what's Kusama?
Kusama is an experimental blockchain platform designed as a "canary network" for Polkadot, allowing developers to test and deploy parachains in a fast-paced, real-world environment before mainnet launch on Polkadot. It uses a nominated proof-of-stake consensus mechanism where participants lock up KSM tokens to nominate validators and participate in governance. The network supports shared security through its relay chain, enabling specialized parachains to interoperate while maintaining sovereignty. Parachains on Kusama connect via auctions where projects crowdloan KSM from the community to secure slots on the relay chain. This fosters innovation in areas like DeFi, identity, and data storage, with features like on-chain governance allowing token holders to vote on proposals and upgrades. Kusama's chaotic and experimental ethos encourages rapid iteration, making it a proving ground for blockchain technologies. The platform's Substrate framework provides modular tools for building custom blockchains, promoting scalability and cross-chain communication. Kusama emphasizes community-driven development, with treasury funding for ecosystem grants and initiatives.
Kusama completed a runtime upgrade reducing block times to under 2 seconds via Elastic Scaling.
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Completed runtime upgrade on December 29, 2025 that reduces block times from approximately 6 seconds to under 2 seconds through Elastic Scaling implementation.
ChainSafe launches new infrastructure and staking services platform with support for Kusama Network alongside multiple other blockchain networks.
Price increases 48.83% in 24 hours on November 8, ranking as second-biggest gainer among major cryptocurrencies.
Polkadot runs migration that changes substrate balance query method, causing third-party applications like rotki to display zero balances for KSM and DOT.
Zero-fee KSM staking launches on Revolut platform, allowing users to buy, sell, exchange, and stake tokens within the app alongside everyday banking services.
Ranks #5 for highest 7-day percentage growth in token holder count among tracked projects.
Flash rewards program launches with 18% APY, 14-day lockup period, and 7,900 KSM allocation cap.