Steem is an open-source blockchain protocol capable of storing social data and distributing tokens based on the Proof-of-Brain algorithm. As one of the fastest and highest-volume blockchains in the world, Steem can support multiple user-facing applications, including busy.org, d.tube, dlive.io, steemit.com, dsound.audio, and others.
The Steem blockchain creates opportunities for entrepreneurs by providing scalable blockchain protocols that their applications can leverage to store user-generated content, social data, account information, JSON metadata, and more, while authorizing these users to earn cryptocurrency tokens (STEEM) in exchange for sharing this information. STEEM tokens boast best-in-class features such as three-second confirmations with no fees, thanks to Steems three-second block time and Delegated Proof-of-Stake algorithm.
With the upcoming Smart Media Token (SMT) protocol, communities will enhance the capabilities of the Steem blockchain, enabling any entrepreneur, developer, or community builder to launch their own customizable STEEM-like tokens on top of the Steem blockchain and provide specific smart contracts for ICOs, automated market makers, autonomous token distributions, founder tokens, and more. SMTs will take full advantage of the speed and scalability of the Steem blockchain, allowing entrepreneurs to capitalize on all the lessons learned from Steem and steemit.com to tokenize their platforms and bootstrap the value of their tokens.
STEEM can be used to power up “Steem Power,” trade for SBD on the internal market, convert to fiat, trade for BTC or other digital tokens, and purchase items through third-party stores.
1. The Steem Blockchain
The Steem blockchain is a publicly accessible distributed database that records all posts and votes and distributes rewards across the network. All text content and voting data is stored here, and all reward calculations and payouts are executed within it.
2. Difference Between Steem and Steemit
Steem is the name of the blockchain that stores all data and transactions and processes all events. STEEM is also the name of the systems value token (currency).
Steemit is the frontend web interface used to interact with the blockchain and view blockchain data. Steemit, Inc. is also the name of the company that owns and operates the steemit.com website.
3. How is Steem Different from Bitcoin?
On a technical level, both networks rely on the same model of blockchain but are built on different technologies and codebases. Steem is based on the latest blockchain technology called Graphene, which uses "witnesses" instead of "miners" to produce blocks.
The "Delegated Proof-of-Stake" model, which uses witnesses instead of miners, increases the efficiency of block production. With BTC, 100% of the newly created coins are allocated to block producers (miners). With the Steem blockchain, only 10% of new coins are paid to block producers (witnesses). The remaining 90% of new STEEM coins are awarded to content creators, curators, and Steem Power holders.
Related Links:
https://steem.com/faq/#how-is-steem-different-from-bitcoin