ZNS Connect on Shardeum: Mint Human-Readable .shm Domains

Long wallet addresses remain a barrier to Web3’s everyday usage. They’re difficult to remember, easy to get wrong, and intimidating for users who are just getting started.

For example, sending funds to a wallet address like 0x7a9f...e3b2 is far less intuitive than using a human-readable name such as arya.shm – a domain-name style identifier linked to that wallet address. This is where Web3 domain naming comes in.

Today, we’re excited to announce the partnership between Shardeum and ZNS Connect, a Web3 domain and naming platform that introduces human-readable .shm domains to the Shardeum ecosystem.

What is ZNS Connect?

ZNS Connect allows users to mint blockchain-based domain names and use them as a persistent identity across supported networks for funds transfers, on-chain engagement, and participation across Web3 applications.

Unlike traditional domains like google.com, which is governed by centralized registrars and controlled off-chain, Web3 domains are:

• stored on-chain
• controlled through the user’s wallet
• governed by smart contracts rather than centralized registrars

Therefore, a Web3 domain can act as:

• an identity layer (who you are on-chain)
• a social and reputation layer (your activity and presence)
• a gateway to on-chain interactions

On Shardeum, .shm domains serve as the foundation for this identity and engagement layer.

Mint Your .shm Domain: Early Access

Early users can mint a .shm domain on Shardeum using ZNS Connect for approximately 5000 SHM (~$1). This early-access pricing is available for a limited period. Follow the tutorial below to mint your domain. Please note: When creating and minting your domain name, be sure to use lowercase letters only before .shm

Your .shm domain gives you a human-readable on-chain identity that you can begin using across the Shardeum ecosystem, with broader Web3 utility becoming available as integrations expand.

Tutorial Video

In addition to minting your .shm domain, you can complete the following activities to build engagement milestones on ZNS Connect and get your identity ready for future on-chain use.

1. Complete Profile & Off-Chain Setup: After minting your domain, you can complete basic profile setup such as linking social accounts, adding profile metadata, and setting up your ZNS identity. While these actions are off-chain, they help establish your on-chain presence and contribute toward reputation within the ecosystem.
2. Participate in GM Activity: Once your domain is minted, you can participate in GM activity – a lightweight, low-cost on-chain interaction designed to encourage regular participation. GM activity via ZNS Connect:
   • creates real on-chain activity tied to your domain
   • contributes toward engagement milestones over time
3. Deploy Simple Contracts – No Coding Required: ZNS Connect enables users to deploy smart contracts directly on Shardeum without writing code. Similar to GM activity, these lightweight deployments serve as low-cost on-chain engagement actions, helping users build activity and participation tied to their .shm identity.
4. Earn Benefits by Inviting Others (Referral Program): ZNS Connect also offers a referral mechanism that rewards users for bringing others into the ecosystem. By inviting new users to mint domains and participate, you can earn additional benefits tied to your activity.

Tip: Maintain a small SHM balance (~1000 SHM) in your wallet to cover gas fees for minting and on-chain interactions.

What’s Coming Next

As ecosystem integrations expand, additional capabilities will unlock:

1. Name-based payments: Send and receive tokens using .shm domain names instead of long wallet addresses.
2. Cross-chain identity: An easily recognizable identity that works across 25+ supported blockchain networks.
3. On-chain gaming and engagement: Interactive features like mini-games designed to boost participation and activity, and earn rewards based on milestones you complete.

ZNS Connect on Shardeum is about owning a domain and using that identity on-chain. By combining human-readable domains with low-cost transactions and engagement-driven features, Shardeum aims to make on-chain participation more user-friendly. Stay tuned as we roll out additional features and integrations.

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Are you a builder, founder, or developer eager to collaborate with Shardeum? Submit a partnership enquiry and secure the first-mover advantage in shaping India’s on-chain future on our Layer-1 smart contract network.

Disclaimer: Always DYOR. Shardeum Foundation does not endorse or guarantee the partner’s products, services, or offerings mentioned in this announcement. Use of the Shardeum blockchain, its technology, or any related software is at your own risk. Shardeum Foundation and its affiliates are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential losses arising from such use.