10,000 NODES ARE RUNNING BTC LIGHTNING NETWORK IN NEW ALL-TIME HIGH

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 18:53 | Written by: Charlie Shrem

The Bitcoin Lightning Network has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 10,000 nodes for the first time! The lightning peer-to-peer network is where money on the Lightning network is exchanged. (just like Bitcoin s P2P network) Bitcoin Node V/s Lightning Network Node. Every transaction on the bitcoin network must be verified by a bitcoin node. Likewise, a Lightning Network node must validate transactions with the node with which it is directlyThis surge in node count highlights the growing adoption and robustness of this Layer 2 scaling solution for Bitcoin.Imagine a superhighway built on top of a busy city's surface streets – that's essentially what the Lightning Network is. To avoid failed payments and attract reliable liquidity, the Lightning Network is set up in a way that compensates people for providing liquidity to the network. When you run a Lightning node that would like to route payments, you can set fees that other Lightning nodes will have to pay to use your capital for routing. Factors that influence feesIt allows for near-instant and incredibly cheap Bitcoin transactions, bypassing the limitations of the main Bitcoin blockchain.This is crucial for enabling micropayments and making Bitcoin a more practical currency for everyday transactions. The number of nodes running Bitcoin Lightning Network has reached 10,000 for the first time. The number of Bitcoin (BTC) Lightning Network (LN) nodes has reached 10,000 for the first time, according to real-time LN statistics site 1ML. According to 1ML, the number of nodes on the LN has grown by 3.17% over the past MoreThe increase in nodes isn't just a number; it signifies a strengthening of the network's decentralization, security, and overall capacity.But what exactly does it mean to run a Lightning Network node, and why is this milestone so important for the future of Bitcoin?Let's delve into the details and explore the exciting implications of this achievement.

Understanding the Bitcoin Lightning Network

At its core, the Lightning Network (LN) is a decentralized system designed for instant, high-volume Bitcoin micropayments.Think of payments as low as 1 satoshi (worth only a fraction of a cent!), which are simply not feasible on the main Bitcoin blockchain due to transaction fees and confirmation times.

Here's a breakdown of key concepts:

Nodes: Computers that run the Lightning Network software and participate in routing transactions. The capacity of the Lightning Network, the Layer 2 solution for the Bitcoin network, has just reached an all-time high (ATH). The network, which is designed to solve the scalability problem of the largest cryptocurrency, has experienced parabolic growth since the beginning of 2025.These nodes are the backbone of the network, similar to how nodes support the Bitcoin blockchain.
Channels: Two-way payment channels established between two nodes.These channels allow for multiple transactions to occur off-chain, drastically reducing fees and confirmation times.
Micropayments: The ability to send and receive very small amounts of Bitcoin, making it suitable for use cases like streaming services, pay-per-article content, and tipping.

Why 10,000 Nodes is a Big Deal

Reaching 10,000 nodes is a testament to the Lightning Network's growing popularity and its potential to solve Bitcoin's scalability challenges. 10,000 Nodes Are Running BTC Lightning Network in New All-Time HighSource: CointelegraphPublished onHere's why it matters:

Increased Capacity: More nodes mean more channels and greater overall network capacity for processing transactions.
Enhanced Decentralization: A larger, more distributed network is more resilient to attacks and censorship.No single entity controls a significant portion of the network.
Improved Reliability: With more routing options available, transactions are more likely to succeed, even if some nodes are temporarily offline.
Greater Liquidity: A larger network attracts more liquidity, making it easier to send and receive Bitcoin through the Lightning Network.

The Role of Nodes in the Lightning Network

Lightning Network nodes are fundamentally different from Bitcoin nodes. The number of nodes running Bitcoin Lightning Network has reached 10,000 for Running BTC Lightning Network in New All-Time High to reach a record high of 10,003 network nodes at press timeBitcoin nodes verify every transaction on the blockchain, ensuring its integrity. El n mero de nodos de la Lightning Network (LN) de Bitcoin (BTC) ha alcanzado los 10,000 por primera vez, seg n el sitio de estad sticas de LN en tiempo real, 1ML. Seg n 1ML, el n mero de nodos en LN ha crecido un 3,17% en los ltimos 30 d as para alcanzar un r cord de 10,003 nodos de redLightning nodes, however, only verify the transactions directly interacting with their channels.This streamlined verification process is what allows for near-instant transactions.

A Lightning Network node acts as a gateway into the LN, connecting users to the broader network. RaspiBlitz provides a DIY (Do it yourself) Bitcoin Lightning Node. The RaspiBlitz is a fully operating Bitcoin and Lightning Network node. It has its own customized open-source operating system, developed by the Christian Rotzoll. Starting price $185 . Features. BTC Lightning full node with responsive screen; Fully synched blockchain andThese nodes facilitate the exchange of value through the lightning peer-to-peer network. Setting up a Bitcoin Lightning Network node is a rewarding experience, contributing to the network's growth and understanding the intricacies of the Lightning Network. Whether you opt for a DIY approach with LND or Umbrel or choose a managed solution like Voltage Cloud, you're taking a step forward in the world of decentralized finance.The growth in node count signifies an increase in access points and overall participation in the LN ecosystem.

