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Bitcoin Staking Explained: How It Works on Stacks

Stacks Labs
May 13, 2026
Stacks by the numbers
Stacks TVL
$
494,14
M
STX & BTC
Proposed BTC APY
3
%
Staking rewards over bonding period
Network uptime
99.9
%

Tools

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Bitcoin Staking Whitepaper

A technical specification of the Bitcoin Staking protocol, covering consensus design, yield mechanics, and security architecture
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Institutional Access

Dedicated resources and tailored staking solutions for institutional participants
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Staking Glossary

Comprehensive terminology guide for Bitcoin staking concepts.
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Bitcoin Staking Explained: How It Works on Stacks

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Research & Reports

In-depth analysis and market intelligence

Bitcoin Staking Whitepaper

Technical whitepaper on consensus and security.

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Institutional market analysis with ecosystem adoption metrics.

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2025 Stacks ecosystem performance and DeFi metrics.

Stacks is Bitcoin's #1 Growth Network by Tenero

Stacks is the place where Bitcoin Grows.

FAQ

What is Bitcoin Staking?

  • Bitcoin Staking on Stacks enables BTC holders to earn BTC yield without giving up custody. Participants lock BTC on Bitcoin L1 alongside STX to form a protocol bond. Yield is generated through Proof of Transfer, the consensus mechanism that has powered Stacks since January 2021, distributing over 4200 BTC to stakers to date.

Where does the BTC yield come from?

  • Stacks miners commit real BTC every 10 minutes to compete for STX block rewards. That BTC is distributed to stakers. The yield comes from miner activity, not lending or token inflation, and every distribution is recorded on Bitcoin and independently verifiable.

Who holds my BTC?

  • You do. BTC is locked on Bitcoin L1 using a standard timelock under your own keys. It is not bridged, wrapped, or held by a third party. No one, including Stacks, can move it during the bonding period.

Do I need STX to participate?

  • Yes. A protocol bond pairs BTC with STX at approximately 5% of the BTC position value. The STX commitment confers senior priority on yield, and 100% of the yield accrues to the BTC side. Pooling options are available for participants who cannot meet the minimum requirements independently.

How much can I earn?

  • Protocol bond holders are paid first each reward cycle (approximately every 7 days) through a waterfall structure. The target APY is approximately 3%, denominated and paid in BTC.VYields are market-driven and vary with miner participation and network conditions.

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