What Is Optimism (OP) and How Does It Work?
Optimism (OP) is a
Layer-2 scaling solution for
Ethereum designed to reduce
gas fees and improve transaction speed while maintaining the security of the Ethereum
mainnet. It uses a technology called Optimistic
Rollups, which allows thousands of transactions to be bundled off-chain and then posted to Ethereum as a single batch.
Here’s how it works:
• Transactions are executed off-chain on the Optimism network.
• The results are posted to Ethereum, assuming they're valid unless proven fraudulent (hence the term “optimistic”).
• A 7-day challenge period allows anyone to contest invalid transactions using fraud proofs.
This approach dramatically reduces network congestion and lowers transaction costs, making dApps faster and more affordable to use.
The OP token powers governance through the Optimism Collective, a two-tier system where token holders and citizen participants vote on protocol upgrades, ecosystem funding, and public goods initiatives.
Why Use Optimism Over Ethereum?
Optimism offers faster, cheaper transactions while still relying on Ethereum’s robust security. Here’s why users and developers prefer Optimism:
1. Lower Gas Fees: Optimism reduces transaction costs by up to 90% compared to Ethereum
Layer-1, thanks to its rollup architecture that batches multiple transactions into one.
2. Faster Transactions: While Ethereum can get congested during peak demand, Optimism processes transactions quickly and efficiently off-chain.
3. Ethereum-Level Security: Optimism inherits Ethereum’s security model by posting transaction data to the mainnet and allowing a 7-day fraud-proof window.
4. Seamless dApp Compatibility: Optimism supports the Ethereum Virtual Machine (
EVM), so most Ethereum-based apps can deploy with little or no modification.
5. Growing Ecosystem: With popular apps like
Synthetix,
Aave, and
Uniswap deployed on Optimism, users gain access to a rich
DeFi environment without high fees.
In short, Optimism gives you the speed and cost-efficiency of Layer-2 with the security and developer support of Ethereum Layer-1.
When Was Optimism Network Launched?
Optimism began as Plasma Group, a non-profit formed in January 2019, conducting Ethereum scalability research and incorporating ideas from Vitalik Buterin’s rollup concepts. In January 2020, Plasma Group evolved into Optimism Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) (now OP Labs), founded by Benjamin Jones, Karl Floersch, Jinglan (Jing) Wang, and Kevin Ho.
Optimism Testnets & Mainnet Launch
• Alpha & Testnet Phases
Feb 2020: Released alpha version of Optimistic Virtual Machine (OVM).
Jan 2021: Introduced a soft-launch
mainnet approach, with a public launch following a delay in March 2021 to ensure a coordinated rollout.
• Public Mainnet (Dec 16, 2021): On December 16, 2021, Optimism removed whitelist restrictions, opening the network to all developers and users.
• OP Token Launch (May–June 2022): Optimism introduced the OP token in May 2022 via an airdrop, and in June announced the OP Stack and “Superchain” vision.
Optimism Roadmap & Major Upgrades
1. RetroPGF & OP Stack Initiatives
• July–October 2021: Launched Retroactive Public Goods Funding programs.
• Oct 2022: Introduced the OP Stack, enabling modular Layer‑2 chains and the Superchain architecture.
2. Bedrock Upgrade (June 2023): Massive performance enhancements, EVM equivalence, faster
block times (~2 s), and EIP‑1559 support.
3. Superchain Expansion & Governance Framework
• 2023: Launched the Superchain model; OP Mainnet rebranded, and "Law of Chains" adopted to guide multi‑chain governance.
• OP Chains like Base,
Zora, and Mode joined the ecosystem.
4. Ongoing Upgrades & GOV Tools
• Canyon (Jan 2024), Delta (Feb 2024), Ecotone (Mar 2024) rolled out new EIPs, blob support, and ~90 % fee reductions.
• Regular RetroPGF rounds continued funding builders, tools, and public goods.
5. Future Plans (2025+): Aiming for full sequencer decentralization, fault-proof improvements, and integration of
ZK-proofs or
Bitcoin rollups, as modular vision deepens.
What Are the Main Use Cases of OP Token?
The OP token powers governance and incentivization within the Optimism ecosystem. Its main use cases include:
1. Governance: OP holders vote on protocol upgrades, treasury allocations, and ecosystem proposals via the Optimism Collective.
2. Funding Public Goods: Through Retroactive Public Goods Funding (RetroPGF), OP tokens reward developers, creators, and community contributors who support Optimism’s growth.
3. Ecosystem Incentives: Projects building on Optimism can receive OP grants or rewards to encourage user adoption and innovation.
4. Delegation: Token holders can delegate their OP to trusted delegates who vote on their behalf in governance decisions.
You can trade OP tokens on the
BingX spot market by logging into your BingX account, navigating to the
OP/USDT trading pair, and placing a
market or limit order. Once executed, your purchased tokens will appear in your BingX wallet for holding or further trading.
What Is Optimism Tokenomics?
The total OP token supply is 4.29 billion, with gradual distribution over several years.
OP Token Allocation
• 25% – Ecosystem Fund: Grants and rewards for developers, dApps, and users to grow the Optimism ecosystem.
