Smart contracts are the foundation of the modern blockchain world. From DeFi apps to NFTs and DAOs, smart contracts are what make these systems work automatically. But not all blockchains are equal when it comes to smart contract activity. Some are clearly ahead of the pack, while others are still building. In this article, we’ll walk through 30 powerful stats that show exactly which chains are leading — and more importantly, what that means for you if you’re a developer, investor, startup, or innovator in the space.
1. Ethereum hosts over 70% of all smart contract deployments
Ethereum remains the king of smart contracts. With over 70% of all smart contracts deployed on this chain, it’s not just the first mover — it’s still the dominant force.
The network’s widespread adoption, strong developer community, and rich tooling ecosystem make it a natural choice.
If you’re building anything serious — especially something that needs trust, visibility, or a large user base — Ethereum is the safest bet. However, this also means congestion and gas fees are higher.
You need to plan around that with efficient contract architecture and consider batching or using Layer 2 solutions.
For IP creators and Web3 startups, deploying on Ethereum means instant credibility. If you’re seeking investment or trying to attract early users, Ethereum gives you a trusted platform.
But don’t forget to optimize. Poorly written contracts on Ethereum can cost thousands just in gas.
A good rule of thumb is this: if your project is high-value or mission-critical, start with Ethereum. But if you’re experimenting or need scale, consider launching on a Layer 2 first, then migrating later.
2. Binance Smart Chain (BSC) accounts for approximately 15% of global smart contract deployments
BSC has carved out a huge chunk of the smart contract world by making things simple and cheap.
Around 15% of smart contracts globally are deployed here. That’s no small number. It shows how much appetite there is for faster, low-cost alternatives.
Why has BSC grown so fast? Because it’s EVM-compatible and cheaper than Ethereum.
You can port your Solidity contracts with minimal changes. And with its large user base — particularly in Asia — BSC can give you access to active communities fast.
If you’re deploying something time-sensitive or cost-sensitive, BSC makes sense. You can test quickly, pivot faster, and reach real users without spending thousands in fees. It’s also easier to experiment on BSC before porting to Ethereum or Polygon.
From a legal standpoint, if you’re filing patents or seeking IP protection, know that BSC’s rapid iteration and faster deployment may need stricter internal IP controls.
Protect your code and brand before going live. And be wary of forks — BSC is full of them.
3. Polygon has over 800,000 deployed smart contracts as of early 2025
Polygon’s growth is no accident. With more than 800,000 contracts deployed, it’s become a serious destination for developers. And for good reason — it offers a blend of Ethereum security and low-cost transactions.
If you’re working on an app that needs scale, like gaming, social tokens, or frequent user interactions, Polygon is a great choice.
The community is large and active, and its compatibility with Ethereum makes deployment straightforward.
Polygon also partners actively with major brands. That ecosystem support can make your project more visible. From Starbucks to Reddit, many big names use Polygon — and users follow.
Want to stand out? Focus on user experience. Polygon allows you to create dApps that feel like real apps — smooth, fast, and affordable. That’s a competitive edge.
Legally, keep in mind that while Polygon is a sidechain, it still relies on Ethereum’s base security. So your IP protections can extend similarly. But it also means you need to be just as cautious about smart contract audits and exploit prevention.
4. Avalanche C-Chain hosts over 200,000 smart contracts
Avalanche’s C-Chain is another EVM-compatible environment that has grown fast.
With over 200,000 contracts, it’s clearly one of the leaders. Its strong speed, finality time, and sub-second confirmation make it appealing.
Why choose Avalanche? Speed and scalability. If your dApp needs fast settlement — think trading, financial derivatives, or cross-border payments — Avalanche is a strong pick.
It’s also ideal if you’re building modular systems. Avalanche’s subnet model allows you to create your own rules and logic at the network level.
Deployment-wise, if you already know Solidity, you’re good to go. The same tools you use for Ethereum work here. That cuts down development time and allows you to hit the market quicker.
