The current price of API3 is $0.6026, with a 24-hour trading volume of $8.99 million. Over the past day, API3 has seen no change in value (0.00%). The token has a circulating supply of 86.42 million API3 and a maximum supply capped at 149.21 million. As decentralized applications (dApps) continue to expand across blockchains, reliable and secure data infrastructure becomes increasingly vital—this is where API3 steps in.
What Is API3?
API3 is a next-generation oracle solution that redefines how real-world data is delivered to smart contracts. Unlike traditional third-party oracle models, API3 introduces first-party oracles, enabling data providers themselves to operate their own oracles directly on-chain. This eliminates intermediaries, enhances transparency, and significantly improves security and trust.
By cutting out the middlemen, API3 ensures that data integrity remains intact from source to blockchain. But its innovation doesn’t stop there. At the core of its ecosystem lies the OEV Network (Oracle Extractable Value Network)—a groundbreaking mechanism designed to recapture value that would otherwise be lost to external MEV (Miner Extractable Value) bots.
👉 Discover how API3 turns data into revenue for dApps
This unique approach allows decentralized applications to not only access high-quality data but also benefit financially by reclaiming value generated through their operations. In essence, API3 transforms oracles from passive data pipelines into active contributors that pay developers back.
Core Features of API3
First-Party Oracles
Traditional oracle systems rely on third-party aggregators to pull off-chain data and feed it into smart contracts. These intermediaries introduce potential points of failure, reduce transparency, and can even manipulate data flows.
With first-party oracles, data providers—such as financial institutions, weather services, or market data platforms—run their own oracle nodes directly on-chain. This direct integration ensures:
- Full control over data delivery
- Enhanced security and auditability
- Reduced latency and operational costs
- Elimination of trust assumptions in third parties
This model fosters a more resilient and transparent Web3 ecosystem where data provenance is verifiable and tamper-proof.
dAPIs (Decentralized APIs)
At the heart of API3’s utility are dAPIs—on-chain, aggregated, and verifiable APIs built from primary data sources. These are not just simple data feeds; they are fully decentralized, customizable, and easy to integrate.
Developers can deploy dAPIs across multiple chains with minimal code—often just a few lines—making them ideal for cross-chain dApp development. Each dAPI is secured by first-party oracles and backed by economic incentives aligned with the dApp’s success.
Use cases include:
- Real-time price feeds for DeFi protocols
- Weather data for insurance smart contracts
- Sports results for prediction markets
- Supply chain metrics for logistics tracking
Because dAPIs are maintained by the actual data providers, they offer superior reliability compared to aggregated third-party alternatives.
The OEV Network: Turning Data Into Revenue
One of API3’s most innovative contributions is its OEV Network. Oracle Extractable Value refers to the profit opportunities created when bots exploit timing advantages in data updates—such as front-running trades based on fresh price information.
Instead of letting these profits go to external actors, API3 captures OEV at the oracle level and redirects it back to the dApps that generate it. This creates a new revenue stream for developers and aligns economic incentives across the ecosystem.
Key benefits of the OEV Network:
- Over 43 blockchain networks supported
- More than 150 asset price feeds available
- Automatic redistribution of captured value to integrated dApps
- Increased profitability for DeFi, prediction markets, and synthetic assets
This system empowers builders to create economically sustainable applications without relying solely on user fees or token inflation.
DAO Governance
API3 operates as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), meaning protocol upgrades, funding decisions, and strategic direction are determined collectively by the community.
Stakeholders who hold and stake API3 tokens can:
- Submit and vote on governance proposals
- Allocate funds from the treasury
- Influence roadmap priorities
This ensures long-term sustainability and alignment with the interests of developers, users, and data providers alike.
How to Get Started with API3
Getting involved with API3 is straightforward, whether you're a developer, investor, or community participant.
Explore the API3 Market
Visit market.api3.org to browse live oracle feeds and test integrations. You can search by chain, data type, or use case, then integrate a feed into your dApp with minimal coding effort.
👉 Start building with self-sustaining oracles today
Access Developer Documentation
Comprehensive documentation provides step-by-step guides, code examples, and integration tutorials for various environments—including Ethereum, Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, and more.
Whether you're deploying a new lending protocol or building a cross-chain derivatives platform, the tools are designed for ease of use without sacrificing security.
Activate OEV Rewards
Once your dApp integrates with an API3 dAPI, you can opt into the OEV Network to begin capturing extractable value. This turns your oracle from a cost center into a revenue generator—because oracles should pay you, not third-party bots.
Join the DAO
Participate in shaping the future of decentralized data infrastructure. Engage in discussions, submit improvement proposals (IPs), and help steer the evolution of one of Web3’s most innovative oracle platforms.
Use Cases for API3
DeFi Lending & CDP Protocols
Decentralized finance protocols require accurate, timely pricing data to manage collateralization ratios and liquidations. By using API3-powered dAPIs:
- Price slippage is reduced
- MEV exposure is minimized
- OEV rewards are redirected back into the protocol
This leads to more stable operations and improved returns for users and developers alike.
Prediction Markets
Prediction platforms depend on verifiable real-world outcomes—election results, sports scores, economic indicators. With first-party oracles operated by trusted sources (e.g., official sports leagues or statistical agencies), these platforms gain higher credibility and resistance to manipulation.
Synthetic Assets
Platforms issuing tokenized versions of real-world assets (like stocks or commodities) need reliable price feeds. API3 ensures these valuations come directly from authorized providers, reducing settlement risk and increasing investor confidence.
Automation Tools
Smart contract automation—such as auto-rebalancing portfolios or trigger-based trading—relies on accurate triggers derived from real-time data. API3 enables secure, low-latency execution based on trustworthy inputs.
Why API3 Stands Out in Web3 Infrastructure
While many oracle projects focus solely on data delivery, API3 goes further by integrating economic sustainability into its architecture. It doesn’t just transmit data—it helps developers earn from it.
With growing support across major blockchains and increasing adoption among leading dApps, API3 is positioning itself as a foundational layer for the next generation of decentralized applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes API3 different from other oracle networks?
A: API3 uses first-party oracles, meaning data providers run their own nodes directly on-chain. This removes intermediaries, improves security, and enables OEV recapture—a feature not found in most competing solutions.
Q: How does API3 generate revenue for dApps?
A: Through its OEV Network, API3 captures value that would typically be exploited by external bots during data updates. This value is then redirected back to integrated dApps as additional income.
Q: Can I use API3 on multiple blockchains?
A: Yes. API3 supports over 43 blockchain networks, making it highly suitable for cross-chain dApp development and deployment.
Q: What is a dAPI?
A: A dAPI (decentralized API) is an on-chain, verifiable data feed created from primary sources via first-party oracles. It's designed to be easily integrated into smart contracts while maintaining high security and accuracy.
Q: How do I participate in API3 governance?
A: Holders of API3 tokens can stake their tokens and participate in voting on proposals related to protocol upgrades, treasury allocations, and ecosystem development.
Q: Is API3 suitable for non-DeFi applications?
A: Absolutely. While widely used in DeFi, API3 also powers prediction markets, insurance contracts, gaming platforms, and automated trading systems—all requiring reliable real-world data.