Basic Attention Token (BAT), launched in May 2017, is an ERC-20 utility and governance token on the Ethereum blockchain, powering the Brave browser ecosystem. Founded by Brave Software, BAT revolutionizes digital advertising by rewarding users for their attention, compensating publishers, and optimizing ad spend for advertisers. BAT enables privacy-preserving, opt-in ads, with 70% of ad revenue shared with users, driving $2.7B in total value locked (TVL) across its ecosystem.

Key Features

  • Privacy-Centric Ads: Brave blocks trackers and intrusive ads, offering opt-in, anonymized ads that reward users with BAT.
  • High User Adoption: Over 60M monthly active Brave users globally, with 2M+ verified creators earning BAT.
  • Low Fees: Ethereum-based transactions cost ~$0.10-$1, depending on gas fees, with Ronin Network integration reducing costs.
  • Ecosystem: Supports tipping for creators, ad campaigns on 200+ exchanges, and integrations with Web3 dApps.

BAT Token

  • Purpose: Used for ad rewards, creator tipping, governance, and payments within the Brave ecosystem.
  • Supply: Circulating supply of ~1.5 billion BAT, with a max supply of 1.5 billion (fully diluted).
  • Contract Address: On Ethereum, BAT’s contract is 0x0d8775f648430679a709e98d2b0cb6250d2887ef (addable to MetaMask). CoinGecko CMC.

Who Are the Founders of BAT?

BAT was co-founded by Brendan Eich, creator of JavaScript and former Mozilla CEO, and Brian Bondy, CTO with experience at Mozilla and Khan Academy. Launched via a $35M ICO in under 30 seconds, Brave Software drives BAT’s integration into the Brave browser, with the BAT Roadmap 3.0 expanding multichain utility.

What Makes BAT Unique?

BAT redefines digital advertising:

  • User Rewards: Users earn 70% of ad revenue (~$5-10/month) for viewing privacy-preserving ads.
  • Creator Support: Nearly 2M verified creators receive BAT tips from fans, enhancing Web3 monetization.
  • Advertiser Efficiency: Anonymized targeting reduces fraud, improving ROI compared to traditional ad platforms.
  • Multichain Growth: Integrations with Ronin, Polygon, and Solana ecosystems expand BAT’s DeFi and gaming utility.

BAT Network Upgrades (2025)

  • Boomerang Protocol (Q1 2025): Introduced a decentralized incentive system, boosting ad engagement by 15%.
  • Ronin Integration (March 2025): Reduced transaction fees by 80% for Brave Rewards, increasing user payouts.
  • Self-Serve Ads V2 (June 2025): Enhanced ad platform scalability, supporting 5,000+ campaigns monthly.

How Is BAT Secured?

BAT and its ecosystem are secured through:

  • Ethereum PoS: Leverages Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake for transaction and smart contract security.
  • Smart Contract Audits: Regular audits by firms like Trail of Bits ensure Brave Rewards and ad system integrity.
  • Privacy-First Design: Anonymized ad delivery protects user data, with no tracking or personal info stored.
  • Governance: BAT holders vote on ecosystem proposals, ensuring decentralized oversight.

Conclusion

Basic Attention Token (BAT) transforms digital advertising by rewarding users, creators, and advertisers within the Brave browser ecosystem. With 60M+ users, $2.7B TVL, and upgrades like Boomerang and Ronin integration, BAT drives privacy-focused Web3 innovation.