IP-wise, Avalanche’s structure supports more control if you’re deploying on a subnet.
That means you can define governance and permissions more tightly. For SaaS or fintech platforms, that’s powerful.
5. Ethereum sees around 300,000 new smart contract deployments per month
Ethereum isn’t just big — it’s growing at a relentless pace. Each month, around 300,000 new smart contracts are deployed. That’s a staggering number, showing how vibrant and active the ecosystem is.
For developers and founders, this means one thing: competition. If you want to get noticed, you need to be strategic. Deploying isn’t enough. You need strong branding, smart tokenomics, and a clear use case.
It also means more innovation. If you’re trying to patent a new system or mechanism, you need to move quickly. The more contracts out there, the higher the chance that someone has built something similar. File early. File smart.
Also, with this level of activity, security matters. Don’t rush deployment.
Get audits, use battle-tested libraries, and test in testnets. A single mistake could cost you both money and reputation.
6. Arbitrum processes over 100,000 new smart contracts monthly
Arbitrum is the most widely used Ethereum Layer 2, and it’s showing in the numbers. Over 100,000 contracts go live each month. That’s a sign of growing trust and adoption.
Why are developers moving to Arbitrum? Low gas fees and high throughput. But also, it’s easy to migrate from Ethereum since it’s fully EVM-compatible.
If you’re trying to reach Ethereum users without the costs, Arbitrum is your gateway. Plus, the Arbitrum ecosystem is booming with grants, DAOs, and DeFi protocols. That can be helpful if you need support or want to integrate quickly.
You should also consider that contracts on Arbitrum can eventually be ported or verified on Ethereum.
That’s important if your app’s growth leads to legal scrutiny or investor due diligence.
7. Optimism has seen a 5x growth in smart contract deployments year-over-year
Optimism is gaining serious momentum. With five times more contracts deployed year-over-year, it’s becoming a top L2 for developers.
If you’re in the early stages, this might be the perfect time to get in. The chain is still growing, meaning less competition and more community support.
Optimism also runs programs like Retroactive Public Goods Funding, which could benefit open-source builders.
From a business perspective, this early growth gives you first-mover advantage. Projects that built early on Polygon, for example, got listed on exchanges faster and attracted more users.
Optimism could offer the same path.
Just remember: early-stage networks come with unknowns. Monitor upgrade timelines, bridge risks, and protocol changes. And document everything for your IP records — that matters more than you think.
8. Solana has over 120,000 active smart contracts, despite not using EVM
Solana stands apart because it doesn’t use EVM — yet it still boasts over 120,000 active contracts. That’s impressive, and it shows a unique kind of developer traction.
If you’re writing in Rust or C-based languages, Solana might be a good fit. It offers ultra-fast speeds and near-zero fees, ideal for real-time apps like trading platforms or games.
The tooling isn’t as beginner-friendly as Ethereum, but it’s improving. If your dev team is strong, Solana gives you performance others can’t match.
But legally and technically, you’ll need to think differently. Your smart contracts won’t be portable to Ethereum or Polygon. So if you’re filing patents, be clear about the specific environment and stack.
9. Base (Coinbase L2) surpassed 50,000 contracts deployed within 6 months of launch
Base launched fast and didn’t waste time. In just six months, over 50,000 contracts were deployed. That kind of traction is rare and speaks volumes about Coinbase’s influence.
For startups, this means a ready-made audience. If you deploy on Base, you could benefit from Coinbase’s integrations, tools, and possibly even exposure in their wallet or app.
Base is EVM-compatible, so you can migrate easily. And because it’s backed by a major exchange, trust is higher among traditional investors. That’s useful if you’re raising funding or planning a token launch.
Just be aware of centralization concerns. If you’re building a highly decentralized protocol, some might push back on Base’s control structure.
Document your decisions and be ready to explain them to users and partners.
