Month: May 2025

Bitcoin Magazine

Nostr In 2025 Is A Lot Like Bitcoin In 2012

I recently sat down with Vitor Pomplona, creator of Nostr client Amethyst, to discuss how Nostr in 2025 is a lot like what Bitcoin was like in 2012 — a bit rough around the edges, but exciting to use.

Nostr, a decentralized protocol for social media and other forms of communication, is only four years old, and developers are still figuring out how to create the best possible user experience within the clients they’ve created. These clients include apps like Primal (which is comparable to X) to Olas (which is like Instagram) to Yakihonne (which is similar to Substack).

What’s unique about Nostr clients, though, is that users can “zap” (send small amounts of) bitcoin to one another to show appreciation for the content their fellow users have created.

And Pomplona is optimistic that more and more Nostr clients are starting to gain traction, just as Bitcoin began to do so 13 years ago.

“We are starting to see communities being formed and more money being transferred,” Pamplona told Bitcoin Magazine in the interview.

A Bitcoin-Fueled Creator Economy

Pomplona acknowledged that part of the purpose of social media is to enable means for users to monetize what they create in ways that they can’t do in their physical environment.

“[Some social media] users want to earn a living,” said Pomplona. “They have hope that they can achieve more with social media than they can alone or in their cities.”

Pamplona believes that Nostr clients can help transform that hope into a reality, and it’s his mission to help users do this.

“That is our end goal: If we can get creators to the point where they can earn a living, we will win as a platform.”

This potential for users to earn a living with Nostr becomes greater everyday, especially as the Nostr user base expands and it continues to grow as the largest bitcoin circular economy in the world.

Amethyst

In creating Amethyst, Pamplona had a vision for a Nostr client that served as an all-in-one app, which was inspired by a plan similar to the one that Elon Musk had for X (formerly Twitter).

“Amethyst came in at the same time that Elon was talking about buying Twitter,” explained Pomplona. “He was like let’s make a mega app out of Twitter, and I went for the same thing.”

While Pomplona understands that Amethyst didn’t quite achieve this, he’s excited that it’s come to play a different role. It serves as a lab for people who are developing new Nostr clients.

“Amethyst is helping everybody kickstart their own applications,” he said. “Olas came from Amethyst.”

Nostr As A Bitcoin Onboarding Tool

Pomplona sees Nostr as a great way to onboard people to Bitcoin, though he doesn’t think this should be the primary goal of Nostr clients.

“The main goal for [Nostr] apps is to get people to do their thing — to get people to be creative, or to talk to their friends or to have a chat with their family,” explained Pomplona.

“No app should ever talk about either Nostr or Bitcoin. They should just be what they are,” he added.

Pamplona believes that, after some time, the app’s users will inevitably start to learn about Nostr’s self-sovereignty Nostr provides when it comes to users being able to control their own data and about Bitcoin.

“[They’ll realize that] it just so happens that the platform helps them to manage their own data, and use best payment protocol we have today.”

And he highlighted that most new users are coming to Nostr because of the freedom and censorship resistance it offers.

“In the past two years, most of the new Nostr users came in because of freedom, because of some censorship in their country,” said Pomplona. “And they learned about Bitcoin after that.”

This post Nostr In 2025 Is A Lot Like Bitcoin In 2012 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Frank Corva.

Bitcoin Magazine

Steak ‘n Shake Now Accepting Bitcoin via Lightning Network Across U.S. Locations

Steak ‘n Shake has officially launched Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network, following the announcement reported on May 9. At the time, the fast food chain teased its plans to integrate BTC, generating excitement across the Bitcoin community. And today, it is an option at the cash register, or better said, Bitcoin Register. 

As of today, customers can pay for their meals with Bitcoin at Steak ‘n Shake locations across the United States. This marks a major step in mainstream Bitcoin adoption, as the chain serves over 100 million customers annually and now gives them the option to use Lightning for instant, low-fee transactions. 

The company announced the news on X this morning, confirming that Lightning Network payments are officially supported in-store. 

Following up, they clarified the scale of the implementation—this isn’t a small test or pilot program. It’s a full rollout across their system.

The Lightning Network, Bitcoin’s second-layer solution, is designed for fast, scalable, and low-cost payments, making it ideal for point-of-sale purchases like burgers and fries. Steak ‘n Shake customers can now scan a Lightning QR code at checkout using any supported wallet, completing transactions in seconds. The system uses a backend payment processor to handle real-time conversion to USD, ensuring stability and ease of use for both the customer and the merchant. 

