An inscription places content such as text or an image into blockchain transaction data. The term is especially associated with Bitcoin Ordinals, where inscription content is linked to individual satoshis using an indexing convention. Similar labels on other networks may use different storage and interpretation rules.
Bitcoin’s recording and tracking layers
In the Ordinals method, a commitment transaction is followed by a reveal transaction that exposes content in a Taproot spending script. Ordinals software identifies that content and tracks its association with a satoshi as transaction outputs are spent.
Bitcoin validates the underlying transactions, while the Ordinals indexing rules supply the artifact’s identity and tracking conventions. This does not require a separate sidechain or a newly issued native coin.
Content and careful transfers
An inscription can carry collectible media or data interpreted by another application. Recording a message does not mean Bitcoin’s consensus enforces every application-level rule attached to it.
Creating an inscription consumes block space and incurs transaction fees. Sending it requires software that preserves the intended satoshi in the correct output; ordinary spending can accidentally transfer it or include it in fees. On-chain content also does not automatically convey copyright or guarantee market value.