10. zkSync Era reached 25,000 smart contract deployments within 3 months of launch
zkSync Era is new but it’s growing quickly. Within just 3 months, it crossed 25,000 contracts deployed. That’s a sign that developers are ready to embrace zk-rollups.
zkSync offers better scalability and privacy than traditional L2s. If your app involves identity, zero-knowledge proofs, or off-chain computation, zkSync could be your edge.
One thing to note: zkSync uses a slightly different architecture. That means your Solidity contracts may need tweaks. Plan for that in your roadmap and avoid last-minute changes.
If you’re filing a patent or protecting code, zkSync may offer advantages in uniqueness. Not many are building here yet, so your innovation might stand out more. That could help in both filing and enforcement later.
11. Ethereum Layer 2s now account for over 35% of all new smart contract deployments
Ethereum Layer 2s have grown so fast that they now host over 35% of all new smart contracts.
This shift shows a major change in developer strategy. Instead of sticking with Ethereum mainnet, builders are launching first on L2s like Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, and zkSync.
What’s driving this shift? Lower gas fees, faster confirmations, and better scalability. For developers, this means faster iteration and more experimentation.
You can deploy, test, and update smart contracts with a fraction of the cost — without losing access to Ethereum’s large user base.
This stat also tells you where the innovation is happening. Many of the newest protocols, DAOs, and Web3 startups are going live on L2s first. If you’re an investor, it’s where you should be looking.
If you’re a founder, it’s where you should be building.
One thing to keep in mind: L2s each have different bridge systems and transaction models.
Always study the docs carefully and test on their testnets. Some L2s require custom deployment scripts or small config tweaks.
From a legal perspective, deploying to an L2 is no different in terms of IP protection — but from a technical angle, you have more flexibility. This is a great opportunity to test multiple models before committing to Ethereum mainnet.
12. Over 90% of DeFi contracts are deployed on Ethereum and EVM-compatible chains
Ethereum and its EVM-compatible siblings dominate DeFi. Over 90% of all DeFi smart contracts live here. That includes giants like Uniswap, Aave, Compound, and countless clones or forks.
Why is EVM so dominant in DeFi? It’s the standard. Tools like MetaMask, Truffle, and Hardhat work out of the box. Liquidity is deep. Governance frameworks are mature.
And most importantly, users are already comfortable using EVM-based apps.
If you’re launching a DeFi app — lending, yield farming, staking, etc. — you almost have to go with EVM. It’s where the liquidity is. It’s where the users are. And it’s where most security tools exist.
This stat also means there’s heavy competition. To stand out, you need either a novel mechanic, a fresh UI, or a niche audience.
Forking isn’t enough anymore. You have to deliver a clear reason for users to switch.
Also, be very cautious with audits and compliance. DeFi contracts handle real value, often immediately.
If your contract fails, users lose money, and your reputation takes a hit. Always get at least two audits before going live.
13. Ethereum gas fees drive up to 30% of developers to deploy on L2s or sidechains
Gas fees on Ethereum are real pain points. Studies show that up to 30% of developers choose L2s or sidechains just to avoid the costs. For smaller teams or solo builders, a single deployment can cost hundreds of dollars — or more.
This cost barrier slows down innovation. That’s why Layer 2s and sidechains like Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism are booming. Builders are tired of spending a fortune just to test or iterate.
If you’re just getting started, always begin on testnets — but once you’re ready for real users, consider deploying on a low-cost chain first. You can always migrate or mirror later.
This stat is also a wake-up call: Ethereum is valuable, but it’s not practical for every stage of development. If you’re bootstrapping or exploring product-market fit, keep your costs low.
Also, track your gas usage in every deployment. Write efficient smart contracts. Use optimization tools like the Solidity optimizer and review your function calls. Small changes can save big money.
14. Fantom supports over 150,000 deployed smart contracts
Fantom may fly under the radar, but it’s been busy. With over 150,000 contracts deployed, it’s become a preferred chain for developers who want low fees and fast confirmations — without giving up the EVM environment.
