Get Started with Nostr: Your Simple Guide

Welcome! You've heard about Nostr – a new kind of social experience designed for free speech, user choice, and content ownership. Unlike traditional social media, Nostr is an open protocol, not a single company. Think of it like email or the web itself – many different apps can access the same underlying network. Getting started is easier than you think!

This guide will walk you through the essential first steps to join the global Nostr conversation. Let's reclaim your online presence!

Step 1: Get Your Nostr Identity (Keys)

Your identity on Nostr isn't tied to a platform like Twitter or Facebook; it's secured by cryptography using a pair of keys:

  • Public Key (npub): Your public username/address (starts with npub...). Share this freely so others can find and follow you.
  • Private Key (nsec): Your secret password (starts with nsec...). It proves you own your public key.
CRITICAL SECURITY WARNING:
NEVER share your Private Key (nsec) with anyone or paste it into websites. Treat it like the master key to your entire digital identity on Nostr. Losing it means losing your account forever. Back it up securely offline (e.g., written down, password manager) immediately after creating it.

How Should You Get Your Keys? Two Paths:

Choose the path that best suits your comfort level right now:

Option 1: Easiest Start (Generate Keys in an App)

Best for absolute beginners just wanting to quickly get started. These user-friendly clients can create keys for you when you first install and use them.

Recommended Apps for Easy Key Generation:

Important If You Choose This: The app will show you your keys (npub and nsec) after creation. You MUST immediately **back up your private key (nsec)** securely offline. Later, once you're comfortable, we strongly recommend importing this key into a dedicated "signer" (see Option 2) for better security and the ability to use other apps easily.

Option 2: Recommended Approach (Use a Signer First)

Best for Android and Web users, long-term security, and using multiple Nostr apps easily. A "signer" app manages your private key securely and approves actions for other apps without exposing the key.

Recommended Signers:
  • Nostr Connect (Chrome browser Extension): Great for beginners. Manages keys and permissions for web apps.
  • Alby (Browser Extension): Excellent for desktop/web. Manages keys & Lightning. Great for Bitcoiners.
  • Amber (Android): Powerful. Works great with popular Android apps and some web apps.
  • Nostore (Safari browser Extension): Secure key management for web apps using Safari on iOS.

How it Works: Install the signer first -> Generate your keys *within the signer* -> Back up the private key (nsec) shown by the signer -> Proceed to Step 2 and choose client apps -> When logging into clients, choose the option to connect with your signer (e.g., "Login with extension" or follow app prompts).

Step 2: Choose Your App (Client)

Clients are the apps you use to browse Nostr feeds and interact. If you chose Option 2 above, you now pick clients to use *with* your signer. If you chose Option 1, you already have one client, but you can now try others using the private key you backed up (ideally by importing it into a signer first!).

Popular Clients:

Remember to look for the "Login with signer/extension" option when using these clients if you used Option 2 for key generation. If you used Option 1, you will not need to perform these steps.

When you open a client for the first time, it will usually ask you to log in. Choose the option to "use a signer" or "use NIP-07 extension" or follow the specific instructions for connecting Amber. The client will then ask your signer app to confirm your identity without seeing your private key.

Step 3: Find People & Content

Nostr is about connections! Once you're logged into a client:

  • Use Search: Most clients have a search function. (Primal's Advanced Search is excellent!) Try searching for topics or names you're interested in.
  • Explore Directories: Websites help you find people based on interests or existing social media profiles:
  • Follow Us!: Get started by following the Grow Nostr Initiative and key community members.
  • Create Your Feeds: Some clients have "Feed Marketplaces" showing posts from various feed types with diverse content. Build and configure your feeds to your liking. You're in control of your attention.

Step 4: Basic Concepts (Briefly!)

You don't need to master everything at once, but here are two quick concepts:

  • Relays: These are simple servers that receive posts from users and forward them to other connected users. You don't usually need to manage these manually initially, as clients come with good defaults. Think of them like message passers.
  • Zaps ⚡: Small Bitcoin payments sent over the Lightning Network directly between users, often used for tipping content creators or showing appreciation. Many clients have Zap buttons integrated!

Welcome to Nostr!

You've taken the first steps into a more open, free, and user-controlled online world. Explore different clients, follow interesting people, and experience the power of a decentralized network.

Learn More: Nostr Strategy See Case Studies