In Bitcoin Magazine’s previous coverage, the significance of even the hint of this move was noted, and now that it’s official, it confirms Steak ‘n Shake as one of the first major fast food brands to fully embrace Bitcoin through Lightning. This goes beyond the occasional “Bitcoin accepted here” sign; this is a practical, streamlined payment option that reflects a commitment to Bitcoin integration. 

With tools like the Lightning Network making payments faster and more accessible, Steak ‘n Shake is positioning itself at the forefront of a shift toward practical, everyday BTC utility.

This update could signal a larger trend on the horizon. With more brands watching consumer behavior and the Lightning Network’s increasing usability, Steak ‘n Shake’s move might spark a wave of similar integrations. 

This post Steak ‘n Shake Now Accepting Bitcoin via Lightning Network Across U.S. Locations first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

Bitcoin Magazine

Heritage Distilling Now Accepts Bitcoin and Will Hold It as a Company Asset

Yesterday, Heritage Distilling Holding Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: CASK), a leading U.S. craft spirits producer, announced that it will begin accepting Bitcoin as payment through its direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce platform and will hold bitcoin as strategic assets under a newly approved Cryptocurrency Treasury Reserve Policy.

The policy, approved by the company’s Board of Directors as part of a broader sales and treasury diversification strategy, was developed by the Technology and Cryptocurrency Committee, chaired by tech and digital payments leader Matt Swann. The move makes Heritage the first in the craft spirits sector to formally integrate bitcoin into both its payment and treasury operations.

“A new age of commerce is emerging, with cryptocurrencies leading the way to reduce friction between parties, buyers and sellers of goods and services,” stated Matt Swann on behalf of the Board. “Having been immersed in the convergence of technology and currencies for nearly two decades, it is exciting to see Heritage forge headfirst into the opportunity to combine the power of the consumer and cryptocurrency.”

Heritage’s decision comes amid rapidly growing public interest in digital assets. The company said it estimates that between 65 to 86 million Americans currently hold Bitcoin and crypto, and realizes the opportunity Heritage has to acquire more BTC by accepting it as payment. 

“Heritage has always been an innovator and once again we are leading the way in the craft spirits space as we prepare to accept Bitcoin and Dogecoin as a form of payment for online e-commerce sales and to acquire and hold these cryptocurrencies as assets,” commented the CEO of Heritage Justin Stiefel. “As I have noted in the past, unlike traditional investors who purchase crypto with cash and are immediately subject to potential pricing volatility, as a company producing goods for sale, acceptable margins between the retail price of our products and their cost of production is expected to offset potential fluctuations in the value of cryptos we accept as payment. This provides us considerable financial flexibility as we develop product offerings for users and enthusiasts of these fiat alternatives.”

The company sees Bitcoin as a long-term strategic asset and a forward-looking step in connecting with modern consumers while also exploring new efficiencies in financial operations. Heritage is not only integrating Bitcoin as a payment method but also incorporating it into its treasury strategy.

The new Cryptocurrency Treasury Policy can be found here.

This post Heritage Distilling Now Accepts Bitcoin and Will Hold It as a Company Asset first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

Bitcoin Magazine

Nakamoto to Headline Bitcoin 2025 as Title Sponsor

Nakamoto Holdings Inc. has been announced as the title sponsor of the Bitcoin 2025 Conference, the world’s largest gathering of Bitcoin enthusiasts, uniting builders, leaders, and believers in the world’s most resilient monetary network. The event will take place May 27-29, 2025, at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This landmark sponsorship follows Nakamoto’s recent merger with KindlyMD, Inc. (NASDAQ: KDLY), a Utah-based healthcare services provider, announced on May 12, 2025. The $710 million transaction, financed through $510 million raised via private placement in public equity (PIPE) at $1.12 per share and $200 million in senior secured convertible notes maturing in 2028, will create a publicly traded company focused on establishing a robust Bitcoin treasury strategy.

David Bailey, founder of BTC Inc. and Nakamoto Holdings, is seeking to bring Bitcoin to the center of global capital markets. The KindlyMD leadership team will attend Bitcoin 2025, highlighting their commitment to this vision.

The Bitcoin 2025 Conference will feature a keynote speech by Nakamoto’s David Bailey on May 28, following U.S. Vice President JD Vance on the main stage. Bailey will also host an X Spaces event today, May 16, at 1:30 PM EST to discuss Nakamoto’s vision and the conference.

Join thousands of Bitcoin enthusiasts in Las Vegas for three days of groundbreaking discussions, networking, and innovation. For tickets and more information, visit www.b.tc/conference/2025.

Disclaimer: The Bitcoin 2025 Conference is owned by BTC Inc., Bitcoin Magazine’s parent company, which is affiliated with Nakamoto Holdings Inc. through common ownership. BTC Inc. also has a contractual relationship with Nakamoto to provide marketing services.