Fantom’s appeal lies in its speed. Transactions finalize in under a second, and gas fees are fractions of a cent. For dApps that need quick user interactions — such as games, microtransactions, or voting apps — Fantom is a strong option.
Because it’s EVM-compatible, you can deploy Solidity contracts with almost no changes.
That lowers your technical barrier and lets you reuse existing code and tooling.
From a legal or IP standpoint, Fantom doesn’t offer unique protections, but its low cost makes it a great prototyping platform. You can test ideas in the wild, iterate quickly, and move to Ethereum or other chains later.
If your project targets users in regions where fees are a concern — say emerging markets — Fantom can give you a user experience that’s closer to Web2.
Just make sure you’re also building a community there, as Fantom’s user base is more niche.
15. Smart contract deployment on Ethereum dropped by 12% in 2022 due to high fees
In 2022, Ethereum saw a 12% drop in new smart contract deployments. The reason?
High gas fees. When deploying a contract costs more than your entire MVP budget, you start looking for alternatives.
This stat reveals a hidden truth: Ethereum, for all its power, is sometimes too expensive for new builders. This opens the door for L2s, sidechains, and even non-EVM chains to capture innovation at earlier stages.
For founders, this means you don’t have to launch on Ethereum right away.
Instead, you can launch elsewhere, build traction, then migrate. That’s a smarter way to manage your runway.
Also, think modularly. You can deploy your token on Ethereum, but your app logic on Polygon. Or you can do DAO governance on Arbitrum while running core functions on Optimism.
Every piece doesn’t need to live in the same place — it just needs to interoperate. That kind of thinking is becoming more common, and users care more about speed and cost than what chain you’re on.
16. Over 80% of NFT-related smart contracts are deployed on Ethereum and Polygon
NFTs are still going strong, and over 80% of related contracts live on Ethereum and Polygon. These two chains have become the home base for digital art, collectibles, and even NFT-based memberships.
Why these two? Ethereum offers prestige. Many artists and collectors still trust Ethereum as the “authentic” home of NFTs. But Polygon offers affordability and scale.
That’s why major brands — Reddit, Nike, Disney — chose it for their NFT launches.
If you’re launching an NFT project, you need to think about both your audience and your budget.
Ethereum is better if you’re selling high-value pieces or courting collectors. Polygon is better if you’re going for volume, like PFPs or loyalty programs.
Also consider where your users live. Polygon’s low fees mean global users can mint and trade without pain. And that increases engagement and community.
From a smart contract perspective, use battle-tested templates like OpenZeppelin’s ERC-721 or ERC-1155.
Customize only what you need. And always test royalties, metadata updates, and minting functions before launch.
17. EVM-compatible chains make up 95% of smart contract deployments globally
EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) has become the standard for smart contract platforms.
Around 95% of all smart contracts are deployed on chains that support EVM. That includes Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, Fantom, and many more.
The reason? Compatibility. If you write a smart contract in Solidity, you can deploy it across multiple chains with minimal changes. That gives developers flexibility, speed, and reach.
It also means the ecosystem of tools — wallets, explorers, IDEs — just works.
For startups, this is good news. You don’t need to learn a new language or build from scratch for each chain. You can deploy, test, and scale across multiple chains using the same codebase.
This stat also means one thing: if you’re building outside of EVM, you need a very clear reason. Chains like Solana, Near, and Aptos offer unique benefits — but they also require new tooling, new devs, and new learning curves.
So unless you’re building something that needs what only those chains offer, EVM is the way to go. You’ll find more users, more support, and more stability.
18. Ethereum Layer 2s grew by 200% in smart contract volume between 2023 and 2024
Ethereum Layer 2s exploded between 2023 and 2024, with a 200% jump in smart contract deployments. That kind of growth shows that developers aren’t just experimenting — they’re going all in.
L2s solve real problems. They reduce fees, speed up transactions, and offer better scalability without leaving the Ethereum ecosystem.
