In 2024, the Explained Runes Protocol introduces an innovative approach to implementing fungible tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain. This groundbreaking protocol aims to leverage the robust security and decentralized nature of Bitcoin while enabling the creation and management of fungible tokens, unlocking new possibilities for digital asset issuance and transfer. The Explained Runes Protocol represents a significant advancement in the Bitcoin ecosystem, addressing longstanding challenges related to tokenization and fungibility. By integrating this protocol, developers and businesses can tokenize assets such as currencies, securities, or commodities on the Bitcoin network, enhancing liquidity and interoperability within the Bitcoin ecosystem. Key features of the Explained Runes Protocol include: 1. **Fungibility:** The protocol ensures that tokens issued on Bitcoin are interchangeable, maintaining the essential properties of money. This facilitates seamless transfer and exchange of tokens without compromising security. 2. **Scalability:** Through innovative optimization techniques, the protocol enhances the scalability of token transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain, mitigating concerns related to network congestion and fees. 3. **Security and Decentralization:** Leveraging Bitcoin's robust security model, tokens created using the Explained Runes Protocol inherit the same level of immutability and censorship resistance as Bitcoin itself. This ensures trustless and reliable token transactions. 4. **Compatibility and Standards:** The protocol adheres to established token standards, fostering compatibility with existing wallets, exchanges, and infrastructure. This streamlines adoption and integration within the broader blockchain ecosystem. 5. **Smart Contract Capabilities:** The Explained Runes Protocol introduces limited smart contract functionalities tailored specifically for token management on Bitcoin. These capabilities enable advanced token logic while preserving Bitcoin's simplicity and security. Overall, the Explained Runes Protocol represents a significant step forward in expanding the utility of the Bitcoin blockchain beyond its original use case as a digital currency. By enabling the issuance and management of fungible tokens, the protocol unlocks new avenues for innovation, financial inclusion, and asset digitization within the Bitcoin ecosystem in 2024 and beyond.

1. Explained Runes Protocol: Fungible Tokens On
Bitcoin in 2024
Introduction to Runes Protocol
The Runes protocol, officially launched on the Bitcoin blockchain on April 19, 2024,
represents a significant advancement in the world of cryptocurrencies. Developed
by Casey Rodarmor, a notable figure in the Bitcoin community credited with
creating the Ordinals protocol and inscriptions for NFTs on Bitcoin, Runes
introduces a streamlined approach to the creation and management of fungible
tokens within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
The advent of the Runes Protocol introduces a novel capability within Bitcoin – the
creation and management of fungible tokens. This innovation expands Bitcoin's
utility, attracting developers and businesses eager to leverage tokenization within
the Bitcoin network.
One of the key challenges facing the adoption of the Runes Protocol is its
integration with existing Bitcoin infrastructure. Unlike other blockchain platforms
that support smart contracts, Bitcoin's scripting language is more limited, requiring
innovative solutions to implement token functionalities efficiently.
Despite these challenges, the Runes Protocol aims to establish a standardized
token protocol akin to the BRC-20 standard, fostering interoperability and
consistency in token creation and management.

2. What Are Runes on Bitcoin?
The concept of fungible tokens has gained significant traction in the blockchain
space. Simply put, fungible tokens are digital assets that are identical and
interchangeable, much like traditional currency. With Runes, users can now
generate fungible tokens directly on the Bitcoin blockchain, a monumental
advancement in tokenization technology.
Understanding Bitcoin Runes
Runes, conceived by Casey Rodarmor, represents a breakthrough in simplifying
token creation on the Bitcoin network. By leveraging the Ordinals protocol and
unique inscriptions, Runes enable users to create and manage tokens more
efficiently than ever before.
In Casey Rodarmor's own words, "Creating a robust fungible token protocol for
Bitcoin could bring substantial transaction fee revenue, developer mindshare, and
user adoption to Bitcoin."
The History of Bitcoin Runes
The genesis of the Runes Protocol dates back to September 2023 when Casey
Rodarmor proposed an enhanced token standard for Bitcoin. Rodarmor, known for
his contributions to Bitcoin's development, laid the groundwork for Runes to be
launched successfully in April 2024. The protocol builds upon previous innovations
such as the Ordinals Protocol, facilitating the issuance of native assets on Bitcoin.
Why Fungible Tokens on Bitcoin?
The emergence of Runes on Bitcoin signifies a strategic move towards enhancing
the blockchain's functionality. Unlike other blockchain platforms that have
pioneered tokenization, Bitcoin's robustness and decentralization make it an
attractive platform for hosting fungible tokens. With Runes, users can tokenize
ownership in businesses, create reward systems for games, or even establish new
digital currencies – all within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
How Does the Runes Protocol Work?
At the heart of the Runes Protocol lies the utilization of individual satoshis, Bitcoin's
smallest denomination, imbued with data using the Ordinals protocol and unique

