In a groundbreaking move for Web3 infrastructure, Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto have unveiled Shelby—a standalone decentralized hot storage network engineered for high-frequency, persistent Web3 applications. By merging a high-performance node network, dedicated fiber backbone, and on-chain programmable architecture, Shelby redefines what’s possible in decentralized data storage, enabling real-time use cases like video streaming, AI data pipelines, decentralized social networks, and DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks).
With over 82.5% of global internet traffic now driven by video and live content, traditional cloud services are increasingly strained by real-time demands. Developers face limitations from closed ecosystems and latency bottlenecks. Shelby steps in as a transformative solution—delivering cloud-like performance through a decentralized protocol while ensuring all data flows are verifiable on-chain.
👉 Discover how next-gen decentralized storage is reshaping real-time applications
The Power of Collaboration: Aptos Labs & Jump Crypto
Shelby is the result of deep technical synergy between two major Web3 innovators. Engineers from Aptos Labs, many of whom previously worked on scalability solutions at Meta (including Instagram), are building a consumer-grade blockchain infrastructure for Shelby. This includes rapid consensus, flexible logic layers, and out-of-the-box functionalities tailored for performance-intensive applications.
On the other side, Jump Crypto, one of the most active infrastructure builders in digital assets, brings its expertise in ultra-low-latency systems and high-speed data streaming—critical for real-time read/write operations. Their experience in high-frequency trading systems ensures Shelby can handle massive parallel data flows with minimal delay.
Together, they’re combining Web2 speed with Web3 economics and decentralization, creating a scalable data service layer that could open an entirely new vertical in decentralized storage.
Solving the Web3 Storage Dilemma
Historically, decentralized storage has been synonymous with "cold" storage—slow, static, and ideal for archiving but ill-suited for real-time interaction. This limitation has hindered the development of dynamic Web3 applications that require instant data access.
Shelby introduces a new data primitive: a programmable hot storage system that supports native streaming, built-in monetization, and adaptive evolution based on usage patterns. This means:
- Sub-second read speeds
- On-chain access control logic
- Dynamic pricing models
- Real-time data updates
Unlike traditional systems where data retrieval involves lengthy downloads or off-chain verification, Shelby ensures seamless, verifiable access—all while maintaining full decentralization.
How Shelby Works: Architecture at Scale
Shelby operates on a global network of high-performance servers connected via a dedicated fiber backbone, enhanced with edge caching to deliver content at scale in under seconds. This infrastructure is optimized for low-latency delivery, making it ideal for time-sensitive applications.
Its architecture natively supports:
- Pay-as-you-go pricing
- Token-based access control
- Tipping mechanisms for content creators
- DRM-like permission protection
- Smart contract-defined authorization management
Performance is anchored by Aptos’ mainchain capabilities:
- 600ms finality
- 30,000 TPS throughput
- $0.000005 average gas fee per transaction
While Aptos serves as the native coordination layer, Shelby is designed to be multi-chain compatible. Future integrations will extend support to major ecosystems like Ethereum, Solana, and other modular blockchains, positioning Shelby as a cross-chain data layer.
“Shelby represents the next chapter in decentralized infrastructure. It’s not just faster and more flexible—it unlocks an entirely new category of cross-chain, real-time applications and gives developers and creators true ownership over their data and economic models.”
— Avery Ching, CEO of Aptos Labs“With Shelby, we aim to break the trade-off between speed and centralization. Its ability to enable large-scale native data streaming, on-chain authorization logic, and content monetization isn’t just a breakthrough for Web3—it redefines the internet itself.”
— Saurabh Sharma, Head of Investments at Jump Crypto
👉 See how developers are leveraging high-speed decentralized storage today
Key Use Cases Enabled by Shelby
1. Real-Time Streaming Services
Content creators can launch premium pay-per-view or subscription-based video platforms without relying on cold storage delays. Live streams are delivered instantly, with native monetization through tokens and micropayments.
2. On-Chain Data Feeds
Shelby acts as a decentralized source for block indexers and real-time blockchain snapshots—critical for analytics tools, oracles, and monitoring systems requiring up-to-the-second accuracy.
3. AI Data Marketplaces (Data Marts)
Training datasets remain perpetually available, eliminating repetitive uploads and downloads. Version control is built-in, enabling reproducible AI experiments and collaborative model development.
4. DePIN & Decentralized Social Networks
Sensor data from DePIN devices and user-generated content (UGC) can be updated in real time. This enables live social interactions, on-chain reputation tracking, and transparent content moderation—all without centralized intermediaries.
Projects across Web2 and Web3—including Metaplex, Story Protocol, DoubleZero, and Pipe—are already exploring integration with Shelby. This reflects growing demand for cross-chain, real-time infrastructure and underscores the expanding influence of the Aptos ecosystem.
Roadmap: From DevNet to Global Adoption
Shelby’s development is progressing rapidly:
- DevNet launch: Q4 2025
- Followed by a public testnet
- Full mainnet rollout with support for Aptos, Ethereum, Solana, and more
The vision extends beyond initial chains, aiming to integrate with emerging modular ecosystems and serve as a foundational data layer for the next generation of dApps.
A Paradigm Shift in Web Infrastructure
Shelby isn’t just another storage protocol—it’s a paradigm shift. It bridges the long-standing gap between Web2 performance and Web3 decentralization, offering developers a powerful new primitive: real-time, programmable, economically viable hot storage.
As the line between Web2 and Web3 continues to blur, Shelby stands at the forefront of convergence—ushering in a future where speed, scalability, and user sovereignty coexist.
👉 Explore the future of decentralized data infrastructure now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Shelby?
A: Shelby is a high-performance decentralized hot storage network developed by Aptos Labs and Jump Crypto. It enables real-time data access for Web3 applications like streaming, AI, DePIN, and social networks.
Q: How does Shelby differ from traditional decentralized storage?
A: Unlike cold storage solutions (e.g., IPFS, Arweave), Shelby is optimized for speed and real-time use. It offers sub-second read times, dynamic pricing, on-chain access control, and support for live data streaming.
Q: Is Shelby limited to the Aptos blockchain?
A: While built on Aptos’ coordination layer, Shelby is designed to be multi-chain. Future support includes Ethereum, Solana, and other modular blockchains.
Q: What are the main use cases for Shelby?
A: Key applications include real-time video streaming, AI training data hosting, decentralized social media, DePIN sensor networks, and on-chain data indexing.
Q: When will Shelby be available?
A: The DevNet is scheduled for Q4 2025, followed by a public testnet and eventual mainnet launch.
Q: How does Shelby ensure low latency and high throughput?
A: Through a global network of high-performance nodes connected via dedicated fiber optics, edge caching, and integration with Aptos’ fast-finality blockchain (600ms finality, 30k TPS).
Core Keywords: decentralized hot storage, Shelby, Aptos Labs, Jump Crypto, Web3 infrastructure, real-time data, multi-chain storage, AI data pipelines