## Welcome to Nostr.
Nostr is half a million people, and now you, trying to build a better social media space. The protocol is new and still developing rapidly, with many smart developers building all sorts of things. It can be a little overwhelming and confusing for new arrivals. This page is a modest attempt to get you grounded before the noise overwhelms.
## Wallet and Keys
You should have a public key (npub1A2b...) and a secret key (nsec1z1x3...). Share the npub, never share the nsec. Together they serve as your username/password, so don't lose them. You should also have a Bitcoin/Lightning wallet. With those three things secured, everything else is easily changed. We currently recommend [Alby](
https://getalby.com/) as the best way to manage both wallet and keys.
## Clients
There are numerous clients with different goals and features. [Here's a list](
https://devstr.org/clients/). Use one or as many as you'd like - your wallet, keys, and profile can come right along. So try a client and post your own note - maybe sharing how you heard about Nostr. Congratulations, you are now a Nostrich. Now you can buy an Ostrich at the exotic pet store to serve as a mascot.
## Setup Your Profile
Nostr includes a personal profile with; name, about, avatar, name@domain (NIP05), a name@lightning address (LUD16), and a few other things. Name is usually a handle or nickname. About is a short bio of up to 150 characters. Avatar is any small picture. NIP05 is an optional shorthand address for your npub key; [numerous providers exist](
https://nostr.how/en/guides/get-verified). LUD16 is a shorthand address for your lightning wallet (name@getalby.com). Don't sweat it. You can change these elements later. Your profile is linked to your npub, not your client.
## Build Your Tribe
Like most social media platforms, you will want to build your tribe or who you want to follow. Read some notes, tap on interesting people, and then press follow. Now you will see all the notes they share. Each client is set up differently but all have a 'follow' function. You can search for specific people and follow them, or even follow who they follow. If you use Twitter, here's an easy way to [move your follower list to Nostr](
https://nostr.directory/). Again, low stress, you can unfollow someone easily too.
## Zaps
Now for the fun stuff. Most nostriches use zaps instead of likes. Zaps are tiny amounts of bitcoin that you 'tip' people for notes you appreciate (and they 'tip' you). And I mean really tiny, like 20 sats (satoshis - the smallest unit of Bitcoin) which is about half a US penny (ha'penny?) You can easily load your Alby wallet with something like CashApp). Most people find it way more fun and meaningful than likes. It's part of what makes Nostr Nostr. Now go out and Zap something.
## Relays
Relays allow you to tune your Nostr experience. For now, we recommend you leave them be. You will know when you are ready. [Here's more information](devstr.org/relays/) for when you are ready.
## Have Fun and Express Yourself
Some applicable cliches: Attack ideas, not people. We are all on the same planet. Learn daily. Create something. Fix, don't complain. Now go Zap us to a better world.
