ZapAI
What is ZapAI?
ZapAI is an AI bot that operates on the Nostr network. Unlike traditional AI services, ZapAI only responds when you send a Lightning payment (zap) in exchange for answers.
Three Technologies Combined
- Lightning Network - Instant micropayments
- Nostr Protocol - Censorship-resistant communication
- AI Models - Advanced language intelligence
How It Works
ZapAI operates on a simple principle: no zap, no answer. Every interaction is tied to a Lightning payment.
Ask Question
Mention @ZapAI on Nostr
Payment Request
Bot requests 100 sats
Send Zap
Pay via Lightning
AI Processing
DVM queries AI model
Get Answer
Public response posted
Example: Bob's Question
@ZapAI what is the difference between Bitcoin and Lightning Network?
Bot Response:
To get the answer, zap this note with at least 100 sats.
Final Answer (after payment):
Bitcoin is the base layer protocol and blockchain, while the Lightning Network is a second-layer solution built on top of Bitcoin that enables instant, low-fee payments through off-chain payment channels.
Estimated Pricing
| Question Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple question | 100 sats |
| Complex analysis | 300 sats |
| Code generation | 500 sats |
How it works: Payment covers AI API costs + small margin. Surplus goes to project sustainability.
Technical Stack
Bot Identity
Dedicated Nostr key (nsec) for the bot. All responses cryptographically signed.
DVM Server
Monitors mentions, verifies payments, calls AI API, publishes responses.
Lightning Backend
Payment processor for Bitcoin Lightning Network. Options: LND, Core Lightning, BTCPay, LNbits, or Alby.
AI Backend
OpenAI GPT-4, Anthropic Claude, or self-hosted models (Ollama/LM Studio).
Configuration Example
NOSTR_PRIVATE_KEY=nsec1xyz... MIN_ZAP_SATS=100 RELAY_URLS=wss://relay.nostr.band,wss://nos.lol AI_MODEL=gpt-4o-mini LIGHTNING_BACKEND=https://lnbits.example.com/api/v1/payments OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-xxxxx
Key Features
Fully Decentralized
Runs entirely on Nostr and Lightning. No central servers, no single point of failure.
Pay-Per-Use
No subscriptions. Pay only for the answers you need with Lightning micropayments.
Open Source
Fully transparent codebase. Anyone can audit, fork, or contribute.
Privacy First
No accounts, no tracking, no KYC. Just your npub key and Lightning wallet.
Extensible
Support for multiple AI models: GPT, Claude, or self-hosted LLaMA.
Public Knowledge
All answers are public, creating a decentralized knowledge base.
Web2 vs Web3
See how ZapAI differs from traditional centralized AI services:
Traditional AI (Web2)
- Centralized platforms
- Data harvesting & tracking
- Subscriptions or ads
- Closed APIs
- Can be censored or shut down
- Requires personal information
ZapAI (Web3)
- Fully decentralized
- Complete privacy
- Micropayments for value
- Open source
- Censorship-resistant
- No personal information needed
Future Roadmap
We're constantly evolving. Here's what's coming next:
Context Memory
Each user will have conversation history with the bot, enabling more contextual and personalized responses.
Multi-Model Support
Choose between GPT-4, Claude, Mistral, or local models. Different models for different needs and budgets.
Leaderboards & Gamification
Public leaderboards showing top zappers, best questions, and most valuable contributions. Earn badges and recognition.
Developer API
Other projects can integrate ZapAI as a NIP-47 service, building on top of our infrastructure.
Multi-Language Support
Ask questions in any language and receive answers in your preferred language.
Specialized Bots
Domain-specific ZapAI instances: Code Assistant, Language Translator, Research Helper, and more.
How Mentions & Zaps Work
Understanding the technical flow behind ZapAI:
1. Mention Detection
When you mention @ZapAI, Nostr publishes a kind:1 event:
{
"kind": 1,
"content": "what is Bitcoin halving?",
"tags": [
["p", "npub1zapAI..."]
],
"pubkey": "npub1bob..."
}
The DVM server monitors relays and detects when the bot's npub appears in tags.
2. Zap Event
When you send a zap, Nostr creates a kind:9735 event:
{
"kind": 9735,
"tags": [
["e", "note1..."],
["p", "npub1zapAI..."],
["amount", "100000"] // 100 sats = 100000 millisats
]
}
3. Verification & Processing
The DVM:
- Verifies the zap is for the correct note
- Checks amount meets minimum
- Sends question to AI API
- Signs response with bot's key
- Publishes answer to Nostr
Getting Started in 3 Steps
Start using ZapAI in under 5 minutes:
Step 1: Get a Nostr Account
If you don't have one yet, create a Nostr account using any client:
- iOS: Damus
- Android: Amethyst
- Web: Snort.social, Primal.net, or Iris.to
Your Nostr identity is a cryptographic key pair (npub/nsec). Keep your nsec private!
Step 2: Set Up Lightning Wallet
Connect a Lightning wallet to your Nostr client to send zaps:
- Alby: Browser extension wallet (easiest)
- Wallet of Satoshi: Mobile app (simple)
- LNbits: Self-hosted (advanced)
Fund your wallet with a small amount of Bitcoin (even 1000 sats / ~$0.50 is enough to start).
Step 3: Mention @ZapAI & Ask!
Post a note on Nostr mentioning the bot:
@ZapAI explain the difference between proof of work and proof of stake
The bot will reply asking for a zap. Click the ⚡ icon, send 100 sats, and get your answer in seconds!
Real-World Use Cases
See how different people are using ZapAI:
Students & Learners
Quick explanations of complex topics. Pay only for what you need. Build your reputation by asking smart questions publicly.
Developers
Debug code, get API documentation, understand frameworks. Pay per question instead of monthly subscriptions.
Content Creators
Generate ideas, improve writing, get feedback. All interactions are public, creating a portfolio of your curiosity.
Bitcoin Enthusiasts
Learn about Bitcoin, Lightning, and crypto without leaving the Nostr ecosystem. Pay with sats, not fiat.
Researchers
Quick literature summaries, concept explanations, and research assistance. Affordable per-query pricing.
Privacy Advocates
Get AI assistance without giving up personal data. Pseudonymous, decentralized, and censorship-resistant.
Community & Values
ZapAI is built on principles that matter:
Fairness
Every interaction has value. You pay fairly for AI services, and the AI system sustains itself fairly without exploitation.
Freedom
No censorship, no deplatforming, no corporate control. Built on open protocols that no single entity can shut down.
Transparency
Open source code, public interactions, clear pricing. Nothing hidden, everything verifiable.
Sustainability
Self-funded through micropayments. No need for VC funding, ads, or data harvesting to survive.
Accessibility
Works anywhere in the world. No geographic restrictions, no payment processor discrimination.
Collaboration
Open source means anyone can contribute, fork, or build on top. Permissionless innovation.
Our Mission
"To create a fair, sustainable, and decentralized AI ecosystem where users own their interactions, pay for value, and contribute to collective knowledge, all without sacrificing privacy or freedom."