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Overview

We implement a pay-as-you-go model for decentralized storage using blockchain payments. Unlike traditional cloud storage with monthly subscriptions, users pay only for what they store and for how long. We currently support SOL (Solana) and USDFC (Filecoin).

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How It Works

1

Select Files

Choose one or more files to upload to decentralized storage
2

Choose Duration

Specify how long you want to store the files (minimum 7 days)
3

Get Cost Estimate

The system calculates the cost based on:
  • Total file size
  • Storage duration
  • Current network rates
4

Sign Transaction

Approve the payment with your wallet (Phantom for SOL, MetaMask for USDFC)
5

Onchain Deposit

For SOL: a deposit is created on the Solana blockchain via our smart contract. For USDFC: a token transfer is sent on Filecoin.
6

Storage Delegation

The server uses UCAN delegation to store your files on Storacha. If you’re curious about how UCANs work in practice, see An up-close look at UCANs in the wild.

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Cost Calculation

Storage costs are calculated using this formula: 
Cost (SOL) = (File Size in MB × Duration in Days × Base Rate) + Transaction Fee
The base rate is dynamically calculated to cover Storacha storage costs while keeping prices competitive.
You can estimate costs before uploading using the estimateStorageCost SDK method.

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Payment Flow

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Payment Model

When you pay for storage:
  1. Payment is processed — SOL via our smart contract, or USDFC via direct token transfer
  2. Storage is provisioned immediately on Storacha
  3. Files are accessible for the full duration you paid for
Your payment covers the cost of storing your data on Storacha through our infrastructure. The smart contract (SOL) provides on-chain accounting and deposit verification, while USDFC payments are direct token transfers. This model ensures:
  • No recurring subscriptions or credit cards needed
  • Transparent, verifiable payments on-chain
  • Storage guaranteed for the full paid duration
  • Simple one-time payment per upload

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Transaction Records

Every payment is recorded both:

Onchain

Permanent record on Solana blockchain with transaction signature

Database

Indexed in our database for quick lookup and history tracking

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Supported Payment Chains

We currently support two payment methods:
  • SOL (Solana): Payments via our Solana smart contract with on-chain deposit verification
  • USDFC (Filecoin): Direct stablecoin transfers on Filecoin (1:1 with USD)
Coming soon:
  • Base (ETH): Ethereum L2 payments for lower gas fees
  • Additional chains: Based on community demand
All payment methods store data on the same Storacha network. You choose whichever chain you prefer — the storage experience is identical.

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Benefits

For Users:
  • No credit card required
  • Pay only for what you use
  • Transparent, verifiable costs
  • No recurring subscriptions
For Developers:
  • Easy integration with crypto wallets
  • No payment processing fees
  • Instant settlement
  • Global accessibility

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Limitations

No refunds: Once files are uploaded, storage is provisioned and payments cannot be refunded. Make sure you’ve selected the correct duration before confirming.
  • Minimum storage duration: 7 days
  • Gas fees apply for each transaction
  • Requires sufficient wallet balance
  • Files expire after storage duration ends