Abeg, I dey honest: Before now, I don hear “UX revolution” for crypto matter tire. How many times dem promise say blockchain go simple like Instagram? But when I personally buy NFT direct from tweet with just one click—no wallet wahala or MetaMask gymnastics… na wa o, I shock! This na Solana Blinks and Actions in action. And dem dey work right now for real.
The main idea simple pass garri: The best way make people try new thing no be to drag dem go your corner of internet—na to meet dem where dem dey already. For their Twitter feed (or X, as dem dey call am now), their Discord, their favorite site like Jumia. Blinks and Actions do am direct: turn complex blockchain operations to ordinary clickable links. This no be “using crypto” again—na just clicking. And e pure genius.
For this guide, I go break am down like small small:
- Wetin this thing really be (explained in plain English, even if Solana new for you).
- How e dey work under hood (no obscure code, I swear!).
- Where people dey use am RIGHT NOW as of June 2025 (real-life examples from Lagos to Abuja).
- Why this fit be the “killer app” wey go make everybody join crypto (no be only for DeFi gurus—creators, businesses, and even your mama go fit use am… well, almost 😂).
- How to TRY AM yourself (plus how to create your own Blink link if you be developer).
Key Takeaways RIGHT NOW (No Time? Read This Small Small!)
- One click = transaction done. Blinks na links (for social feeds, WhatsApp, sites, QR codes) wey open your wallet with pre-built Solana transaction. No DApps, no address copying, no tab-switching jaga jaga.
- Actions na the “brains” for backstage. APIs wey generate ready-to-sign transactions based on simple user inputs (e.g., amount or address). You go only see “Sign.”
- Supported wallets: Phantom (de facto standard), Backpack, Solflare, OKX Wallet. Dem fit detect Blinks direct for social platforms and browsers.
- Current use cases: Donations/tips, NFT minting, Staking (lock crypto collect reward), DAO voting, token swaps, payments—all from platform where you see the link. Chop life!
- This na Web3 future. Blinks/Actions bring blockchain come you, no be you go meet am. Barrier to enter too low. If you get wallet and small SOL/SPL tokens—you don enter. No need “blockchain for dummies” course!
Want deeper Solana gist? Check our Solana deep dive: speed, security, SOL tokenomics.
Wetin Be Solana Blinks and Actions? Explained With Jollof Rice
Imagine:
- Solana Actions be like chef for kitchen. You talk say: “I want jollof rice” (your action). Dem know exactly which ingredients to use, how to cook am (generating transaction). You get finished plate (signable transaction). You just chop and nod (sign). No wahala!
- Solana Blinks (Blockchain Links) na menu with “Order This Jollof NOW” button. These links dey work anywhere: tweets, Instagram bios, emails, business card QR codes. Click link → chef (Action) prepare dat exact jollof (transaction) → waiter (your wallet) bring am for signature.
Simply put:
- Action: Technical instructions (“How to create transaction type X with parameters Y”).
- Blink: Shareable, clickable “wrapper” for those instructions.
Which Problem This Thing Solve? (I Don Suffer This Wahala Before!)
Remember typical DeFi/NFT stress:
- See fine NFT for tweet.
- Click link → dem redirect you go mint site.
- Connect wallet (WalletConnect popup, confirmation…).
- Wait for site to load mint interface.
- Click “Mint,” confirm transaction for wallet (another popup).
- Wait for network confirmation…
- Ugh! And dat na if everything go well!
Blinks cancel steps 2, 3, 4 and squeeze 5-7. You click link inside same tweet → your wallet (Phantom/etc.) open sharpaly with pre-built mint transaction → Sign → Done. You never leave Twitter. E be like Amazon 1-Click for blockchain. Solana achieve this because network fast pass danfo (~400ms block time) and cheap (fractions of kobo per transaction). If network “invisible,” UX sef must invisible.
This na Solana answer to Web3 “abstraction” trend (like smart contract wallets for Ethereum). Main idea: You no need sabi gear to drive car. Just press button abeg.
