Protocol Revenue

Definition ∞ Protocol revenue refers to the income generated by a decentralized protocol through its operational activities. This income can arise from transaction fees, service charges, or other mechanisms designed into the protocol’s economic model. Analyzing protocol revenue is critical for assessing the sustainability and economic viability of decentralized applications and networks.
Context ∞ Discussions about protocol revenue are central to evaluating the health and growth potential of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and other blockchain-based services. News frequently reports on revenue metrics for prominent protocols, indicating their financial performance and market traction. This data provides essential context for understanding which protocols are generating value and attracting economic activity.