What is Kaia? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Kaia at a glance.

Kaia is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 that launched in 2024 from the merger of two existing networks, Klaytn and Finschia. It carries forward the Klaytn lineage and aims at consumer applications and payments, with a particular focus on Asian markets.

Total value locked (DeFi)

$12.6M

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Kaia. Updated Jun 2, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

KAIA

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live KAIA price.

How it works

How Kaia works.

Kaia uses a Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus based on the Istanbul BFT design, which gives immediate finality with roughly one-second block times. A governance council of validators produces blocks. Because the chain is EVM-compatible, Ethereum smart contracts and tooling work without modification.

Consensus: IstanbulBFT

Kaia uses a Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus based on the Istanbul BFT design, which gives immediate finality with roughly one-second block times. A governance council of validators produces blocks. Because the chain is EVM-compatible, Ethereum smart contracts and tooling work without modification.

Klaytn and Finschia merger

Kaia was created in 2024 by merging Klaytn, a chain originally developed in the Kakao ecosystem, with Finschia, which came from the LINE ecosystem. The combined network unified their tokens and communities under KAIA.

EVM compatibility

Kaia runs the Ethereum Virtual Machine, so Solidity contracts and standard Ethereum developer tools deploy without changes.

Fast finality

IstanbulBFT consensus finalizes blocks immediately in around one second, so transactions do not need to wait for multiple confirmations.

Consumer and payments focus

Kaia targets everyday applications and payments, building on the large messaging-app audiences associated with its predecessor networks.

Ecosystem & usage

What Kaia is used for.

Kaia is used for payments, DeFi, gaming, and consumer apps, with reach into Asian markets through the messaging-app communities tied to its Klaytn and Finschia origins.

DefiLlama

Payments

Low fees and fast finality make Kaia practical for everyday payments and transfers.

Consumer and mini apps

Kaia builds on the large user bases of its predecessor ecosystems to support consumer-facing applications.

DeFi

Decentralized exchanges, lending, and token projects deploy on Kaia using familiar EVM tooling.

Gaming and NFTs

Games and NFT projects use Kaia for low-cost on-chain actions.

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In the Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend KAIA.

Kaia is integrated in the Zypto App. Hold KAIA in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold KAIA in Zypto How to buy KAIA

Be the reason Kaia ships next.

Kaia isn’t in the Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.

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FAQ

Common questions.

What is Kaia?

Kaia is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain that launched in 2024 from the merger of Klaytn and Finschia. It focuses on consumer applications and payments, with a strong presence in Asian markets.

How does Kaia relate to Klaytn?

Kaia was formed by merging Klaytn with Finschia in 2024. It carries forward the Klaytn technology lineage, and the previous tokens were converted to KAIA as part of the merger.

Is Kaia EVM-compatible?

Yes. Kaia runs the Ethereum Virtual Machine, so Solidity smart contracts and standard Ethereum developer tools work without modification.

What is KAIA used for?

KAIA is the native token, used to pay transaction fees, for staking, and for governance within the ecosystem.

Can I hold KAIA in the Zypto App?

Not yet. KAIA isn't in the Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Kaia using the "Request Kaia" button above.

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