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

Polkadot is gradually shifting from "chain-centric" to "application-centric". Recently, the official Polkadot website launched a Dapp page and introduced applications in various fields of the ecosystem through a series of activities. This article will focus on representative applications in the fields of DeSo (decentralized social), 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. The platform was established in 2011, emphasizing a "privacy-first" philosophy, free of advertisements, does not track user behavior, and does not disclose user data. In January 2024, MeWe successfully migrated 500,000 active users to the Frequency blockchain of the Polkadot ecosystem, becoming a model for the migration from Web2 to Web3.

After new users register on MeWe, a unique on-chain identity "Social Identity" will be created, which can be used across the Social Web ecosystem. The entire registration and usage process is user-friendly, with minimal awareness of interaction with the blockchain.

Polkaverse

Polkaverse is the first decentralized social network built on Subsocial. Users can create spaces, post, and generate energy on the platform. Most operations require the consumption of SUB tokens or energy, but the cost is very low.

Recently, Polkaverse launched a staking incentive mechanism:

• Lazy Staking: Users stake SUB to their favorite creators, and both parties can earn passive rewards.
• Active Staking: Interact with creators on the basis of staking to earn more rewards.

Subsocial is a Substrate Pallet that allows developers to build decentralized social networks or communities. Currently, Subsocial operates as a Polkadot parachain.

Grill Chat

Grill Chat is a privacy-focused group chat software developed based on Subsocial, running on the xSocial chain, with messages stored on the IPFS network. After connecting their wallet, users can use features such as NFTs, images, and donations in the chat.

Developers can integrate Grill Chat into existing products to use as a chat window. As a Web3 native product, Grill Chat facilitates the establishment of on-chain communities and user reputation systems, and supports multi-chain interoperability.

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. The platform has issued a series of NFTs related to electronic music, including "sound reaction NFTs" that combine photography and music.

These NFTs can serve as interactive tools for fans of artists and record labels, offering additional benefits such as early listening to unreleased tracks, discounted ticket prices, and opportunities to participate in global events.

Beatport.io allows users to log in using their email or Web3 wallet through Aventus, supporting credit card and cryptocurrency payments, making it 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. The platform was established in 2015 and transitioned to a Polkadot-based Web3 platform earlier this year, aiming to drive the music industry towards Web3.

The platform provides artists with the opportunity to interact directly with fans and monetize their works, while helping record companies bring their artists into the digital market and the Metaverse. For fans, they are not just consumers, but can also become strategic partners of the artists.

The music NFTs on the platform are verified and protected by the Polkadot ecosystem digital identity chain KILT. Public Pressure has also partnered with Moonsama to launch music NFTs that can be used in Web3 games.

3. Metaverse Applications

Bit.Country

Bit.Country is a Metaverse platform and infrastructure that allows users to quickly create their own Metaverse communities. The platform offers a range of tools including a land economy system, map engine, video conferencing, NFT marketplace, and virtual character engine.

Creators can establish rules in their own Metaverse, attract members through incentives, create exclusive NFT markets, hold events, and distribute rewards. Bit.Country is compatible with various virtual machines, making it easy for developers to deploy existing Dapps or create new applications.

Cosmize

Cosmize is a virtual social platform in the Metaverse on Astar, and its team has extensive experience in the XR field. The platform includes the following main sections:

• Conference Hall: Used for hosting large events, hackathons, etc., with a maximum capacity of 250 participants.
• Private Room: Users can own and decorate their own room, invite friends to gather and play mini-games.
• Sky City: Central building for various games and activities, accommodating up to 100 people.

Cosmize collaborates with multiple projects in the Astar ecosystem, such as Astar Degen NFT holders being able to use exclusive characters to enter the Metaverse. The platform's scene modeling is exquisite, characters are highly customizable, and various activities are held periodically.

Overall, the Polkadot ecosystem has achieved a high level of application in decentralized social, music, and Metaverse fields. It includes both Web3 native projects and applications migrated from Web2. These projects generally focus on the practicality of blockchain in areas such as privacy protection, user ownership, and anti-counterfeiting traceability, reflecting the technical strength of the Polkadot ecosystem and its understanding of enterprise needs.