The Growth Trajectory of the Lightning Network

The Lightning Network has experienced significant growth since its inception. See full list on bitcoinist.comWhile the exact numbers fluctuate, the general trend is upward.The fact that the number of nodes has crossed the 10,000 mark for the first time is an undeniable signal of increasing adoption and confidence in the technology.According to real-time LN statistics site 1ML, the number of nodes on the LN has grown by 3.17% over the past 30 days to reach a record high of 10,003 network nodes at press time. This article is dedicated to all new those new users that start now or want to start running now a BTC LN node INTRODUCTION These are my personal observations and recommendations after 25 years in IT systems, 10 years in Bitcoinlandia and 2 years running various LN nodes, dedicating a lot of time testing and using various solutions for LNThis consistent growth underscores the sustained interest and commitment to the Lightning Network as a viable scaling solution for Bitcoin.

The capacity of the Lightning Network, measured in Bitcoin, has also been steadily increasing.This indicates that more and more users are locking up Bitcoin in Lightning channels, providing liquidity for transactions.Coupled with the node growth, this creates a powerful network effect, making the LN increasingly useful and attractive.

Benefits of Running Your Own Lightning Network Node

While it's possible to use the Lightning Network through custodial wallets, running your own node offers several advantages:

Control: You have complete control over your Bitcoin and your transactions. Although setting up your own node comes with many benefits, if your technical skills are not that high, it might be easier to use other services. Like the Zebedee wallet that lets you use the lightning network with them as the custodian. Benefits of using your own Lightning node. Running your own lightning node comes with many benefits.You are not relying on a third party to manage your funds.
Privacy: Running your own node can enhance your privacy by reducing your reliance on centralized services.
Earning Potential: You can earn small amounts of BTC by routing transactions through your node and charging fees.
Contributing to the Network: By running a node, you contribute to the overall decentralization, security, and resilience of the Lightning Network.
Learning Opportunity: Setting up and managing a Lightning Network node is a great way to learn about Bitcoin and the underlying technology.

Considerations Before Setting Up a Node

Running a Lightning Network node isn't without its challenges. Lightning Network has been growing nicely even though most mainstream businesses are still yet to start accepting payment over lightning. 1ML is a great resource to fetch real-time data of the Lightning Network, which now span 0ver 20,000 nodes and more than 45,000 Lightning channels created.Here are some factors to consider:

Technical Skills: Setting up and maintaining a node requires some technical knowledge. The number of nodes on the Bitcoin Lightning Network has risen above 10,000 for the first time. Nodes are the computers who help to keep the network running. At its core, the Lightning Network is a decentralized system for instant and high-volume Bitcoin micropayments with payments as low as 1 satoshi (worth $0.0001). Bitcoin transactions, onYou'll need to be comfortable with command-line interfaces and basic networking concepts.
Hardware Requirements: You'll need a computer with sufficient storage space, processing power, and internet connectivity. Lightning Network Search and Analysis Engine. Directory; New Nodes (24h) 0. BTC 5 0.0001 0.0006A Raspberry Pi is a popular and affordable option.
Initial Liquidity: You'll need some Bitcoin to fund your Lightning channels. Nodes in the Lightning Network differ from those in the Bitcoin network, mainly in how they verify transactions. Nodes in the Bitcoin network must verify every transaction on the blockchain, while the Lightning nodes only verify the transaction that is interacting directly with it. A Lightning node is the gateway into the Lightning Network.The amount you need will depend on your intended use case.
Security: You'll need to take security precautions to protect your node from attacks.This includes securing your private keys and keeping your software up to date.

Setting Up a Lightning Network Node: A Practical Guide

There are several ways to set up a Lightning Network node. Due to the way the game theory is played within the Lightning Network, it is imperative that a Lightning Network node monitors the underlying blockchain it holds tokens with. If the Lightning Network node does not do this properly, funds can be stolen from you. A Lightning Network node also interacts with other nodes on the peer-to-peer network.Here are a few popular options:

LND (Lightning Network Daemon): A popular open-source implementation of the Lightning Network protocol. Connect to faucet lightning node. In order to be more confident with lnd commands I suggest you to try to create a mini lightning network cluster (Create lightning network cluster). In this section we will try to connect our node to the faucet/hub node which we will create a channel with and send some amount of bitcoins. The schema will beIt's highly customizable but requires some technical expertise.
Umbrel: A user-friendly operating system that makes it easy to run a Bitcoin and Lightning Network node on a Raspberry Pi.It provides a graphical interface and simplifies the setup process.
RaspiBlitz: Another popular option for running a Bitcoin and Lightning Network node on a Raspberry Pi.It offers a similar user experience to Umbrel.
Voltage Cloud: A managed Lightning Network node solution.It simplifies the setup and maintenance process but comes with a cost.

For those with limited technical skills, using Umbrel or RaspiBlitz might be the best option. Increase Lightning Networks Liquidity Reach: As the Lightning Network is a network, its usefulness and liquidity increases each time a new node is added. Just like a new telephone increases the usefulness of the telephone network for everyone, adding another node increases its reach and amount of value that can be transferredThese platforms provide a relatively straightforward setup process and a user-friendly interface.If you're comfortable with the command line and want more control over your node, LND is a good choice.