How Solana Blinks Work: Step by Step (Even Newbie Fit Understand)
Technically, “Blinks” na smart URLs. Under hood—clean engineering. Here wetin happen when you click one (e.g., https://example.com/action?param=value#blink):
- Detection: Your wallet (Phantom/Backpack/etc.) spot the special parameter (#blink or ?action=…). E realize say: “Aha, this na Blink!”
- Metadata Request: Wallet ping link address: “Hey, wetin I go show user? Buttons? Input fields?” (GET request).
- UI Display: Wallet get response (action name, description, input fields) and show tidy button/form over platform (tweet, website). Example: “Donate to creator: [Amount field] SOL. ‘Support’ button.”
- Transaction Generation: You enter details click “Support.” Wallet send your public address + inputs back to Action server (POST request).
- Receiving the “Finished Food”: Action server quick quick build exact transaction (e.g., SOL transfer to creator address), encode am to base64, return am.
- Sign & Send: Wallet open (if closed) show pre-built transaction: “Send X SOL to address Y… Fee: Z.” You verify (IMPORTANT O!) → click “Sign” → Transaction hit Solana. Done. You still dey tweet.
Where Dem Dey Use Am NOW? (Real Examples, June 2025)
- Social Media (X/Twitter): Musician tweet: “Support my new album! [Blink link].” Click → Donation form → Sign → Dem get SOL. You never move. Example: @SolanaFndn test donation Blinks.
- Messengers (Discord): DAO chat bot: “Vote on Proposal #42! [Blink].” Click → “Yes/No/Abstain” buttons → Choose → Sign → Vote record without leaving Discord.
- Websites/Blogs: “Buy with SOL” button for crypto store like Bundle Africa → Click → Wallet confirmation → Purchase complete. No redirect go DEXs/checkouts.
- QR Codes: Conference poster for Eko Hotel: “Scan for exclusive NFT!” → Scan with Phantom Mobile → Pre-built mint → Sign → NFT don enter your wallet. Example: NFT giveaways at Solana Breakpoint.
- Physical World: Artist business card with QR-Blink for NFT mints. Café poster for Ikeja: “Dash your barista SOL? Scan!”
Supported Wallets (June 2025)
| Wallet | Blinks Support | Works In |
|---|---|---|
| Phantom | Full (extension + mobile) | X, Discord, Web, QR codes |
| Backpack | Full (extension + mobile app) | X, Discord, Web, QR codes |
| Solflare | Full (extension + mobile) | X, Discord, Web, QR codes |
| OKX Wallet | Full (extension + mobile app) | X, Discord, Web, QR codes |
Why Blinks Na Game Changer
- One click. Seriously, peak UX simplicity.
- Stay “for house”. No tab/app jumping. Actions happen where you discover dem.
- Work anywhere. Any link/QR-supporting platform. Desktop/mobile—no difference.
- Easy for devs. Actions integration standardized. No rebuild for each platform.
How Solana Actions Work (“The Brains”)
If Blinks na fine button, Actions na engine wey dey power am for back. Dem be specialized web APIs for developer server. Dem work: accept wallet requests (with user data) return ready-to-sign Solana transaction.
Behind scenes when you click Blink:
- “Wetin to Show?” (GET request): Wallet ask Action URL: “Wetin be this action? Name? Description? User inputs wey need?” Action reply with metadata JSON. This tell wallet how to show UI.
- “Do Am!” (POST request): User do something (enter amount, click button). Wallet send Action POST request containing:
- User public wallet address
- User-input data (SOL amount, recipient address, vote ID, etc.)
- (Optional) Signature wey verify request authenticity
- “Done!” (Action Response): Action server:
- Build actual Solana transaction (e.g., “Transfer 1.5 SOL from A to B”)
- Serialize am (convert to byte sequence)
- Encode to base64 (make e easy to send)
- Return this base64 string go wallet
- Wallet Take Over: Decode transaction, validate am, show user for final review/signature. After sign—broadcast go Solana.
