The Blockstream app supports alternative networks that offer features not available on the base Bitcoin blockchain. Currently, our app has integrated with both the Lightning Network and the Liquid Network.
Lightning
Bitcoin's Lightning Network enables much cheaper and faster transactions than what is possible on the Bitcoin blockchain. This layer-2 network leverages various Bitcoin smart contracts to enable instant, low-fee transactions, facilitated by off-chain payment channels that eventually settle back on the base Bitcoin blockchain.
Lightning's low fees and high speed make it ideal for lower-value payments, such as tipping a content creator online or buying coffee.
Liquid
The Liquid Network is a federated sidechain for Bitcoin that enables faster block times, tokenization, confidential transactions, and more. Liquid supports Tether, the world's largest stablecoin, and facilitates trustless swaps between Tether and bitcoin in a non-custodial manner. New functionality sometimes goes live on Liquid before it makes its way to Bitcoin.
Note: The Lightning Network can also operate on top of the Liquid sidechain in the same manner it does on top of the base Bitcoin blockchain. In fact, Liquid is sometimes used as a cheaper alternative to the Bitcoin blockchain for adding liquidity to the Lightning Network.