Twitter threads on BOLT 12:

"BOLT 12 is a protocol layer solution to the invoice problem, while LNURL is an application layer solution.

This means BOLT 12 has better privacy, less centralization risk (DNS), and better UX for non-technical users.

What can we use BOLT 12 for?

1. Subscriptions.

2. Bitcoin Lightning ATMs

3. Private Refunds

Lightning took Nostr to the next level.

But BOLT 12 will take it even further.

BOLT 12 + NOSTR = THE EVERYTHING APP

If you didn’t already know, BOLT stands for Basis of Lightning Technology.

BOLTs are like BIPs for Lightning⚡️

BOLT 12 is already supported experimentally on

@blockstream

’s

@core_LN

and is also being actively implemented by the teams at

@acinq_co

,

@lightningdevkit

, &

@Lightning

BOLT 12 is distinct from BOLT 11 (the current invoicing spec on LN) in a bunch of different ways.

The main component of BOLT 12 is a new type of invoice called an “offer”.

An offer can be thought of as a ‘meta’ invoice- an invoice on top of an invoice.

Offers are useful because they are persistent and static.

This means that you can use them for donation pages, billboards, and zapping fellow plebs on Nostr!

BOLT 11 invoices, on the other hand, can only be used once, and must be generated in real-time.

BOLT 12 offers also allow you to create recurring subscriptions denominated in sats OR dollars.

This could be used to fund paid relays or creators (Patreon style), and for other subscription services.

BOLT 12 is Lightning native, which means that it’s different from LNURL/Static LN addresses because you aren’t required to run a web server to generate invoices.

Your Lightning node handles all the work.

This allows for fully self-custodial zapping⚡️”