Top Action Use Cases (June 2025)
- Tips/Donations: Click → Enter amount → Send SOL/token to creator. Perfect for streamers, musicians.
- NFT Minting: Click → Sign → NFT enter wallet. No mint-site stress! Artists/projects dey use am for point systems/airdrops.
- Staking (lock crypto collect reward): Click Blink for validator dashboard → Choose amount → Sign → SOL delegated. Make passive income simple.
- DAO Voting: Click link for Discord/DAO site → Choose option → Sign → Vote recorded. 1-click democracy.
- Crypto Checkout (e-commerce): “Buy with SOL” for shop site like Jumia → Click → Sign → Product enter your hand. Big potential!
- Token Swaps: Link with preset pair (e.g., SOL → USDC) → Click → Enter amount → Sign → Swap via DEX. Simplified.
Why Blinks & Actions Be Web3 Future (My Expert Opinion)
Make we talk truth: Blockchain mass adoption jam not only because scalability/fees, but because UX terrible. Blinks/Actions solve am finally. This no be “another wallet connect.” Na new way entirely.
- Web3 Come to Users (No Be Vice Versa). No more to dey find DApps or fight interfaces. Blockchain function enter user current digital experience: feeds, chats, sites, physical QR codes. Like internet banking inside Gmail without bank site redirects.
- Death of “DApp” as Main Entry Point? Traditional DApps (decentralized apps) be monolithic frontend + backend. Blinks/Actions decentralize frontend. Action logic stay centralized, while “buttons” (Blinks) scatter everywhere. Frontends become instant and contextual.
Comparison to WalletConnect / Deep Links:
- WalletConnect: Need explicit session between DApp/wallet. You still enter DApp. Blinks no need pre-connection. Links dey self-contained.
- Deep Links (e.g., phantom://): Fit open wallets to specific screens (e.g., send SOL), but no get full complex transaction context (mint, stake, vote). Dem launch wallets, not pre-built transactions. Blinks = Deep Links on steroids!
Where This Go Change Markets:
- NFTs: Instant mint/buy from creator tweets or collector posts. No mint-site queues. I buy art like this for X—pure magic!
- DeFi: Stake delegation, liquidity provision, simple swaps via links for guides, community dashboards. Reduce newbie fear for complex DEX UIs.
- Gaming: Sell/trade in-game assets, buy boosts/skins direct for guild chats or streams. Players no leave gameplay.
- Physical World + Web3: QR-Blinks on tickets (verification + souvenir NFT), merch (mint NFT with purchase), business cards (donate/mint portfolio). Example: National Museum Lagos test Blinks for exhibition visitor NFT certificates.
This na foundation. Blinks/Actions turn blockchain to tool, not destination. And Solana—with speed and low cost—na perfect network for am.
How to Start Using Solana Blinks & Actions NOW
For Users (Dead Simple)
- Install Supported Wallet: If you no get: Phantom (recommended), Backpack, Solflare, or OKX Wallet. Mobile versions support Blinks! (Need best crypto wallet for Android Nigeria? Phantom dey lead!)
- Look for #blink Links: For Twitter/X, Discord, project sites, articles (like this!). Dem look like normal links or get Blink indicator.
- Click & VERIFY! Important: Convenience mean responsibility. Your wallet go show transaction details before sign. ALWAYS check:
- Recipient: Address match wetin you expect (e.g., known creator address).
- Wetin: Transaction type (send, contract call) and amount.
- Fee: Small for Solana, but recipient address na key!
- Source: Trust account/site wey share link?
- Sign & Enjoy: If everything correct—confirm. Transaction complete for seconds.
For Developers (Integration: 1 Day)
Want Blinks for your project? Use Solana tools (Solana Actions SDK).
Basic steps:
- Create Action Endpoint (API):
- Implement GET /your-action-url: Return JSON metadata (name, description, input fields). Follow Frictionless Spec.
- Implement POST /your-action-url: Accept data (user address, inputs) → return base64-encoded Solana transaction.
