GM, Nostriches!

The Nostr Review is a biweekly newsletter focused on protocol updates, exciting programs, the long-form content ecosystem, and key events happening in the Nostr-verse. If you’re interested, join me in covering updates from the Nostr ecosystem!

Quick review:

In the past two weeks, daily active pubkeys reached 240,079. However, new user growth declined, and profiles with bios and contact lists dropped by over 75%. Note events totaled 5.87 million, while zap volume fell over 40% to 11.3 million sats.

Additionally, 6 pull requests were submitted to the Nostr protocol, with 1 merged. A total of 76 Nostr projects were tracked, with 16 releasing product updates, and over 353 long-form articles were published, 78% focusing on Bitcoin and Nostr. During this period, 4 notable events took place, and 3 significant events are upcoming.

Nostr Statistics

Based on user activity, the total daily active pubkeys reached 240,079, reflecting a modest increase of 4.5% compared to the previous period. The highest daily activity was recorded on June 16, with 19,582 active users.

Despite the overall increase in activity, the number of new users declined. The total number of profiles with bio and profiles with contact lists reached 107,067 and 47,393 respectively — both down by more than 75% compared to the previous period.

In terms of content publishing, approximately 5.87 million note events were published during this period, representing a decrease of around 10% compared to the previous cycle. Among them: Original posts totaled 1.96 million, down 19% Reposts reached 414,087, showing a significant increase of about 20%.

For zap activity, the total zap amount is about 11.3 million, showing an decrease of over 40% compared to the previous period.

Data source: https://stats.nostr.band/

NIPs

Adding support for main bolt12 commands to NIP-47 #1952

@21M4TW is proposing a request that add support for Bolt12 to NWC, such that a Lightning client can use NWC to generate and use Bolt12 offers, fetch and pay Bolt12 invoices, thus benefiting from the improvements over Bolt11.

feat: add joined_at field #1956

@Patrick PReis is proposing a PR that allows the user to know when he joined Nostr and realize how fast time passes.allows for features like: “Hey, today makes 1 year you are using Nostr, let’s see a compilation of your first posts”

NIP-C4: Moderation Services #1957

@semisol is proposing a NIP that defines a way for moderation services to publish event moderation information. A whitelisted moderation service can use a relay that supports read filtering, while adding a - tag to prevent rebroadcasts.

Notable Projects

Zap.stream @eaz6…rcgz

New zap.stream rust backend (completely custom live streaming engine) is live for some testing, currently streaming on the main deployment while building HLS-LL (Low Latency)

Amber @Amber

• Added loading indicator when running migrations
• Fix ncryptsec export

• Add a icon when using a proxy and check if the proxy is working
• Add more event translations
• Add a screen to send feedback on nostr
• Start separating Bunker and native implementations
• Fix service start error in slow devices when the user moves the app to the background faster than the app can start
• Fix scrollbar position
• Fix requests not disappearing when accepting/rejecting
• Fix QR code scanner when using multiwindow mode
• Use datasource to fetch profile data
• Remove check for paid and auth in relays
• Remove listening for new connections option
• Make secret mandatory for bunker requests
• Update notification less often
• Updated dependencie

zap.store @Zapstore

zapstore-cli 0.2.0-rc3 released

• Feature: Implement Gitlab parser (#15)
• Feature: Implement F-Droid/Izzy metadata fetcher (#9)
• Feature: Preview release in HTML
• Feature: Skip remote metadata flag
• Improvement: Use new apk_parser package, auto-extracts icon, name, and more
• Improvement: Better messaging, spinners
• Improvement: non-arm64-v8a filtering
• Bugfix: Web parser issues, JSONPath
• Improvement: Retrieve license from Github
• Bugfix: Events printed to stdout missing links
• Bugfix: Broken daemon mode

ZEUS v0.11.1 @xnf0…lpr5

ZEUS v0.11.0-alpha4 with Cashu support is now available for testing. This release fixes a few bugs including a navigation issue that would lock the app after an unsuccessful connection to a remote wallet.

Sparrow @craigraw

Sparrow v2.2.3 has been released to fix some issues scanning QR codes on Linux, and includes other minor improvements.