Connecting to a Faucet Lightning Node

If you're just starting out, connecting to a faucet lightning node can be a helpful way to get some initial funds to experiment with the network.This allows you to create a channel and send some bitcoins without needing to purchase them upfront.

Optimizing Your Lightning Network Node

Once your node is up and running, there are several ways to optimize its performance and profitability:

Channel Management: Carefully select which nodes to open channels with. People who run Lightning Network nodes can charge fees to process transactions through their Lightning channels, thus earning small amounts of BTC. For instance, depending on network activity, a single Lightning node could route $10,000 worth of transactions per month and receive a 0.25 percent feeAim for nodes with good reputations and sufficient liquidity.
Liquidity Management: Ensure that you have sufficient inbound and outbound liquidity to route transactions effectively.This may involve rebalancing your channels or opening new channels.
Fee Management: Set appropriate fees for routing transactions through your node.You'll need to strike a balance between attracting traffic and maximizing your earnings.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor your node's performance and identify any issues that need to be addressed.This includes tracking your channel balances, transaction success rates, and routing fees.

Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

The Lightning Network, while promising, isn't without its critics.Here are some common concerns and misconceptions:

Complexity: Setting up and managing a Lightning Network node can be complex, especially for beginners. The number of Bitcoin (BTC) Lightning Network (LN) nodes has reached 10,000 for the first time, according to real-time LN statistics site 1ML. According to 1ML, the number of nodes on the LN hasHowever, user-friendly solutions like Umbrel and RaspiBlitz are making it easier.
Routing Issues: Sometimes, transactions can fail to route due to insufficient liquidity or other network issues. The number of Bitcoin (BTC) Lightning Network (LN) nodes has reached 10,000 for the first time, according to real-time LN statistics site 1ML. According to 1ML, the number of nodes on the LN has grown by 3.17% over the past 30 days to reach a record high of 10,003 network nodes at press time.However, the network is constantly improving, and routing is becoming more reliable.
Centralization Concerns: Some argue that the Lightning Network could become centralized around a few large nodes. The problem here is that it s not just 100 GB in one place. It s 100 GB multiplied by the number of nodes in the network. Which today is about 10,000 nodes. That s 10,000 x 100 GB of disk space consumed each year. And disk space is not the most important limitation when running a Bitcoin full node. We ll get to this more in detail later.However, the network's decentralized architecture and the ability for anyone to run a node mitigate this risk.

Lightning Network Node Profitability

People who run Lightning Network nodes can charge fees to process transactions through their Lightning channels, thus earning small amounts of BTC.For instance, depending on network activity, a single Lightning node could route $10,000 worth of transactions per month and receive a 0.25 percent fee, highlighting the potential for earning while contributing to the network's operation.

The Future of the Lightning Network

The Lightning Network is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize Bitcoin payments. The number of nodes on the Bitcoin Lightning Network [ Explained ] has risen above 10,000 for the first time. Nodes are the computers who help to keep the netw Bitcoin Lightning Network hits 10,000 nodes - Bitcoin and Crypto NewsAs the network continues to grow and mature, we can expect to see:

Increased Adoption: More businesses and individuals will start accepting Lightning payments.
Improved User Experience: Wallets and other applications will become more user-friendly and seamless.
New Use Cases: Innovative applications of the Lightning Network will emerge, such as decentralized social media platforms and peer-to-peer energy trading.

Conclusion

The milestone of 10,000 nodes running the Bitcoin Lightning Network is a significant achievement that underscores the growing adoption and potential of this scaling solution. The dollar-denominated capacity of the network is at an all-time high, and every operator I spoke with this week confirmed its rapidly improving reliability. Though it might have looked to the casual conference goer that Lightning had taken a back seat to other popular up-and-coming protocols, it was clear during the conference how vastly aheadIt signifies increased capacity, enhanced decentralization, improved reliability, and greater liquidity within the network.While challenges remain, the ongoing development and innovation surrounding the Lightning Network suggest a bright future for Bitcoin payments. Another crucial metric is the number of channels a node maintains. Our research shows that around 75% of all LN nodes operate with fewer than four channels, marking a distinct contrast between low-activity and highly connected nodes. These high-connectivity nodes serve as network hubs, facilitating a larger share of the network s traffic.Whether you're a seasoned Bitcoin enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of cryptocurrency, understanding the Lightning Network is crucial for grasping the evolution of Bitcoin and its potential to become a truly global currency.Key takeaways include the importance of nodes in facilitating transactions, the benefits of running your own node (control, privacy, and earning potential), and the continued growth and development of the Lightning Network ecosystem. I ve already built my node in a way that supports a 10 BTC node. How is my node currently set up: - 1 BTC local capacity (2 BTC total capacity) - 50 channels - Running in the AWS cloud on 3 dedicated servers (application server, primary database server, secondary database server)As more individuals and businesses embrace this technology, the Lightning Network is poised to unlock new possibilities for Bitcoin and reshape the future of finance.