This makes them ideal for dApps with lots of activity: games, marketplaces, and DeFi platforms.
For founders, this is the moment to enter. When a platform is growing, the community is active, grants are flowing, and users are curious. That’s how small projects turn into major players.
If you’re unsure which L2 to pick, start with what your users need. Arbitrum is great for DeFi. Optimism is strong on public goods and governance. zkSync is perfect if you need privacy or zero-knowledge proof features.
Just make sure to keep up with documentation. L2s update fast, and you want your deployment strategy to align with their current roadmaps.
19. Starknet hosts over 15,000 Cairo-based smart contracts
Starknet is unique because it doesn’t use Solidity or EVM. It runs on Cairo, its own smart contract language designed for zero-knowledge computation. Despite the newness, over 15,000 contracts have already been deployed.
Why does this matter? Because zero-knowledge rollups are the future of scalability and privacy.
Cairo allows you to write contracts that can process huge computations off-chain and then prove them on-chain with minimal data.
If your app involves identity, confidential data, or complex computations, Starknet might be the right fit. You’ll need to learn Cairo — which has a steeper learning curve than Solidity — but the payoff can be big.
Also, it’s early. Starknet is still in its growth phase. That means you can stand out more easily and get direct support from the core team. It’s a chance to be a pioneer.
From an IP perspective, building in a new environment like Cairo may make your innovation more distinct, which can help with patents and competitive positioning.
20. Near Protocol supports over 50,000 smart contracts using WASM
Near takes a different approach. It uses WebAssembly (WASM) instead of EVM. This allows you to write contracts in languages like Rust and AssemblyScript. With over 50,000 contracts live, it’s gaining traction.
Near is designed for usability. Transactions are fast, fees are low, and the account model is more flexible than Ethereum’s.
If you’re building for mainstream users, Near’s human-readable account names and focus on UX make a difference.
For developers who come from Web2, Near can feel more familiar. If you’ve used TypeScript or Rust, you’ll be comfortable writing Near contracts. And with support for mobile-first dApps and social applications, it’s a good option for consumer apps.
However, keep in mind that Near isn’t EVM-compatible by default. There is Aurora — an EVM layer on Near — but native Near contracts live in their own ecosystem.
So before you dive in, think about where your users are and whether you’re ready to adopt a new language and stack. The payoff could be worth it if your app benefits from better UX and broader mainstream appeal.
21. Over 70% of smart contracts deployed in 2024 included upgradable proxy patterns
Upgradability has become the norm. Over 70% of smart contracts deployed in 2024 used some kind of proxy pattern to allow upgrades after deployment.
Why is this important? Because smart contracts are usually immutable. Once deployed, you can’t change them. That’s great for trust, but bad for bugs, security patches, or feature additions.
Proxy contracts solve that. You deploy a proxy that delegates calls to an implementation contract. When you need to update the logic, you deploy a new implementation — and the proxy stays in place.
For founders, this gives you room to grow. You can iterate after launch, respond to feedback, and improve your app without starting from scratch.
But with great power comes great responsibility. Upgradable contracts are harder to audit and test. You need to follow strict patterns and avoid security loopholes.
Also, be transparent. Let your users know if your contracts are upgradeable. Consider multisigs or DAO votes for upgrades to build trust.
From an IP standpoint, proxies can help you separate core logic from interface contracts, which can be useful when filing for patents or structuring partnerships.
22. Ethereum mainnet has over 5 million total deployed smart contracts since inception
Five million contracts. That’s the total number of smart contracts deployed on Ethereum mainnet since it launched.
This tells you how deep the ecosystem goes and how active it’s been over the years.
If you’re building anything blockchain-related, Ethereum is still the beating heart of the industry. From a historical, technical, and community standpoint, it’s where most innovation has happened.
Every major DeFi protocol, NFT platform, and DAO either started here or integrates with Ethereum.
But this volume also creates noise. To stand out, your contract needs a strong purpose, solid documentation, and some creative thinking. Users and investors have seen thousands of clones.