• Support NV12 capture pixel format on Linux
• Suggest connecting to broadcast a finalized transaction if offline and a server is configured
• Suggest opening the Send To Many dialog when adding multiple payments on the Send tab
• Derive to the maximum BIP32 account level where the child path in an output descriptor contains more than two elements
• Improve Electrum server script hash unsubscribe support
• Prevent selection of unsupported BIP322 format when signing a message with a connected device
• Handle importing the BitKey descriptor export format
• Bug fix: Always use the master wallet payment code when creating the notification transaction payload on the Send tab
• Bug fix: Ensure last service task has completed before closing the webcam stream
• Bug fix: Prevent double close of webcam library
• Bug fix: Iterate and remove faulty capture devices on opening QR scan dialog

shosho @Shosho – Live Stream on Nostr

Version 0.2.3 is released to GitHub and Obtainium.

• Fun floating emojis
• Double-tap to like
• Display emojis on stream chat
• Landscape mode on lives and replays
• Wake lock on playback
• -Swipe to hide UI on broadcast and playback
• -Improved layout for smaller devices
• Set your @zap.stream pic, title, summary fixed
• Many small bugs flattened

Frostr @bitcoinplebdev

• Core cryptographic logic migrated to @frostr/igloo-core
• New UI polish: tooltips, input validation, status indicators
• Cross-platform filename sanitization
• Cleaner docs, stricter tests, smarter CI

Zappix @Zappix

New:

• UI (all new, super pretty)
• Bookmarks
• Locations
• Flix (TikTok/Reels/Shorts)
• Better Outbox (still not true outbox)
• Better Blossom

Bugs:

• Uploading Flix
• Location Feeds
• MOAR

Core Lightning (CLN) @No Bullshit Bitcoin

v25.05 - ‘Satoshi’s OP_RETURN Opinion’ is now available Latest updates include splicing interoperability with Eclair and splice RBF capability, reduced latency, Reckless plugin updates, improved AskRene routing, early LSPS support, and peer storage as default feature.

WoT Relay v0.1.18 @utxo the webmaster 🧑‍💻

Turns out many of the WoT relays are being attacked, so this version increases the rate limits significantly. This update is only required if you see your CPU stuck at 100%.

Sats Tracker v0.2.0 @tuma

• Fixed bug that excluded fees from being counted in the total wallet amount
• Added possibility to edit a previously created transaction
• Added pie chart to home screen to display how funds are divided between LN and OC
• Added bar chart to home screen to display income and expenses of the month

Linkahest @HERMETICVM

• Minor fixes to main screen (links, protocol handler display)
• Replace generic share icon with app icon in main screen
• Bump version to 0.1.1

Pocket Vibe @lemon

A webapp designed to build other webapps from your phone instead of a computer in 1-shot

• From prompt to app on your Homescreen
• Generate app icons
• PWA by default
• Push notification when ready to view
• Works with voice dictation from device keyboard

Camelus @camelus.app

version 1.6.0 now available

• It’s easier than ever to invite your loved ones.
• -improved starter packs
• -connection indicator
• -fixed amber popup

Keychat @Keychat

• In this version, when using a Mini App, users can see which actions request a signature and will be prompted to approve them. In the next version, this feature will require manual activation. For now, users can directly experience how signing works within a Mini App. We recommend trying it out with Jumble.
• This release also adds support for Cashu mint fees, allowing mint operators to earn some revenue. At the moment, only a few mints have enabled fees. There are still some bugs in this version, and we’ll continue working on fixes.

Jumble @Cody

• View your conversation history with someone
• Emoji reactions
• Bookmarks
• Collapse long notes for a cleaner feed
• Paste or drag to upload images
• Highlights
• Hide replies and notifications from untrusted users (#WoT)
• Mute someone publicly or privately
• Support for client-initiated NIP-46 connections (nostrconnect://)
• Improved note display
• Auto-play and pause videos
• Tons of bug fixes

Long-Form Content Eco

In the past two weeks, more than 353 long-form articles have been published, including over 261 articles on Bitcoin and more than 16 related to Nostr, accounting for 78% of the total content.

These articles about Nostr mainly explore its evolution as a decentralized communication protocol, emphasizing neutrality, permissionless design, and resistance to censorship. Topics include technical advancements like Nostr-Static v0.7’s smart content discovery and RSS integration, Blossom’s minimal media upload service, and MLS over Nostr for secure messaging. Practical guides such as vanity key mining with Rana and no-spam relay setups support user empowerment. Reflections on the decline of traditional social media and the promise of decentralized alternatives highlight Nostr’s role in preserving digital autonomy.

