Nostr posts are primarily stored in a decentralized manner across various relays, which act as servers that receive and distribute messages to clients connected to the network. Unlike conventional social media platforms that house data centrally, Nostr leverages the principle of decentralization to enhance resilience and control. Each relay stores copies of posts independently, allowing multiple access points without relying on a single centralized database.

When a user publishes a post, it is cryptographically signed and broadcast to one or more relays chosen by the user or client software. Thes relays temporarily or persistently keep the data, enabling other users to retrieve messages by subscribing to these relays. This distributed architecture effectively creates a network of nodes that collaborate in holding and transmitting content, reducing censorship and improving availability.

  • Relays: Independent servers storing posts with variable retention policies.
  • Client-side Keys: Posts are signed and verified through user keys, ensuring ownership.
  • Persistence: Storage duration depends on each relay’s rules; some may purge older data.
Storage Type Characteristics
Decentralized Relays Distributed, configurable retention, censorship-resistant
Local Client Cache Temporary storage on user devices for speedy access
Third-party Services Some relays may integrate external databases or backups