What is SocialFi?

SocialFi combines blockchain technology with social networks, allowing users to earn tokens through content creation, interaction, and community participation. Unlike traditional Web2 platforms, SocialFi emphasizes decentralization, data ownership, and financial rewards through crypto assets and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). By early 2025, SocialFi's market value has exceeded $1 billion, making it a rapidly growing sector poised for mainstream adoption.

The top 5 SocialFi projects worth paying attention to in 2025

1. Friend.Tech

Overview: Friend.Tech, launched on Coinbase's Layer-2 network Base, allows users to tokenize their social presence by selling 'keys' (formerly known as 'shares'), granting them access to exclusive content and interaction. Its innovative impact monetization method sets it apart.
Why does it stand out:

• Unique monetization: Users can trade keys related to their personal data, turning social interactions into financial assets.

• Community-drivenBuilt on a decentralized framework, resist censorship and prioritize user control.

• growth: The total locked value (TVL) of Friend.Tech reached $40 million within a month of its launch in 2023, regaining attention in 2025.

What to observeIn 2025, look for expanded functionality, such as cross-platform integration and enhanced creator tools.

1. Lens Protocol

Overview: Based on Polygon within the Ethereum ecosystem, Lens Protocol empowers users to own and monetize their content and social relationships. It supports seamless data portability between applications, ensuring creators retain audience access.
Why does it stand out:

• Interoperability: Users can transfer their social graphs between platforms without going through intermediaries.

• DAO governance: Community members participate in decision-making through decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).

• Monetization: Creators earn through subscriptions, NFTs, and participation rewards.

What to watch: The local LENS token expected to be launched by 2025 may drive further adoption.

1. CyberConnect

Overview: CyberConnect is a decentralized social graph protocol that records user interactions on-chain, providing an anti-censorship platform for social networks. Founded in 2021, it raised $25 million from investors like Animoca Brands.
Why does it stand out:

• CyberID and CyberGraph: These features provide secure, user-controlled digital identity and social data storage.

• scalability: Its architecture supports high throughput social interactions.

• Web3 IntegrationSeamlessly connect with other decentralized applications (dApps).

watching what: It is expected that by 2025, with the integration of CyberConnect into more Web3 ecosystems, there will be a wider adoption.

1. Cheelee

Overview: Cheelee operates on the Binance Smart Chain, rewarding users for watching and creating video content through its dual-token system (CHEEL for governance, LEE for utility). Its 'watch to earn' model has attracted attention.
Why does it stand out:

• Innovation Award: By participating in earning LEE tokens, CHEEL can achieve governance and NFT upgrades.

• Fair DistributionAdvanced algorithms ensure the fairness of token distribution and network security.

• Market PotentialAiming at the rapidly growing digital video industry in a decentralized manner.

What to watch: Expanding into new content categories and partnerships may enhance Cheelee's influence.

1. Open Campus

Overview: Open Campus is built on the EDU Chain (BNB Chain-based L3 network) and focuses on decentralized education through its 'Learn to Earn' model. It integrates platforms such as TinyTap and GEMS to monetize educational content.
Why does it stand out:

• Education Focus: Combining learning with financial incentives to attract students and educators.

• EDU coin: Governance, access, and rewards within the ecosystem.

• DAO Governance: Users can participate in the development of the platform.

What to watchThe full mainnet launch of EDU Chain in the second quarter of 2025 may enhance scalability and adoption.

The importance of SocialFi in 2025

SocialFi solves the key flaws in traditional social media, such as data exploitation and centralized control. These platforms offer by utilizing blockchain:

• Data Ownership: Users control their personal information and content.

• Monetization: Tokens and NFT rewards participation, benefiting creators and users.

• Decentralization: DAOs ensure community-driven governance, reducing scrutiny risk.

The growth of the industry is obvious, by early 2025, the market value of SocialFi coins reached $10.1 billion, with a 24-hour trading volume of $1.07 billion.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the promising outlook, SocialFi still faces obstacles:

• ScalabilityBlockchain networks must handle high transaction volumes to achieve a seamless user experience.

• Security: The platform needs strong measures to prevent hacker attacks and smart contract vulnerabilities.

• User Onboarding: Educating Web2 users about Web3 remains a challenge, despite the gamified tutorials being helpful.

However, opportunities are numerous. Enhanced interoperability, clear regulation, and innovative monetization models will drive adoption. As more users migrate to decentralized platforms, SocialFi may redefine the future of social media.

The future of SocialFi

By 2025, SocialFi projects such as Friend.Tech, Lens Protocol, CyberConnect, Cheelee, and Open Campus are leading the decentralized, user-centric internet development. By combining social engagement with financial incentives, these platforms empower users to earn income online while retaining control over their data. With the maturation of blockchain technology and the growth in user adoption, SocialFi will change the way we connect and create online.

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