The Bitcoin articles discuss the rapid evolution and global integration of Bitcoin as both a financial asset and a foundational infrastructure for a decentralized future. They cover a wide range of topics—from regulatory shifts, ETF approvals, and corporate treasury strategies, to innovations in Lightning Network, self-custody tools, and privacy-preserving technologies like PayJoin and Cashu. Many pieces explore Bitcoin’s role in resisting centralization, promoting financial inclusion, and challenging traditional monetary systems. Others highlight Bitcoin’s cultural and political dimensions, including its adoption by nation-states, its intersection with religion, and its impact on art, film, and activism. Overall, these articles present Bitcoin as not just a technology or investment, but a global movement reshaping commerce, sovereignty, and personal freedom.

Thank you,
@HRF, @avq4…vm2r, @k8wm…uced, @Bitcoin Magazine (News Bot), @Girino Vey!, @0akm…qwlx, @Cryptape, @bitcoinwell, @Angor, @BTCSRB, @m7sz…m3ys, @3wke…82pk, @Akamaister, @helderalmeiid, and others, for your work. Enriching Nostr’s long-form content ecosystem is crucial.

Nostriches Global Meet Ups

Recently, several Nostr events have been hosted in different countries.

1.Recently, YakiHonne collaborated with the colleges to successfully host two Nostr Developers Workshop, attracting about 50 enthusiastic participants. The event not only provided an in-depth walkthrough of Nostr project building and Bitcoin payments, but also offered interactive learning through YakiHonne’s platform, empowering participants to explore decentralized development while earning SATs.

2.BTC Prague 2025 was the largest and most influential Bitcoin-only conference in Europe, held from June 19 to 21, 2025, in Prague, Czech Republic. The event attracted over 10,000 participants from around the world, including entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and educators. Among the 200+ speakers were notable figures such as @adam3us_, @efenigson, @excellion_bot, @knutsvanholm, @dtgg…up6m, @Martti Malmi, @6c0n…6nvr, and more. The program covered key themes including Bitcoin technology, self-custody, and global adoption. In addition to the main sessions, the event featured a wide range of side activities such as Developer Hack Days, Cypherpunk gatherings, Women in Bitcoin meetups, and pleb parties, creating a fully immersive week-long experience.

3.BitDevs: Nostr Wallet Connect Presentation took place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Pittsburgh Technology Council, with an option for online participation. Organized by BitDevs Pittsburgh, the event featured @ce7d…3d7m from Presidio Bitcoin, who presented his latest work on integrating Nostr Wallet Connect.

Here is the upcoming Nostr event that you might want to check out.

1.The 3rd Privacy Summit will take place on June 27, 2024, in Switzerland, bringing together leading figures and innovative projects from the global cryptography and privacy tech space.This edition will focus on on-chain privacy and cutting-edge cryptographic applications, featuring keynote talks, panel discussions, and in-depth community exchanges.The speaker lineup includes core developers, researchers, and founders from projects.

2.The Bitcoin Paradigm Program 2025 will take place from July 4 to July 5, 2025 (Friday to Saturday), under the theme “Bitcoin: Sovereignty, Energy, and Networks.” This two-day event will explore Bitcoin’s relevance in modern society, focusing on its role in financial sovereignty, energy transformation, and decentralized network security. Speakers include @nono2357 @ncantu @Stach @Alexis Roussel and more.

3. Nostrbama 2025 is the most vibrant Nostr-themed conference in the U.S. Gulf Coast region, taking place from July 15 to 17, 2025, in Mobile, Alabama. The first day’s Nostr Talks will feature a retrospective on the Nostr protocol by @Derek Ross, a presentation on the audio space app CornyChat by @vicariousdrama, an introduction to the merchant payment protocol ConduitBTC by @EricFJ and AceaSpades, and a session by @manl…n9tn on Nostr as a social layer.Other activities include a VR avatar experience, live music, a BBQ and bar crawl, a beach day, and skydiving—offering attendees an immersive blend of technology and fun.

Thanks for reading! If there’s anything I missed, feel free to reach out and help improve the completeness and accuracy of my coverage.