• 20% – Retroactive Public Goods Funding (RetroPGF): Incentivizes public goods and open-source contributions.
• 19% – Airdrops: Distributed to early users and contributors.
• 19% – Core Contributors: Reserved for the Optimism team and builders, with multi-year vesting.
• 17% – Investors ("Sugar Xaddies"): Given to early backers, also with vesting schedules.
How to Delegate OP Tokens to Participate in Optimism's Governance
Delegating OP tokens allows holders to pass their voting power to trusted community delegates, without needing to transfer funds, so they can represent your interests in the Token House. You retain full custody of your tokens, meaning you can still trade or move them anytime, and your delegation updates automatically whenever your OP balance changes.
2. Browse delegate profiles, including their mission statements and voting records, and choose someone whose values align with yours.
3. Click “Delegate” next to their name and confirm the transaction in your wallet (a small
ETH fee applies).
4. Snapshots capture your voting power when proposals are created. Your delegate will vote on your behalf during the governance cycle.
5. You can redelegate, undelegate, or self-delegate at any time by returning to the voting portal and choosing your updated preference.
How Does Optimism Differ From Other Layer-2 Blockchains?
Optimism stands out among Layer-2 solutions by using Optimistic Rollups, a scaling technique that assumes transactions are valid unless challenged within a 7-day fraud-proof window. This differs from
zero-knowledge (ZK) rollups, used by competitors like zkSync or Starknet, which rely on
cryptographic proofs to validate transactions instantly. While ZK-rollups offer faster finality and stronger privacy, Optimistic Rollups are more EVM-compatible, making it easier for Ethereum-based dApps to migrate without significant code changes. This has led to faster adoption and integration by major protocols like Uniswap, Aave, and Synthetix.
Another key differentiator is Optimism’s focus on public goods funding and community-led governance through the Optimism Collective. Unlike other Layer-2s that prioritize technical performance or throughput, Optimism places equal weight on ecosystem sustainability, using mechanisms like Retroactive Public Goods Funding (RetroPGF) to reward developers and contributors. Additionally, its modular framework, the OP Stack, enables other chains like Coinbase’s Base to launch as part of the Superchain, a growing network of interoperable, OP-powered rollups. This vision of scalability, openness, and shared infrastructure gives Optimism a unique position in the Ethereum Layer-2 landscape.
Which Wallets Support OP Tokens?
The simplest and most secure way to store OP tokens is directly on BingX. When you buy OP on the BingX spot market, your tokens are automatically held in your BingX wallet. This centralized storage option is ideal for users who want easy access to trading, portfolio tracking, and asset management, all within a single platform. BingX also offers robust account security features such as two-factor authentication (
2FA) and withdrawal whitelists to help protect your assets.
For users who prefer self-custody, OP tokens are supported by a wide range of non-custodial wallets. Popular options include MetaMask,
Trust Wallet, and Rainbow Wallet, all of which support Ethereum Layer-2 networks like Optimism. To use OP on these wallets, you may need to manually add the Optimism network or use wallet-integrated bridges.
Hardware wallets like
Ledger and Trezor also support OP via integrations with MetaMask, offering cold storage security for long-term holders. Whether you choose centralized or decentralized storage, make sure your wallet supports the Optimism network to ensure compatibility with OP tokens.
Which Popular dApps Use the Optimism Network?
Several leading decentralized applications (dApps) have integrated with the Optimism network to take advantage of its lower fees and faster transactions. Top DeFi protocols like Uniswap, Aave, Synthetix, Velodrome, and Curve Finance are actively deployed on Optimism, offering seamless Layer-2 trading, lending, and
yield farming.
GameFi and
NFT projects such as Quix and Zora have also embraced the network for its scalability. Additionally, Optimism powers major Layer-2 initiatives like Base (by Coinbase), Mode, and Zora Network, all built using the modular OP Stack. This growing ecosystem makes Optimism a core hub for scalable and cost-efficient Ethereum applications.
Is Optimism (OP) a Good Investment?
Optimism (OP) is positioned as a long-term play on the growth of Ethereum Layer-2 scalability. As one of the most adopted Layer-2 solutions, it significantly reduces gas fees and increases transaction throughput while preserving Ethereum's security. With major dApps like Uniswap, Aave, and Synthetix already deployed, Optimism is attracting both users and developers. Its use of Optimistic Rollups offers full EVM compatibility, making it easy for Ethereum-native applications to migrate. The growing adoption of OP Stack, used to build new chains like Coinbase’s Base, strengthens Optimism’s role in powering Ethereum’s future scalability through its emerging “Superchain” model.
Beyond technical merits, OP also supports a unique investment thesis around ecosystem sustainability and governance. The project reinvests in public goods through Retroactive Public Goods Funding (RetroPGF), rewarding builders and creators who grow the ecosystem. This aligns with long-term community value rather than short-term speculation. With a clear roadmap that includes sequencer decentralization and expanding governance tools, OP gives investors a stake in a Layer-2 network that prioritizes both innovation and community ownership, making it a potentially attractive option for those bullish on Ethereum's multi-chain future.