Uses of Web3 in Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs)
Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) leverage blockchain incentives to build and maintain real‑world assets like IoT sensors, mesh Wi‑Fi, and decentralized energy grids. Helium’s network, for example, rewards hotspot operators with tokens, enabling affordable connectivity in underserved regions. As of 2024, the DePIN market exceeded $50 billion and spans over 350 projects – a figure poised to grow tenfold in the next decade.
Uses of Web3 in Tokenization of Real‑World Assets (RWAs)
Tokenization converts physical assets real estate, art, even mutual funds into blockchain‑native tokens that can trade 24/7. In 2025, assets under management in tokenized Treasury and money‑market funds surged 80% to $7.4 billion, and analysts forecast the broader tokenization market could hit $2 trillion. This use of Web3 reduces settlement times, enhances liquidity, and democratizes access to alternative investments.
Uses of Web3 in Decentralized Identity & Self‑Sovereign Identity (DID)
Self‑Sovereign Identity (SSI) solutions empower individuals to own and control their personal data without centralized intermediaries. Platforms like Sovrin and uPort issue DID credentials that users store in digital wallets, minimizing data breaches and friction in KYC processes. By 2026, the SSI market is expected to grow over 35% annually, driven by enterprise demand for privacy‑preserving identity verification (GlobeNewswire).
Uses of Web3 in Decentralized Social Media & Content Platforms
Web3 social networks Mastodon, Pixelfed, Steemit – avoid centralized control by federating user data across independent nodes. Mastodon surpassed 7 million users following the 2022 Twitter exodus (Wikipedia), while Steemit’s blockchain‑based rewards have drawn over 1.2 million registrants. These platforms exemplify how uses of Web3 can restore user autonomy and content monetization.
Uses of Web3 in Gaming, Metaverse & Entertainment
The Web3 gaming market is on track to jump from $31.5 billion in 2024 to $37.6 billion in 2025, with NFT‑backed assets and play‑to‑earn models leading adoption (Precedence Research). Blockchain metaverses like The Sandbox and Decentraland reward users with tokenized land and items, showcasing novel uses of Web3 that blend ownership, interoperability, and immersive experiences.
Uses of Web3 in Social Tokens & the Creator Economy
Social tokens allow creators to issue personalized tokens representing access, voting rights, or revenue shares. Platforms like Roll and Friends With Benefits enable micro‑communities where artists monetize directly through token launches. In 2024, funding for creator‑economy projects surpassed $500 million, reflecting growing interest in decentralized monetization models.
Uses of Web3 in Generative AI Integration
Combining Web3 and generative AI unlocks transparent provenance for AI‑generated content. Projects like SingularityNET use blockchain to track AI model usage and reward contributors. As generative AI spending crosses $30 billion in 2025, blockchain‑based data marketplaces ensure fair royalty distribution and verifiable model-training datasets key uses of Web3 for ethical AI.
Uses of Web3 in Decentralized Data Ownership & Privacy Solutions
Decentralized storage networks Filecoin, Storj offer users encrypted file hosting and incentivize resource sharing. Filecoin has surpassed 20 exabytes of storage capacity, demonstrating robust growth (CoinMarketCap). These uses of Web3 shift data control to individuals, reducing reliance on centralized cloud providers and enhancing privacy.
Uses of Web3 in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) & Governance
DAOs codify governance rules on‑chain, allowing token holders to vote on treasury allocations, platform upgrades, and strategic direction. By mid‑2025, there were over 5,000 active DAOs managing more than $12 billion in collective assets, underscoring uses of Web3 to democratize organizational decision‑making.
Uses of Web3 in Interoperability Protocols & Cross‑Chain Bridges
Cross‑chain solutions like Polkadot, Cosmos IBC, and Wormhole facilitate over $1.3 trillion in annual asset movement by enabling seamless transfers between blockchains. Such interoperability is a critical use of Web3, breaking silos, reducing friction, and fostering a unified decentralized ecosystem.
Uses of Web3 in Layer‑2 Scaling & Rollup Solutions
Layer‑2 protocols (Optimistic Rollups, ZK‑Rollups) boost throughput and slash fees on mainnet chains. In 2025, over 70% of Ethereum transactions were routed via rollups, with daily volumes exceeding 2 million transactions on networks like Arbitrum and zkSync (CoinLaw). These uses of Web3 enhance scalability while preserving security.
More in Business Insider
