Overview of 7 Major Applications in the Polkadot Ecosystem DeSo, Music, and Metaverse Fields

Polkadot is transitioning from a "chain-centric" approach to an "application-centric" one. Recently, the official Polkadot website launched a Dapp page and held a series of events to introduce ecological applications. This article will focus on the applications of decentralized social ( DeSo ), music, and the Metaverse within the Polkadot ecosystem.

1. Social Applications

MeWe

MeWe is one of the largest decentralized social networks in the world, with over 490,000 active users. Founded in 2011, MeWe has always emphasized the "privacy first" philosophy. In January 2024, MeWe successfully migrated 500,000 active users to the Frequency blockchain of the Polkadot ecosystem, marking the largest migration from Web2 to Web3.

New users registering on MeWe will create a unique on-chain identity "Social Identity", which can be used across all applications in the Social Web. The entire registration and usage process is very user-friendly, with minimal perception of interaction with the blockchain.

Polkaverse

Polkaverse is the first decentralized social network built on Subsocial. Users can create spaces, post, etc., and most operations require the consumption of SUB tokens or energy. Polkaverse recently launched a staking incentive feature to encourage user interaction through SUB rewards.

Subsocial is a Substrate module that allows anyone to launch a decentralized social network. It was originally an independent blockchain and now operates as a parachain of Polkadot. In addition to Polkaverse, Grill Chat and SubID are also products developed based on Subsocial.

Grill Chat

Grill Chat is a privacy-focused group chat software developed on Subsocial, running on the xSocial chain and storing messages on the IPFS network. After connecting a wallet, more features can be used, such as using NFTs, images, etc. in the chat.

Grill Chat, as a fully Web3 native product, is more conducive to building on-chain communities and user reputation systems compared to traditional chat tools like Telegram. It supports multi-chain interoperability, allowing users to have cross-chain social functionalities.

2. Music Applications

Beatport.io

Beatport.io is an NFT marketplace focused on electronic music, launched in collaboration with the electronic music platform Beatport and the Aventus chain of the Polkadot ecosystem. It has issued a series of NFTs related to electronic music, including "sound-responsive NFTs" that combine photography and music.

These NFTs can serve as interactive tools for fans of artists and record companies, providing additional benefits to fans. Beatport.io allows users to log in using their email or Web3 wallet through Aventus, supports credit card and cryptocurrency payments, and is friendly for both Web2 and Web3 users.

Public Pressure

Public Pressure is a Web3 media platform that sells music and digital collectibles in the form of NFTs. It was established in 2015 and transitioned into a Polkadot-based Web3 platform earlier this year, aiming to drive the music industry toward a Web3 transformation.

The platform supports artists, record companies, and fans. Artists can interact directly with fans and monetize their works, record companies can bring their artists into emerging digital markets, and fans can become strategic partners of the artists.

The music NFTs on its NFT market are verified and protected by the KILT digital identity chain of the Polkadot ecosystem. Public Pressure has also collaborated with Moonsama to launch music NFTs that can be used in Web3 games, introducing music into the Moonsama Multiverse as a game element for the first time.

3. Metaverse Applications

Bit.Country

Bit.Country is a Metaverse platform and infrastructure that allows users to create their own Metaverse communities with one click. It provides a complete suite of tools, including a land economy system, map engine, video conferencing, NFT marketplace, and more, supporting the rapid creation of customized Metaverses.

Creators can set rules in their own Metaverse and attract members to join through incentives. Bit.Country is compatible with various virtual machines, making it easy for developers to deploy existing Dapps or create new applications. Currently, an Odyssey event is underway, where completing designated tasks can earn NEER rewards.

Cosmize

Cosmize is a Metaverse virtual social platform on Astar, backed by a company with over 8 years of experience in the XR field. The platform includes areas such as conference halls, private rooms, and sky cities, where large events and hackathons can be held.

Cosmize collaborates with multiple Astar ecosystem projects, allowing specific NFT holders to enter the Metaverse with exclusive characters. The platform features exquisite modeling, customizable characters, and outstanding aesthetics and implementation capabilities. Cosmize holds events irregularly, and participation may yield rewards.

Summary

The Polkadot ecosystem has achieved a high degree of application in the fields of decentralized social networking, music, and the Metaverse. It includes both Web3 native projects and applications that have migrated from Web2. These projects generally emphasize the practicality of blockchain in aspects such as privacy protection, user ownership, and anti-counterfeiting traceability, reflecting Polkadot's recognition by traditional enterprises. However, they are relatively conservative in terms of incentive mechanisms, and whether they can gain recognition in the market remains to be seen.