This post Nakamoto to Headline Bitcoin 2025 as Title Sponsor first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Mark Mason.

Bitcoin Magazine

Is a Bitcoin Supercycle Imminent?

Bitcoin is surging in 2025, igniting speculation about a historic Bitcoin supercycle. After a volatile start to the year, renewed momentum, recovering sentiment, and bullish metrics have analysts asking: Are we on the cusp of a 2017 Bitcoin bull run repeat? This Bitcoin price analysis explores cycle comparisons, investor behavior, and long-term holder trends to assess the likelihood of an explosive phase in this cryptocurrency market cycle.

How the 2025 Bitcoin Cycle Compares to Past Bull Runs

The latest Bitcoin price surge has reset expectations. According to the BTC Growth Since Cycle Low chart, Bitcoin’s trajectory aligns closely with the 2016–2017 and 2020–2021 cycles, despite macro challenges and drawdowns.

Figure 1: Bitcoin’s 2025 bullish price action mirrors previous cycles. View Live Chart

Historically, Bitcoin market cycles peak around 1,100 days from their lows. At approximately 900 days into the current cycle, there may be several hundred days left for potential explosive Bitcoin price growth. But do investor behaviors and market mechanics support a Bitcoin supercycle 2025?

Bitcoin Investor Behavior: Echoes of the 2017 Bull Run

To gauge cryptocurrency investor psychology, the 2-Year Rolling MVRV-Z Score provides critical insights. This advanced metric accounts for lost coins, illiquid supply, growing ETF and institutional holdings, and shifting long-term Bitcoin holder behaviors.

Last year, when Bitcoin price hit ~$73,000, the MVRV-Z Score reached 3.39—a high but not unprecedented level. Retracements followed, mirroring mid-cycle consolidations seen in 2017. Notably, the 2017 cycle featured multiple high-score peaks before its final parabolic Bitcoin rally.

Figure 2: MVRV-Z Score shows behavioral similarities to the 2017 Bitcoin bull run. View Live Chart

Using the Bitcoin Magazine Pro API, a cross-cycle Bitcoin analysis reveals a striking 91.5% behavioral correlation with the 2013 double-peak cycle. With two major tops already—one pre-halving ($74k) and one post-halving ($100k+)—a third all-time high could mark Bitcoin’s first-ever triple-peak bull cycle, a potential hallmark of a Bitcoin supercycle.

Figure 3: Cross-cycle behavioral correlations using rolling MVRV-Z scores and price action.

The 2017 cycle shows a 58.6% behavioral correlation, while 2021’s investor behavior is less similar, though its Bitcoin price action correlates at ~75%.

Long-Term Bitcoin Holders Signal Strong Confidence

The 1+ Year HODL Wave shows the percentage of BTC unmoved for a year or more continues to rise, even as prices climb—a rare trend in bull markets that reflects strong long-term holder conviction.

Figure 4: The rate of change in the 1+ Year HODL Wave suggests confidence in future Bitcoin prices. View Live Chart

Historically, sharp rises in the HODL wave’s rate of change signal major bottoms, while sharp declines mark tops. Currently, the metric is at a neutral inflection point, far from peak distribution, indicating long-term Bitcoin investors expect significantly higher prices.

Bitcoin Supercycle or More Consolidation?

Could Bitcoin replicate 2017’s euphoric parabolic rally? It’s possible, but this cycle may carve a unique path, blending historical patterns with modern cryptocurrency market dynamics.

Figure 5: A repeat of 2017’s exponential Bitcoin price growth may be ambitious.

We may be approaching a third major peak within this cycle—a first in Bitcoin’s history. Whether this triggers a full Bitcoin supercycle melt-up remains uncertain, but key metrics suggest BTC is far from topping. Supply is tight, long-term holders remain steadfast, and demand is rising, driven by stablecoin growth, institutional Bitcoin investment, and ETF flows.

Conclusion: Is a $150k Bitcoin Rally in Sight?

Drawing direct parallels to 2017 or 2013 is tempting, but Bitcoin is no longer a fringe asset. As a maturing, institutionalized market, its behavior evolves, yet the potential for explosive Bitcoin growth persists.

Historical Bitcoin cycle correlations remain high, investor behavior is healthy, and technical indicators signal room to run. With no major signs of capitulation, profit-taking, or macro exhaustion, the stage is set for sustained Bitcoin price expansion. Whether this delivers a $150k rally or beyond, the 2025 Bitcoin bull run could be one for the history books.

For more deep-dive research, technical indicators, real-time market alerts, and access to a growing community of analysts, visit BitcoinMagazinePro.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.

This post Is a Bitcoin Supercycle Imminent? first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Matt Crosby.