Recently, I had a conversation with Vitor Pomplona, the mind behind the NoStr client, Amethyst, and we debated how Nostr in 2025 feels a lot like Bitcoin did back in 2012. Sure, it has its rough edges, but honestly, it’s an exciting tool to engage with.
Nostr, which offers distributed protocols for social media and communication, is relatively new, only four years old. Developers are still figuring out how to optimize the user experience across various clients. Some of these clients include Primal, which you might compare to X, Oras, reminiscent of Instagram, and Yakihonnu, similar to Substack.
What sets NoSTR clients apart is the ability for users to send “ZAP,” a small amount of Bitcoin, to each other as a way of showing appreciation for content.
Pamplona has a hopeful outlook, stating that more Nostr clients are starting to gain traction, much like Bitcoin did over a decade ago.
“We’re witnessing the formation of communities and an increase in money transfers,” Pamplona shared during an interview.
Bitcoin-powered creator economy
Pamplona pointed out that a core function of social media is to provide ways for users to monetize their creations, avenues they often can’t access in the physical world.
“Some of the users on social media want to make a living,” he noted.
He believes that this will empower NOSTR clients to turn that aspiration into reality, and it’s his mission to assist users in achieving this.
“Our ultimate goal is to enable creators to earn a living through our platform,” he added.
As the user base for Nostr grows, so do the opportunities for individuals to support themselves through this expanding Bitcoin circular economy.
Amethyst
When creating Amethyst, Pamplona envisioned an all-in-one Nostr client, somewhat similar to Elon Musk’s plans for X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Amethyst launched around the same time Musk was making headlines about buying Twitter,” he explained. “He aimed to consolidate everything into a mega app, and I had a similar vision.”
Although Pamplona recognizes that Amethyst hasn’t fully achieved this goal, he’s optimistic about its potential to serve a unique function—acting as a testing ground for new NOSTR clients.
“Amethyst helps other projects get off the ground,” he mentioned. “Olas, for example, originated from Amethyst.”
Nostr as a Bitcoin Onboarding Tool
Pamplona sees Nostr as a fantastic way to introduce Bitcoin, but he believes that shouldn’t be the sole focus of Nostr clients.
“The primary aim of [Nostr] is to provide a space for creativity and connection—where people can express themselves, chat with friends, and stay in touch with family,” he clarified.
“There’s no app that’s solely about Nostr or Bitcoin. They should exist as tools for the users,” he added.
Pamplona believes that over time, users will come to appreciate Nostr’s empowering capabilities, particularly regarding data control.
“They’ll understand that the platform allows them to manage their data and utilize the best payment methods available today,” he said.
He also emphasized that many newcomers to Nostr are drawn to its freedom and resistance to censorship.
“In recent years, a lot of new users have joined Nostr seeking that freedom, and they’ve found their way to Bitcoin along the journey,” he noted.
