Pinata

What is Pinata?

Pinata is an NFT distribution platform empowering creators, developers and marketplaces to store, manage and monetize their content across any blockchain.

• IPFS Pinning: Users can easily upload anything they can imagine to the secure IPFS network - from videos, images, music, apps, to even entire marketplaces—without limits.
• Built-in CDN: With over 200 server locations around the world, Pinata's built-in CDN (content delivery network) lets users serve content quickly, reliably and securely.
• Dedicated Gateways: Users can request content faster from IPFS nodes saving bandwidth and time. Customizable gateways with branded domains, offer brand consistency across all media channels.‍
• Submarining: Unlockable content that allows users to build their own business model at scale. Share exclusive content with communities via multiple unlocking mechanisms including NFT ownership, Retweets and geo-location.
  

Who is Pinata for?

Pinata is ideal for non-technical creators launching their first project, technical creators who want to use Pinata’s API (application programming interface) and SDKs (software development kit) to create custom experiences, web2 businesses who are looking to transition into web3, dapps, marketplaces—anybody who wants to share their content, their way.

What problem is Pinata solving?

Web3 projects often require a lot of data. While blockchains are good at trustless verification of data, they are not capable of storing or managing large amounts of data. And while storage is important, builders and creators want to do more than just store data—they want to own, share, monetize and use that data to build meaningful projects.

Back in 2018, when Pinata first started, the goal was to make storage possible across different blockchains and smart contracts. With the use of IPFS technology, Pinata built the easiest way for creators to store content without being an engineer or using legacy tools such as a cloud or drive. 

Fast forward four years later and with the development of web3 quickly maturing, the demands in the space have changed. Pinata continues to deliver a relevant product with direct input from its customer base. Creators of today are not just looking for storage capabilities, but also fast and powerful distribution of their media; serving their content across marketplaces, metaverses, social media and the internet en masse. 

While many users start out as NFT collections or one-off projects, creators that discover success need a reliable product that can scale with them. While the legacy tools creators have used in web2 such as Youtube, TikTok, Patreon, etc all serve a great purpose for discovery and awareness, they usually fall short when it comes to building an authentic community and earning direct income. 

Rather than taking a cut of customers profits or building revenue off of advertising, Pinata offers customers SAAS-based pricing. For a monthly flat fee, creators are able to store and serve any kind of media, and ensure its shareable across web3. Pinata’s business model succeeds when the creators themselves excel.

How to use Pinata?

You can find detailed tutorials of how to do specific things and Pinata, including hosting an entire website on IPFS, building your own substack, and how to build an NFT-gated Instagram alternative. Here we’ll cover a basic tutorial of how to pin a file to the IPFS network via Pinata.

1. Create your account

Choose your plan - Pinata has something for everyone.

2. Choose your file‍

Once you log in, your Pinata dashboard should look like this 👇

Once you’re on your dashboard, you’ll be given the choice to upload a Folder, File or a CID (in case you buy an NFT and want to make sure you control it). Choose what you would like to upload, give it a name, and press upload.

Once your file has successfully been uploaded, you will receive this message at the top of your screen.

Voila! Your file will be available right on your dashboard for easy access

Once your file is pinned, then you have a ton of options at your fingertips, including setting up your own dedicated gateway and submarining your content.

What’s next for Pinata?

Pinata just closed its latest funding round! Pinata will use this new round of funding to continue investment in technology infrastructure. For creators that means faster uploading, customized experiences for different file types, team accounts, and more ways to engage with your audience.

Want to work for Pinata?

Pinata is looking to expand its team with insightful thinkers, builders and web3 enthusiasts who want to help shape the future. If that’s you, get in touch.