Lens Protocol’s future no longer rests with its original builders. Instead, the SocialFi project said Tuesday that Mask Network “will steward” its “next chapter.”
Stani Kulechov, the founder of Aave, first launched Lens Protocol in early 2022. Lens was initially pitched as a kind of Twitter-on-Ethereum.
“We built the Lens Protocol and its underlying onchain rails, including state-of-the-art decentralized data storage for content, governed by smart contracts,” Kulechov posted to X on Tuesday. “Our goal was to create neutral social infrastructure that developers could rely on to build consumer-grade applications capable of reaching mainstream users.”
About a year after launching on Polygon, Lens said it supported over 110,000 social media profiles and hundreds of applications.
On Tuesday, Mask Network also took to X to outline its vision of taking Lens mainstream. “The next chapter isn’t more protocols. It’s about products people actually use, the culture we build together, and communities that truly thrive,” the organization said in a post.
Mask Network is also known for its support of Mastodon, another decentralized social ecosystem. In 2022, Mask Network acquired the second-largest Mastodon server as part of its plan to foster growth across SocialFi.
While Mask Network attempts to chart a new path for Lens, at least one other SocialFi project has pivoted from its original mission. At the end of last year, the team behind the decentralized social media protocol Farcaster switched focus to its wallet service after spending years trying to build a Twitter-like social network.
As far back as 2024, one of the startup’s investors acknowledged Farcaster might struggle appealing to mainstream users. “We tried social-first for 4.5 years … It didn’t work for us,” Farcaster co-founder Dan Romero said last month.
© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Stay ahead of the market by turning news insights into trading opportunities. With Coinhub Exchange, you can seamlessly buy, sell, and manage your digital assets, all in one secure platform. Take advantage of real-time market insights, deep liquidity, and fast execution for your favorite cryptocurrencies. Don’t just read about it — trade crypto now!
Disclaimer
The content of this article shown by Coinhub News, powered by The Block, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Coinhub News and its affiliates are not a licensed financial advisor, legal advisor, broker, or tax advisor, and ... should not be considered as professional advice or a recommendation to engage in any specific investment, legal decision, or financial transaction. Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative and volatile. Readers should perform their own independent research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial or legal decisions. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Company of its affiliates. Additionally, the Company does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or completeness of any information in this article. By accessing this content, you acknowledge that any reliance on the information contained in this article is solely at your own risk. The Company is not responsible for any financial losses, legal disputes, or other damages that may arise from reliance on this content or from any investment or legal decisions based on the information provided. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves substantial risks, including the risk of losing your entire investment, and you should carefully consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Read more