3. inscriptions. This data is securely stored on the Bitcoin blockchain, enabling the
creation and tracking of tokens through a series of OP_RETURN messages and
Runestones.
Runes employ a UTXO-based model, a native standard for record-keeping on
Bitcoin, contrasting with the account-based model used by platforms like
Ethereum. This integration ensures compatibility with the Bitcoin ecosystem,
leveraging its security features and network consensus.
Features of Runes Protocol
The Runes Protocol introduces several groundbreaking features:
 Token Creation on Bitcoin: Runes enable the creation of fungible tokens
directly on the Bitcoin blockchain, eliminating the need for third-party
platforms.
 Interoperability: Tokens generated using the Runes Protocol can seamlessly
interact with other Bitcoin-based applications and platforms, enhancing
their utility and versatility.
 UTXO Integration: By adhering to Bitcoin's UTXO model, Runes ensure
efficiency and scalability while reducing blockchain bloat.
 Fungible Token Standard: Runes establish a standardized protocol for
creating and managing fungible tokens on Bitcoin, promoting consistency
and ease of use.
Benefits of Bitcoin Runes
The adoption of Runes within the Bitcoin ecosystem offers numerous benefits:
 Familiar Infrastructure: Runes operate within Bitcoin's existing ecosystem,
minimizing the learning curve for users and developers.
 Decentralization: As part of the Bitcoin network, Runes uphold a high degree
of decentralization, ensuring no single entity has control over token issuance
or management.

4.  Interoperability: Runes tokens can seamlessly integrate with existing Bitcoin
applications, wallets, and infrastructure, enhancing their overall utility and
accessibility.
Bitcoin Runes vs. BRC-20: Differences
While both Runes and the BRC-20 token standard enable fungible token creation
on Bitcoin, they differ significantly in their approach and underlying technology:
 Blockchain Efficiency: Runes minimize data footprint by utilizing Bitcoin's
UTXO system, whereas BRC-20 may lead to UTXO bloat due to technical
design choices.
 Token Standard: Runes represent a native token standard for Bitcoin,
simplifying token creation and management, whereas BRC-20 is based on
Ordinals and may be more complex.
 User Control: Runes offer direct control over tokens via Bitcoin transactions,
whereas BRC-20 tokens are managed via specific Ordinal transactions.
Challenges of Bitcoin Runes Token Standard
Despite its promise, adopting Runes for token production on the Bitcoin network
presents several technical challenges. Integrating with Bitcoin's existing
infrastructure and addressing high transaction costs are primary concerns.
Moreover, the absence of smart contract support limits Runes' functionality
compared to other blockchain platforms.
What Does Runes Bring to the Bitcoin Ecosystem?
Runes fundamentally transforms data management and token production within
the Bitcoin ecosystem. By establishing a standardized token protocol akin to BRC-
20, Runes promotes interoperability and consistency, empowering developers to
create and manage tokens seamlessly.
The Future of Bitcoin Runes
Since its launch, Runes has garnered mixed reactions within the Bitcoin community.
While some applaud its potential to expand Bitcoin's applications, others express
concerns about increasing complexity and unproven functionalities. Moving

5. forward, we anticipate deeper integration with Bitcoin's core infrastructure and the
emergence of novel applications and use cases for Runes Protocol tokens.
Conclusion
In summary, the Runes Protocol represents a paradigm shift in fungible token
communication on the Bitcoin network. Despite existing challenges, Runes has the
potential to significantly enhance Bitcoin's capabilities and adoption, paving the
way for a new era of tokenization within the world's leading blockchain platform.