API3

API3 is redefining the oracle space by introducing an incentive-aligned ecosystem where data consumers are directly rewarded for their usage. Through the Oracle Extractable Value (OEV) mechanism, API3 captures a portion of the MEV that occurs due to the latency of on-chain data updates. Instead of letting this value be extracted by third parties, API3 runs auctions for OEV opportunities and returns 80% of the proceeds to the dApps using its data feeds. This turns what was previously a cost center into a sustainable revenue stream for DeFi projects.

At the core of API3’s architecture is the API3 Market, a self-service interface that enables developers to activate and integrate data feeds instantly. All feeds are inactive by default and become accessible once a usage plan is purchased. This approach ensures a permissionless and scalable system for accessing real-time price, asset, and protocol data across more than 30 blockchain networks. The platform currently supports feeds across a wide variety of L2s, including Berachain, BOB, Linea, Zircuit, Ronin, and others.

With powerful tools for developers and institutional-grade reliability, API3 makes it possible to build secure and highly scalable DeFi applications without giving up on decentralization. Its integration options work seamlessly with Remix, Hardhat, and MetaMask, while the Api3ReaderProxyV1 contract enables direct reading of feed data in smart contracts. The protocol’s vision is one where data becomes a shared asset—transparent, reliable, and profitable for every dApp it touches. As DeFi moves into new territories and emerging chains, API3 is already there, delivering oracles that pay you back.

In a competitive field of oracle providers that includes Chainlink and Band Protocol, API3 sets itself apart by returning economic benefits to its users and promoting decentralized governance over oracle infrastructure. The result is a high-performance, transparent system that doesn’t just serve data—it transforms how data powers on-chain applications.

API3 provides numerous benefits and features that elevate it beyond traditional oracle services:

• OEV Rewards: Earn up to 80% of OEV auction revenue generated from your data feed usage, turning oracle costs into passive income.
• API3 Market: A user-friendly portal to activate and integrate data feeds across all major EVM chains without negotiations or code audits.
• 200+ Live Data Feeds: Access decentralized price and protocol feeds instantly on networks like Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Polygon zkEVM, and more.
• Transparent Oracle Architecture: No hidden middlemen or opaque infrastructure—all operations are verifiable on-chain.
• Instant Integration: Supports tools like Remix and Hardhat for quick deployment, and MetaMask compatibility ensures a fast testing cycle.
• Decentralized OEV Auctions: Participate in a permissionless network that extracts and redistributes value from block-level data updates.
• Chain Agnostic Support: Integrate once, access feeds on over 30 chains including Berachain, opBNB, Mantle, Taiko, Zircuit, and more.
• Hackathon Ready: Developer docs and quickstart guides make it easy to onboard projects in a matter of hours—not weeks.

API3 makes it fast and efficient to integrate oracle data into any smart contract project:

• Step 1: Visit API3 Market
  Go to API3 Market and select your preferred network using the toggle to access testnets or mainnets.
• Step 2: Choose a Data Feed
  Search for an available feed or browse the catalog; feeds that are already active will take you directly to the integration page.
• Step 3: Activate a Feed
  If the feed is inactive, select your plan duration and click "Purchase" to activate it. All users can access an active feed until the plan expires.
• Step 4: Deploy Example Contract
  Clone the official Remix example repo or use Hardhat to deploy your smart contract with the feed integration.
• Step 5: Connect with MetaMask
  Ensure your wallet is connected to the correct network, then deploy the contract using the copied Api3ReaderProxyV1 address.
• Step 6: Read Feed Data
  Use the “readDataFeed” function in your contract UI to view live values from your activated data feed.
• Step 7: Earn Rewards
  After mainnet integration, apply to receive your share of OEV Rewards and generate income by simply consuming data feeds.