- Declare Your Action: Host actions.json for your domain root (e.g., https://your-site/.well-known/actions.json). List your Action paths. Help wallets discover Blinks when users visit your site.
- Create Blink Link: Take your Action URL (e.g., https://your-site/donate?creator=ABC123), add anchor #blink or parameter &action=true. Result: https://your-site/donate?creator=ABC123#blink.
- Test: Use Blinks Inspector or wallet dev tools verify metadata/transaction correct. Test with Phantom/Backpack.
- Distribute: Put Blink links for tweets, Discord posts, websites, emails, QR codes.
Pro tip: Start simple (e.g., fixed-address donation). Take ~2 hours. Then try NFT mints/complex contracts.
Conclusion: This Na Just Beginning
Solana Blinks & Actions no be ordinary feature. Dem be big leap to make blockchain become invisible infrastructure. Dem wipe last UX barriers.
Impact:
- Users: Unprecedented simplicity. 1-2 click blockchain ops where you need am.
- Creators: Direct monetization (donations, NFT sales) without middlemen.
- Businesses: New customer touchpoints (checkouts, loyalty, verification) using blockchain strength (speed, transparency, low cost).
- Developers: Powerful distribution—your function work everywhere, no only inside DApp. Standard integration.
My verdict: If you never try Blinks—find live link (e.g., Solana Foundation test donation) click. You go feel difference. Na dat “aha!” moment wey show say mass adoption no be story. Solana set tone here, other ecosystems go follow. Web3 future just become less “cringe” and more usable. And dat sweet well well.
Try Blinks today. E worth am.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – June 2025
1. How Secure Be Solana Blinks and Actions?
Technology secure. Actions/Blinks mechanism dey sound for cryptography. Transactions dey signed only by you for your wallet.
Main risk = phishing! Bad people fit create fake Blink links. Always, ALWAYS verify transaction details (especially recipient address!) for wallet before sign. No click Blinks from people you no trust. Trust only known projects/creators. Security depend on your eye.
2. Blinks Fit Be Dangerous?
Technically—yes. Action fit generate any valid Solana transaction, including one wey go clear your wallet or give fund access (if you sign approval). Na why verify transaction details na rule #1.
3. Which Wallets Support Blinks Today?
Key players: Phantom, Backpack, Solflare, OKX Wallet (browser extensions + mobile apps). List dey grow—watch wallet updates. Ledger/Solflare via Ledger Live need extra steps.
4. I Need Coding Skills to Use Blinks?
No, never! Users only need compatible wallet. Creating Blinks need developer skills (or creator tools from projects).
5. How Blinks Different From Deep Links (e.g., phantom://) or WalletConnect?
- Deep Links: Only open wallets to specific screens (e.g., “send SOL”). No get logic for complex transactions (mint, stake, vote) or in-context UI.
- WalletConnect: Need make session between DApp/wallet. Users still enter DApp use interface. Blinks skip DApps entirely.
6. Blinks Dey Work for Mobile?
Yes! Compatible mobile wallets (Phantom Mobile, Backpack App, etc.) handle Blinks via:
- Phone browsers (click link → prompt open wallet)
- Mobile apps (if app support link handling like Twitter/X)
- QR code scans via wallet camera
(Need cheap data Nigeria? MTN/Airtel bundles dey affordable!)
7. Dem Fit Combine Multiple Actions Make One Complex Operation?
As of June 2025—no. One Blink = one Action request = one transaction. But one Action fit generate transaction wey call multiple instructions (e.g., approve + DEX swap). Native Action chaining no standard yet but dem dey expect am.
Want to master Solana? Check our guide: Solana for Beginners: Wallets, SOL Tokens, Staking & Security.
Essential Naija Crypto Resources
- Nairametrics Crypto News – Market analysis & policy updates
- TechCabal Crypto – Tech & startup crypto coverage
- Bitcoin Naija – How to buy Bitcoin on Binance with Opay guides
- CryptoTVPlus – Video explainers & market news
- Quidax Learn – Exchange tutorials for African traders
- Bundle Africa Blog – Social payments & crypto insights
