Layer 3 Protocol
layer type
Application and User Experience Layer ÔÇö Layer 3
Layer 3 refers to the application-specific layer that sits on top of Layer 1 and Layer 2 infrastructure. This is where end-user experiences are built ÔÇö including decentralized apps (dApps), Web3 social networks, gaming platforms, NFT marketplaces, and identity protocols. Layer 3 integrates blockchain utility into real-world workflows and interfaces while abstracting away technical complexity.
Use Case: “Layer 3 protocols create the front-end experience for users, allowing direct interaction with smart contracts, wallets, and digital assets.”
Key Concepts: UX Layer, dApps, Web3 Interfaces, Wallet Integrations, Application Protocols
Layered Model Overview:
What is a Layer 3? Layer 3 is the user-facing application layer where all the abstracted power of Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains is turned into something functional for the everyday user. This includes DeFi dashboards, NFT platforms, identity layers, cross-chain routers, and social media interfaces. While not universally defined, Layer 3 is often used to describe how Web3 is made human-accessible.
Examples of Layer 3 Projects:
- Lens Protocol ÔÇö Web3 social identity and social graph layer
- Uniswap Interface ÔÇö Application front-end to Ethereum-based DeFi
- Galaxy ÔÇö NFT credentialing and reward systems
- Cross-chain bridges & routers ÔÇö Application layers managing multi-network liquidity
- Gaming interfaces ÔÇö Where NFT assets, tokens, and users interact in gameplay
Examples of Layer 3 Tokens:
- $LENS ÔÇö Used in Lens Protocol, a Web3 social graph on Polygon
- $LOOKS ÔÇö Token for LooksRare, an NFT marketplace on Ethereum
- $AUDIO ÔÇö Native token of Audius, a decentralized music platform
- $RLY ÔÇö Creator engagement token for Web3 social and tokenized fandoms
- $GNS ÔÇö Utility token for Gains Network, a decentralized trading dApp
- $MAGIC ÔÇö Used across Treasure DAOÔÇÖs NFT and gaming ecosystem on Arbitrum
- $BONE ÔÇö Gas and governance token of Shibarium, used within ShibaSwap apps
Why Layer 3 Matters:
- Turns raw blockchain infrastructure into usable apps
- Connects people, wallets, tokens, and experiences
- Drives mainstream adoption through user-centered design
- Enable user rewards, tipping, and app-level governance
- Bridge blockchain infrastructure with real user interaction
- Power the creator economy, decentralized social, and NFT commerce
- Drive loyalty, participation, and value within Layer 3 apps
- Creates abstraction layers so users donÔÇÖt need to understand Layer 1 mechanics
brief summary
A Layer Three protocol refers to the user-facing application layer built on top of blockchain infrastructure. It includes dApps, Web3 social, NFT platforms, games, and wallet interfaces that allow users to interact with crypto without needing to manage low-level blockchain details. Layer 3 turns smart contracts into smooth, usable products.
wow, another brief summary
A Layer 3 token is a crypto asset used inside a dApp or Web3 interface built on a Layer 1 or Layer 2 blockchain. These tokens typically serve non-infrastructure purposes like tipping, governance, NFT utility, or platform rewards ÔÇö powering the economic layer of decentralized user experiences.
Layer Summary Index
- Layer 0 ÔÇô Foundational Infrastructure
Enables creation and connectivity of multiple Layer 1 blockchains. Provides shared security, interoperability, and modular design frameworks.
Examples: Polkadot, Cosmos, Avalanche Subnets - Layer 1 ÔÇô Base Blockchain Networks
Independent chains that manage their own consensus, validate transactions, and support smart contracts and tokens.
Examples: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, XRP, Hedera - Layer 2 ÔÇô Scaling Solutions
Built on top of Layer 1 to handle transaction processing off-chain, reduce congestion, and lower gas fees while settling back to Layer 1.
Examples: Optimism, Arbitrum, Polygon POS, Shibarium, Lightning Network, Songbird - Layer 3 ÔÇô Application & UX Layer
Interfaces, social protocols, and dApps that users directly interact with. Translates blockchain functionality into usable experiences.
Examples: Lens Protocol, Uniswap Interface, Galaxy, Web3 Gaming, Cross-Chain Wallets