Chainlink (LINK)
Oracle network (token on Ethereum)
Chainlink is a network of “oracles” that feeds outside data, such as asset prices, to smart contracts. LINK, launched in 2017 with a fixed supply of 1 billion, pays node operators and can be staked.
Profile last verified 23 September 2026. Live figures from CoinGecko. Not investment advice.
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What is Chainlink?
Smart contracts cannot see data outside their blockchain on their own. Chainlink’s node operators fetch and agree on that data, most famously the price feeds used by lending and trading apps.
LINK is an ERC-20 token on Ethereum and is bridged to other chains. Its mainnet went live in 2019; staking for LINK holders began in 2022.
Key facts
| Ticker | LINK |
|---|---|
| Type | Oracle network (token on Ethereum) |
| Launched | September 2017 (token sale); mainnet 2019 |
| Consensus | None of its own: a token on Ethereum; oracle reports are signed by independent node operators |
| Supply | Fixed 1 billion LINK total; circulating supply grows as the team and reserves release tokens. |
| Official site | chain.link |
What LINK is used for
- Price feeds for DeFi
- Cross-chain messaging (CCIP)
- Paying and staking with node operators
Main risks
- Large holdings by the team and project reserves can be sold into the market
- Demand for LINK does not automatically follow usage of Chainlink services
- A faulty or manipulated data feed could affect many apps at once
Related guides
Chainlink: frequently asked questions
- What is a blockchain oracle?
- A service that brings outside information, such as prices or weather, onto a blockchain so smart contracts can use it.
- Does Chainlink have its own blockchain?
- No. LINK is a token on Ethereum, and Chainlink services run across many blockchains.
- Can more LINK be created?
- No. The total supply is fixed at 1 billion; circulating supply rises as locked tokens are released.