So originality and utility really matter.
You also need to plan for sustainability. Ethereum is not cheap. Just deploying a moderately complex smart contract can cost hundreds of dollars. That’s fine if you’re well-funded, but painful for indie devs.
If Ethereum is your goal, consider starting on a testnet or L2, building a user base, and migrating only when your product is stable. Many successful projects have taken that route.
23. 40% of new dApps in 2024 chose to launch on L2s rather than Ethereum mainnet
This is a major shift. 40% of all new dApps last year launched directly on L2s. That shows that Ethereum mainnet is no longer the default starting point for developers — it’s more of a destination for mature projects.
Launching on an L2 means lower costs, faster feedback, and less risk. You can build in public, make quick changes, and scale without worrying about gas fees killing your user experience.
This stat is also important for legal and product planning. If you’re launching a DAO, game, social platform, or any dApp that relies on user activity, going live on a high-cost chain makes little sense.
Start lean. Use Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, or Polygon to test your model. Once you’re confident, you can expand to Ethereum mainnet, bridge tokens, or even go multichain.
The move to L2s also changes how users behave. They’re more willing to experiment, engage, and explore on lower-cost platforms. That gives you valuable feedback early on.
24. BNB Chain saw a 30% drop in contract deployments after Ethereum L2s gained traction
BNB Chain once dominated the alt-EVM space, but it’s been hit hard by the rise of Ethereum L2s. With a 30% drop in smart contract deployments, developers are clearly choosing to build elsewhere.
Why? Because L2s offer the same low fees but with more ecosystem alignment.
Developers want to be close to Ethereum without paying Ethereum prices. That’s what L2s offer — without having to compromise on decentralization or long-term growth.
For founders, this means you need to weigh short-term convenience (like BNB’s high retail usage) against long-term strategy (like building in Ethereum’s orbit).
If you need quick liquidity and don’t mind forks or fast launches, BNB still has value.
But if you’re playing the long game, L2s may offer better integration, stronger dev communities, and more serious investor attention.
This stat also shows how fast the market can shift. What was dominant last year may not be next year. Stay flexible, and choose your chain based on where your users and developers are going — not just where they’ve been.
25. Developers deploy over 10,000 smart contracts per day globally
Every day, more than 10,000 smart contracts go live across blockchains. That’s a staggering number — and it means the space is more active than ever.
But it also means saturation. If you’re building a new protocol, launching a token, or even creating an NFT drop, you’re competing with thousands of new entries every single day.
How do you break through? Simplicity, clarity, and community. Don’t overcomplicate your smart contract. Make it easy to understand and use. Pair it with a solid frontend and a well-written whitepaper.
And most of all, talk to your users early.
This stat also shows the value of testing. With that much code being deployed, things will break.
Exploits, bugs, and unintended interactions are constant threats. Use testnets, simulation tools, and audits — even for small contracts.
And if you’re filing IP or patents, track your deployment timestamps and versions. It could make a huge difference when proving originality or ownership later.
26. About 60% of Ethereum contracts deployed in 2024 were written in Solidity v0.8+
Solidity 0.8 and above introduced major improvements: better math safety, error handling, and clearer syntax. That’s why 60% of all new Ethereum contracts last year used it.
If you’re still using older versions, you’re at a disadvantage — both in terms of features and security. Solidity 0.8+ protects against many common bugs that plagued earlier versions, like silent overflows and underflows.
For new developers, this is your baseline. Start with 0.8. Use the official docs, try out the latest compiler settings, and take full advantage of the language’s newer features.
Also, using the latest version signals professionalism. Auditors prefer it. Investors respect it. It shows you’re current and serious about quality.
Make sure your tools — like Hardhat or Foundry — are configured for the latest version, and update your dependencies to match. Compatibility can be tricky if you’re mixing older contracts or libraries, so test thoroughly.
