Bitcoin News

Bitcoin (BTC) was created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 as the world's first successful cryptocurrency, solving the double-spending problem that had plagued previous digital cash experiments. Operating on a decentralized proof-of-work blockchain, Bitcoin enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, with its monetary policy enforced through cryptographic consensus rather than central authority.

The Bitcoin network is maintained by miners who secure transactions and earn newly minted bitcoin, while a global ecosystem of traders, institutional investors, developers, and businesses continues expanding its adoption. From El Salvador's legal tender status to corporate treasury adoption by companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla, Bitcoin has evolved from a cryptographic experiment into a recognized store of value and inflation hedge.

At CoinDesk, we deliver breaking Bitcoin news and in-depth analysis covering everything from price movements and institutional adoption to technological developments and regulatory shifts. Our team tracks Bitcoin ETF launches, mining industry changes, Lightning Network growth, and the ongoing debates shaping cryptocurrency's future.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Finance

Bitcoin Miners May Shift Focus to AI After Halving, CoinShares Says

Miners will be faced with substantial cost increases as a result of the halving, with electricity and bitcoin production costs almost doubling, the report said.

By Will CannyApr 22, 2024

Markets

Bitcoin Layer 2 Coins, STX, ELA, SAVM, Outperform BTC After Halving

Top Bitcoin Layer 2 coins have risen 5% to 20% since halving, leaving BTC behind, according to data source CoinGecko.

By Omkar GodboleApr 22, 2024

Markets

Bitcoin Transaction Fees Come Crashing Down Post Halving

After the halving, fees spiked to $146 for a medium-priority transaction and $170 for a high-priority transaction.

By Sam ReynoldsApr 22, 2024

Finance

Grayscale's Planned Mini Bitcoin ETF Will Have a 0.15% Fee, the Lowest Among Spot Bitcoin ETFs

Grayscale said it will contribute 10% of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) assets to the Bitcoin Mini Trust.

By Ian AllisonApr 20, 2024

Grayscale advertisement on stairs (Grayscale)

Markets

Runes Protocol Launches on Bitcoin, Sending Fees Soaring as Users Rush to Mint Tokens

Though finding value in meme coins isn't always easy.

By Daniel KuhnApr 20, 2024

Leonidas's DOG•GO•TO•THE•MOON token secured a coveted satoshi during the fourth Bitcoin halving. (DOG•GO•TO•THE•MOON)

Markets

Bitcoin Rally Holds Around $63,700 Following 4th Block Reward Halving

Bitcoin had slumped to as low as $59,685 on Friday morning, then rebounded heading into the event.

By Oliver KnightApr 20, 2024

Tech

The Bitcoin Halving Is Here, and With It a Giant Surge in Transaction Fees

The launch of Casey Rodarmor's new Runes protocol sent fees surging as users rushed to etch new digital tokens that can be launched atop the Bitcoin blockchain.

By Jamie Crawley, Sam ReynoldsApr 20, 2024

Screenshot of livestreamed watch party hosted by Tone Vays (YouTube)

Consensus Magazine

Bitcoin Pioneer Hal Finney Posthumously Wins New Award Named for Him

The Human Rights Foundation has set aside 33 bitcoin to honor individuals who contribute to Bitcoin's advancement.

By Daniel KuhnApr 19, 2024

Markets

Bitcoin Whales Bought $1.2B BTC Amid the Price Dip, Fueling the Quick Rebound

IntoTheBlock data shows that the largest bitcoin investors added nearly 20,000 BTC to their holdings as the top crypto briefly buckled below $60,000 on fears of military escalation between Iran and Israel.

By Krisztian SandorApr 19, 2024