind 30003 in NIP-51 to include the i tag for external identities, as implemented for book reading lists in Open Librarian. **[NIP-73: add git permalinks](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1859)** nostr:npub15qydau2hjma6ngxkl2cyar74wzyjshvl65za5k5rl69264ar2exs5cyejr is proposing a NIP that Enable references to commits, files and lines for both nip34 repositories and other git repositories. Useful for code reviews of nip34 patches, the forthcoming nip95 code snippets and referencing specific code more generally. ## Notable Projects **[Yakihonne](https://yakihonne.com/notes/note1y3upur6ah22axx6dc7na63sszeuv6tx4al5jvuu3udnz2g8gawhqw50aqk)** nostr:npub1yzvxlwp7wawed5vgefwfmugvumtp8c8t0etk3g8sky4n0ndvyxesnxrf8q 🌐web v4.5.0: * Custom reactions are here! Choose your preferred emoji to react to notes and other content. * Improved profile organization with notes and replies now displayed separately. * Adding the ability to zap notes directly from the notifications center. * Enhanced DM filtering by time, allowing you to view only recent messages or browse further back. * Manual cache clearing from settings to optimize web app performance. * Resolved issue preventing users from removing custom media uploader servers. * Expanded export data, including more relevant details in credential and wallet files. * General bug fixes and performance improvements. 📱mobile v1.6.8: * One tap zap: Send a Lightning Network payment with one tap. * Dms extensive filtering: Use advanced filters to sort or prioritise direct messages efficiently. * Separating replies from notes: Split replies and notes in profiles, adding a tab for easier browsing. * Adding slide to display options: Swipe in notifications to access zap, reply, or DM options quickly. * Custom reactions: Choose from a set of emojis for personalised reactions, beyond standard likes. * App cache manager: Manage and clear app cache to boost performance and save space. * Variety of bugs fixed: Fixed multiple bugs for a more stable and seamless app experience. * General app improvements: Enhanced overall performance, usability, and design across the app. **[0xchat ](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqszhlqqesc0sx5ej27h72v08ush4thm6k5xh55rze3nv32zvl4d45qzyp0v559qftawle2kt8ahfqgtgfj5ugngcxkv5mjnsqdesckmwj5r5qcyqqqqqqg26f5gv)** nostr:npub1tm99pgz2lth724jeld6gzz6zv48zy6xp4n9xu5uqrwvx9km54qaqkkxn72 0xChat v1.0.2-Desktop Beta is now live! * Supports NIP-104 MLS secret chat. * Copy images directly from the clipboard. * The app stays running after closing the window. * Fixed Enter key sending messages immediately on desktop. **[Nostur v1.18.2](https://yakihonne.com/notes/note1lgx6zrjvhennwnfkh8fnnvxa6nq4c24hdpfnsq3zqqvu3ww9n2ssxlm4tp)** nostr:npub1n0stur7q092gyverzc2wfc00e8egkrdnnqq3alhv7p072u89m5es5mk6h0 Nostur v1.18.2 bugfix update: * Fixed Follow button sometimes disabled * Fixed account switching reload issue * Fixed custom feeds missing * Fixed live stream banner scroll/swipe issue * Fixed screen turns off while playing video **[voca v0.0.6](https://yakihonne.com/notes/note1ughn4alp0cyc3t6p5mwjct47cycutnuw8lvtv4gc5wyt9vw4939s6s3ymr)** nostr:npub17h9fn2ny0lycg7kmvxmw6gqdnv2epya9h9excnjw9wvml87nyw8sqy3hpu This release fine tunes the release process and makes publishing to @Zapstore a lot easier. There are also continuous improvements to initializing the text to speech engine for a faster startup. **[WasabiWallet 2.5.0](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqsqhzwuajl8ccnltsvuygu3yt5hw8cvmkz7l5t6lpaa3tynmu9c4fczyzfm6rr08n96u3ec3vq6cm8qktqpxy2defxq34hzwyk5lac5qk3uxqcyqqqqqqg4fe35t)** nostr:npub1jw7scmeuewhywwytqxkxec9jcqf3znw2fsyddcn3948lw9q950ps9y35fg * 3rd Party Providers for Fee & Exchange Rate * Quality of Life Features * Backend and Coordinator packaged for Linux **[GitPlaza](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqspadwmftmpl4xyzgz59yy48j0hpsj8q57xhr0tumdaatpsdkrea9gzyrjrxmx4yh0hn7jd8tekflvkqr2tzrwwgg265npna4m75zzzx393qqcyqqqqqqgkws0q2)** nostr:npub1useke4f9maul5nf67dj0m9sq6jcsmnjzzk4ycvldwl4qss35fvgqjdk5ks * Login via nsec * Activity feed for the people you follow (only issue creation) * Create issues * Comment on issues **[ZEUS v0.10.1](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqs84nch638my3kzvm5yqp5ejcvj2e7h332sep8qmyelrpdyu5jpcyczyq6d9af8fuv43lxjevjx8k474h0c5g0cft8yysw63zqz80c9ejqf2qcyqqqqqqg3jcw0l)** nostr:npub1xnf02f60r9v0e5kty33a404dm79zr7z2eepyrk5gsq3m7pwvsz2sazlpr5 ZEUS v0.10.1-beta1 is now available for testing. * NameDesc / bLIP-11 support: add receiver name to invoices * Bug fix: import of QR image from camera roll * Bug fix: Embedded LND: Open Channel: fund max * UI: Add dynamic background/text colors to Android NFC modal **[KYCNOT.ME](https://yakihonne.com/article/naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzqwwv20y78a75nq9jr049a0y2twwd7lax2w2rpddgym5265n3dpjkqqsxxd3nx9jnscm9x5cnjvtrvvcngcecxpjrxvf3vvmkydn9xsurscgpu4ayq)** nostr:npub188x98j0r7l2fszeph6j7hj99h8xl07n989pskk5zd69d2fcksetq5mgcqf * UI/UX - designe a new logo and color palette for kycnot.me. * Point system - The new point system provides more detailed information about the listings, and can be expanded to cover additional features across all services. * ToS Scrapper: implement a powerful automated terms-of-service scrapper that collects all the ToS pages from the listings. It saves you from the hassle of reading the ToS by listing the lines that are suspiciously related to KYC/AML practices. * Search bar - The new search bar allows you to easily filter services. It performs a full-text search on the Title, Description, Category, and Tags of all the services. * Transparency - To be more transparent, all discussions about services now take place publicly on GitLab. * Additionally, there's a real-time audits page that displays database changes. * Listing Requests - upgrade the request system. The new form allows you to directly request services or points without any extra steps. * Lightweight and fast - The new site is lighter and faster than its predecessor! * Tor and I2P - At last! kycnot.me is now officially on Tor and I2P! ## Long-Form Content Eco In the past two weeks, more than 569 long-form articles have been published, including over 94 articles on Bitcoin and more than 43 related to Nostr, accounting for 24% of the total content. These articles about Nostr mainly explore the growing importance of decentralization in communication, identity management, and digital infrastructure. From beginner-friendly guides like Nostr 101 and Getting Started with Primal, to more technical deep dives such as NIP-101e, NIP-95, and tutorials on running Nostr relays as TOR hidden services. Some articles focus on security and privacy—like protecting your Nsec with Amber or using tools such as ProtonMail—while others tackle complex challenges including Sybil attack mitigation and child protection in decentralized environments. There are also cultural and political reflections, such as letters from political prisoners and thoughts on the future of free speech in a post-Twitter world. In addition, the Nostr community shows a strong spirit of experimentation—ranging from agent-to-agent communication through dad jokes, to desktop-like clients, fitness tracking protocols, and Lightning integrations like Work Zaps and Wallet Connect. Together, these pieces showcase a dynamic, resilient, and freedom-driven movement shaping the future of the web. The Bitcoin articles discuss a wide range of themes—from foundational ideas like "What is Money?" and Bitcoin’s first principles, to practical guides on mining, self-custody, Lightning payments, and privacy tools. Many explore Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against inflation, a form of sovereignty, and a response to fiat fragility. Cultural and economic reflections appear throughout—ranging from using Bitcoin to buy homes in Italy, to hip-hop collaborations, and even personal stories of financial awakening. There's critical analysis of Bitcoin UX, memetics, policy-making, and even war-time monetary history. From node sovereignty to P2P lending, from grassroots adoption to global macro shifts, these articles together portray Bitcoin not just as a currency, but as a cultural