Irys at a glance.
Irys is a Layer 1 blockchain that its team describes as a programmable datachain, built to unify on-chain data storage with smart contract execution on a single network. Data is stored on the chain itself, and an EVM compatible execution layer can read, write, and enforce rules on that data directly, rather than keeping storage and computation on separate systems. The mainnet went live in November 2025, and the native token is IRYS. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.
n/a
Value locked in DeFi protocols on Irys. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
IRYS
Used for fees and securing the network. See the live IRYS price.
How Irys works.
Irys secures the network with a model that combines Proof of Work with staking. Storage providers commit work tied to the data they hold, using a packing scheme the project calls Matrix Packing that is designed to make data partitions verifiable and to discourage remote mining attacks by requiring partitions to be sampled regularly. Staking is layered on top of this storage based work, so securing the chain is tied to actually storing and proving data rather than to generic hashing alone.
Irys secures the network with a model that combines Proof of Work with staking. Storage providers commit work tied to the data they hold, using a packing scheme the project calls Matrix Packing that is designed to make data partitions verifiable and to discourage remote mining attacks by requiring partitions to be sampled regularly. Staking is layered on top of this storage based work, so securing the chain is tied to actually storing and proving data rather than to generic hashing alone.
Programmable datachain
Irys stores data on-chain and lets smart contracts treat that data as a programmable asset, so logic can read from and write to stored data natively instead of fetching it from a separate system.
IrysVM execution layer
The chain runs an EVM compatible virtual machine, IrysVM, so developers can write contracts with familiar Ethereum tooling while those contracts interact directly with on-chain storage.
Term and permanent storage
Data can be stored for a fixed term, paid by duration, or permanently through a one-time payment, giving applications a choice between temporary and long-lived storage.
IRYS token
IRYS is the native token, with a fixed total supply of 10 billion. It is used to pay for storage and transactions, for staking, and within the network mechanisms that fund and burn supply over time.
What Irys is used for.
Irys targets applications that need verifiable on-chain data alongside execution, including data-heavy and AI-related use cases that store, retrieve, and act on information directly on the chain.
On-chain data storage
Applications store data directly on Irys, choosing term or permanent storage, instead of relying on a separate off-chain storage layer.
Data-aware applications
Contracts running on IrysVM read and write stored data natively, so application logic can operate on the same data the chain holds.
Staking
Token holders stake IRYS to take part in securing the network alongside its storage based work.
Hold, swap and spend IRYS.
Irys is integrated in Zypto App. Hold IRYS in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.
Be the reason Irys ships next.
Irys isn’t in Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.
Request on XCommon questions.
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