What are File Storage Protocols?
File Storage Protocols encompass decentralized systems and services designed to store, retrieve, and manage data off-chain while maintaining integrity and availability through blockchain integration. Tools in this category include distributed storage networks, content addressing protocols, and pinning services that enable developers to store files such as images, documents, and metadata in a decentralized manner. These protocols primarily serve developers building dapps that require reliable, censorship-resistant, and tamper-proof file storage beyond what blockchains can natively handle. Key characteristics include content addressing, redundancy, cryptographic verification, and incentivized storage. Subcategories may include decentralized file storage networks like IPFS and Arweave, as well as pinning and gateway services. Developers should explore these tools when their applications need scalable, persistent, and decentralized storage solutions that complement on-chain data.