Introduction

Jito is a platform built on the Solana blockchain that helps you earn more rewards when you stake your SOL tokens. Normally, when you stake SOL, your tokens are locked, and you can’t use them until you unstake. But with Jito, you get a special token called JitoSOL that represents different DeFi apps.

Jito also gives you extra rewards by capturing something called MEV (Maximal Extractable Value). Basically, extra profit that happens when blocks are made on the network. Jito fairly shares this extra value with users who stake their SOL.

In simple terms, Jito lets you stake SOL, earn more rewards, and still use your tokens freely in the Solana ecosystem.

Key Features

JitoSOL - Liquid Staking Token

• Stake your SOL and receive JitoSOL, which accrues staking rewards.
• Unlike traditional staking, JitoSOL allows users to remain liquid and use their staked tokens in DeFi (lending, trading, yield farming, etc.).
• JitoSOL can be easily swapped or deposited in protocols like Jupiter, MarginFi, and Kamino.

MEV-Enabled Validator Client (Jito-Solana)

• Jito runs a customized validator client that captures Maximal Extractable Value (MEV).
• MEV rewards are distributed fairly to stakers, boosting returns without compromising decentralization or network performance.

Increased Staking Rewards

• Thanks to MEV rewards captured through the Jito validator client, stakers can earn higher yields compared to traditional staking.

Validator Optimization

• Validators running the Jito client can earn additional revenue and support a fair MEV market.
• Improves Solana’s performance by enabling efficient block production and auction mechanism.

DeFi Integrations

• JitoSOL is widely integrated into the Solana DeFi ecosystem.
• Users can supply, borrow, or use JitoSOL as collateral in various protocols, enhancing its utility.

Transparency and Open Source

• Jito emphasizes transparency in MEV capture and distribution
• The validator client and auction mechanism are open source, fostering community trust and collaboration.

Jito Foundation and Governance

• Future plans include community-led governance to steer protocol direction, rewards, and upgrades.

How It Works

Using Jito is simple for users who want to stake SOL while keeping their assets liquid. Instead of staking directly with a validator, users deposit SOL into Jito’s platform and receive JitoSOL, a liquid staking token that represents their staked SOL.

JitoSOL automatically accrues staking rewards and can be freely used across Solana’s DeFi ecosystem, such as lending, borrowing, swapping, or yield farming, without the need to wait for an unstaking period.

Meanwhile, Jito uses a special validator client that captures extra value through MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) auctions and redistributes this value to stakers, increasing their returns. This process allows users to earn higher rewards while contributing to Solana’s decentralization and performance.

Why It Matters (for Solana Users)

Jito brings significant value to the Solana ecosystem by making staking more rewarding and flexible. For stakers, JitoSOL provides enhanced yields through MEV rewards while maintaining liquidity, eliminating the usual trade-off between earning and staying active in DeFi.

Traders benefit from the ability to use JitoSOL just like SOL in swaps and collateral-based strategies across top protocols. Explorers and builders benefit from the open-source Jito-Solana validator client, which boosts the network’s efficiency and decentralization.

Overall, Jito strengthens Solana by aligning incentives across all participants and introducing MEV capture in a fair, transparent, and user-friendly way.

How to Use It

Getting started with Jito is easy. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Get a Solana Wallet

Install a Solana-compatible wallet like Phantom, Solflare, or Backpack and fund it with some SOL.

Step 2: Visit Jito’s Official Website

Go to https://jito.network to access the staking platform.

Step 3: Connect Your Wallet

Click on ‘Connect Wallet’, choose your wallet, and confirm.

Step 4: Stake SOL to Mint JitoSOL

Click on ‘Stake now’, enter the amount of SOL you want to stake, click on ‘Convert to JitoSOL’, and confirm the transaction to receive JitoSOL in your wallet.

Step 5: Earn Rewards Automatically

Your JitoSOL will automatically earn staking and MEV rewards over time, no need for manual claiming.

Step 6: Use JitoSOL in DeFi

You can now use JitoSOL across Solana DeFi platforms like Jupiter, Kamino, MarginFi, and more for swapping, lending, or providing liquidity.

Step 7: Unstake Anytime

When you’re ready to convert back to SOL, just click on the ‘Unstake’ tab, enter the amount you want to convert, and click on ‘Unstake SOL’, then confirm the transaction.

Milestones