movement, a technological evolution, and a lens to reimagine freedom, value, and the future of money. Thank you, nostr:npub1akzvuyyd79us07m8mtp2ruuha3ylp9757qg46d50rcrkhnx0fs4q2xzr37 nostr:npub1q67f4d7qdja237us384ryeekxsz88lz5kaawrcynwe4hqsnufr6s27up0e nostr:npub1xr8tvnnnr9aqt9vv30vj4vreeq2mk38mlwe7khvhvmzjqlcghh6sr85uum nostr:npub1zmc6qyqdfnllhnzzxr5wpepfpnzcf8q6m3jdveflmgruqvd3qa9sjv7f60 nostr:npub1ygzj9skr9val9yqxkf67yf9jshtyhvvl0x76jp5er09nsc0p3j6qr260k2 nostr:npub1ktt8phjnkfmfrsxrgqpztdjuxk3x6psf80xyray0l3c7pyrln49qhkyhz0 nostr:npub1qny3tkh0acurzla8x3zy4nhrjz5zd8l9sy9jys09umwng00manysew95gx nostr:npub1l5r02s4udsr28xypsyx7j9lxchf80ha4z6y6269d0da9frtd2nxsvum9jm nostr:npub186k25a5rymtae6q0dmsh4ksen04706eurfst8xc5uzjchwkxdljqe59hv0 and others, for your work. Enriching Nostr’s long-form content ecosystem is crucial. ## Nostriches Global Meet Ups Recently, several Nostr events have been hosted in different countries. * YakiHonne teamed up with Bitcoin Safari, nostr:npub1w7z986fez3gmjvxy6dd3sku4ndazhxzafjv2lf6aaa26mtl70q6scz4erj nostr:npub1t4ljwhhg7zlxeahxwgmkwqmn4jjxxq8lzhyuzy0zvy23hq0sacxsdl9fvv nostr:npub1pw778uxwkky3xgq7w3anykdwdw9g46xy8de9mnau0kgwzz375zkq3udv57 and FULAFIA University to successfully host a series of **[Nostr Workshops](https://yakihonne.com/notes/note1n2fadzx4njd8ruv5s26jkxyygp0re3t3ffzdcyumgahpzn2t73mqhwclgq)**, attracting over 200 participants in total. These events introduced the Nostr ecosystem and Bitcoin payments, allowing attendees to explore decentralized technologies through YakiHonne while earning rewards. Participants were encouraged to register and verify their accounts to claim exclusive bonuses—and invite friends to unlock even more benefits. * **[The 2025 Bitcoin, Crypto Economy, and Law FAQ Webinar](https://x.com/BitcoinAR/status/1900643828874572166)** was held online on March 20, 2025 (Thursday) from 12:00 to 13:00 Argentina time. The webinar was hosted by Martin Paolantonio (Academic Director of the course) and Daniel Rybnik (a lawyer specializing in Banking, Corporate, and Financial Law). The session aimed to introduce the academic program and explored Bitcoin, the crypto economy, and related legal issues. * [**The monthly Bitcoin Meetup** ](https://x.com/MyfirstBitcoin_/status/1905333348677095610)organized by Mi Primer Bitcoin took place on Thursday, March 27 at 7:00 PM at CRAFT Basilea in San Salvador. The event featured Bitcoin education, networking opportunities, live music, and fun extras like merchandise, raffles, and more. It was a vibrant evening dedicated to building community and spreading knowledge around Bitcoin. nostr:npub10zuxk4yhygswdmt5n9mfyeq6lh7gcu5g042tlggrgp8yunl32clqsu5t9r Here is the upcoming Nostr event that you might want to check out. * **[Bitcoin Educators Unconference 2025](https://x.com/MyfirstBitcoin_/status/1900513529125380140)** will take place on April 10, 2025, at Bitcoin Park in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. This event is non-sponsored and follows an Unconference format, allowing all participants to apply as speakers and share their Bitcoin education experiences in a free and interactive environment. the event has open-sourced all its blueprints and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to encourage global communities to organize similar Unconference events. * **[Panama Blockchain Week 2025](https://panamablockchainweek.com/index.php/ponentes/)** will take place from April 22 to 24 at the Panama Convention Center in Panama City. As the first large-scale blockchain event in Central America, it aims to position Panama as a leading blockchain financial hub in Latin America. The event features a diverse lineup, including a blockchain conference, Investor’s Night, Web3 gaming experiences, tech exhibitions, and an after-party celebration. Additionally, We warmly invite event organizers who have held recent activities to reach out to us so we can work together to promote the prosperity and development of the Nostr ecosystem. Thanks for reading! If there’s anything I missed, feel free to reach out and help improve the completeness and accuracy of my coverage.