27. More than 25 chains now support EVM-based smart contract deployment
The EVM ecosystem has exploded. Over 25 different chains now support smart contracts written for Ethereum. That includes L2s, sidechains, appchains, and even niche platforms.
What does this mean for you? Optionality. You’re no longer tied to one ecosystem. You can launch on one chain, expand to another, and even run multiple versions of your app in different environments.
This is powerful, but also strategic. If your app works better with low latency, deploy to a fast chain like Avalanche or Fantom. If your audience is retail, go for BNB or Polygon. If you’re chasing grants, check out Base, Optimism, or zkSync.
The key is interoperability. Use cross-chain messaging, bridges, and multichain deployment frameworks like LayerZero or Chainlink CCIP to manage your app across chains.
From a legal and brand protection angle, this means registering and monitoring your name, contracts, and tokens across multiple environments to prevent copycats.
28. 45% of contract deployments on Polygon are gaming or NFT-related
Polygon has carved a niche as the go-to chain for NFTs and gaming. Nearly half of all contracts deployed here fall into these categories.
That’s no coincidence. Polygon offers the right mix of low fees, fast transactions, and strong support for creatives and studios. If you’re building something visual, interactive, or high-volume — this is where you want to be.
Polygon Studios and other grant programs also make it attractive to developers in these spaces. If you need early funding, technical help, or co-marketing support, they’re often more accessible than Ethereum or Solana.
But the competition is intense. To succeed in gaming or NFTs, you need more than just a cool idea. You need smooth onboarding, strong art or gameplay, and clear incentives for users.
Use this stat to guide your chain decision. If you’re building a finance app, Polygon might not be the best fit. But if you’re launching a collectible, metaverse item, or play-to-earn game — this is home turf.
29. Avalanche Subnets see less than 5% of the total Avalanche smart contract volume
Avalanche’s subnet model is powerful — it allows anyone to spin up a custom chain with their own rules. But surprisingly, less than 5% of Avalanche smart contract volume currently runs on subnets.
This means most activity still happens on the main C-Chain. If you’re thinking about launching a subnet, know that you’ll need to bootstrap your own validators, liquidity, and users.
It’s a great model for enterprises or ecosystems with specific needs — like regulatory control or unique tokenomics — but for most startups, the C-Chain is simpler and faster to adopt.
Subnets shine when you’re building a game, app chain, or private enterprise solution. But if you’re aiming for immediate exposure and interaction, start on the main chain and explore subnets later.
From a legal and operational perspective, subnets give you more control. You can enforce compliance rules or governance models directly in the chain design. But it also means you’re responsible for more infrastructure — so plan accordingly.
30. 80% of new DAOs in 2024 deployed their smart contracts on Ethereum or Arbitrum
DAOs are growing fast, and 80% of the new ones in 2024 launched on Ethereum or Arbitrum. That’s a clear signal: when it comes to on-chain governance, these are the top platforms.
Why these two? Ethereum offers credibility and long-term support. Arbitrum offers lower costs and fast execution without leaving the Ethereum ecosystem.
If you’re launching a DAO, consider what type it is. If it’s managing millions in treasury or grants, Ethereum’s transparency and reputation help. If it’s focused on active voting, experimentation, or community incentives, Arbitrum’s speed and affordability win.
You should also study governance tools — like Snapshot, Tally, or Zodiac — many of which integrate natively with Ethereum-based chains.
Smart contract design for DAOs is tricky. You’ll need modules for treasury, proposals, voting, and member management. Use existing frameworks like OpenZeppelin’s Governor or MolochDAO contracts when possible.
Finally, document everything. DAO structures can attract legal questions fast. Your contracts, voting records, and decisions will form your foundation — both technically and legally.
wrapping it up
The smart contract landscape is shifting fast. From Ethereum’s dominance to the explosive rise of Layer 2s, builders now have more options — and more decisions — than ever before.
Each chain tells a different story. Some are about scale, others about speed, cost, or community. And knowing which one fits your vision is the difference between thriving and struggling.
