Basic Attention Token (BAT)

What is Basic Attention Token?

Basic Attention Token (BAT) is the currency of the Brave browser ecosystem. Brave is a privacy-focused web browser that blocks ads and trackers by default. Instead of traditional advertising, Brave offers users the option to view privacy-respecting ads and earn BAT as a reward for their attention.

BAT creates a three-way marketplace: users earn BAT for viewing ads, advertisers pay BAT to reach engaged audiences, and content creators receive BAT tips and contributions from their supporters. The model aims to fix the broken internet advertising economy by respecting privacy and rewarding users directly.

Brave has tens of millions of users worldwide. BAT is integrated into the browser, making it one of the most used cryptocurrencies in terms of active wallet holders. Users can tip their favorite websites, YouTubers, and Twitch streamers with BAT.

How Basic Attention Token Works

When you browse with Brave and opt into Brave Rewards, the browser shows privacy-preserving ads (as system notifications, not invasive web banners). You earn BAT for your attention. Your browsing data never leaves your device — ad matching happens locally. You can hold the BAT, tip creators, or withdraw it to an external wallet. Advertisers pay BAT to run campaigns. Content creators register with Brave Creators and receive BAT from tips and auto-contributions.

Basic Attention Token Ecosystem

Brave browser with built-in ad blocking and BAT rewards
Brave Search — privacy-first search engine
Creator tipping for websites, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, Reddit
Brave Ads — privacy-respecting advertising platform
BAT SDK for integrating attention-based rewards in apps

Team & Development

BAT was created by Brendan Eich, the creator of JavaScript and co-founder of Mozilla (makers of Firefox). Brave Software was founded in 2015 by Eich and Brian Bondy. The BAT ICO took place in 2017 and sold out in 30 seconds, raising $35 million. The project has been in active development since, with Brave browser reaching mainstream adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much BAT can I earn with Brave?

No. Brave blocks all third-party ads by default. Brave Rewards (where you earn BAT) is optional. You can use Brave as an ad-free browser without ever touching BAT.

Do I have to see ads to use Brave?

Yes. Swaps supports selling BAT for fiat and swapping it for other tokens.

Where do I store BAT?

Can I sell or swap BAT?

Buy Basic Attention Token on Swaps

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