What's the difference between staking and delegating?

in LeoFinance2 days ago


Prompt: staking versus delegating on hive blockchain
Tool: https://deepai.org/machine-learning-model/text2img

On Hive Engine, the concepts of staking and delegating are closely related but serve different purposes. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

1. Staking

  • Definition: Staking means locking up your tokens to gain benefits such as voting power, increased influence, or rewards.
  • Control: When you stake tokens, they remain in your account, but they are locked (non-transferable) until you unstake them.
  • Purpose: Staking often provides governance power or enhances your ability to earn rewards.
  • Example: Staking LEO, CTP, or SPT tokens gives you increased influence in community votes or content curation rewards.

2. Delegating

  • Definition: Delegating means temporarily assigning your staked tokens to another user without transferring ownership.
  • Control: You still own the tokens and can recall them at any time (with a cooldown period if applicable).
  • Purpose: Delegation is often used to empower content creators, community projects, or bots that curate content on your behalf. The delegated party may share a portion of their earnings with you.
  • Example: Delegating LEO POWER to an influencer or curator allows them to earn rewards, and they may split those rewards with you.

Key Differences

AspectStakingDelegating
OwnershipTokens remain yoursTokens remain yours
ControlTokens are lockedTokens are still yours but assigned temporarily
PurposeBoost voting power, earn rewards directlyEmpower others to curate or build
Reward FlowRewards go directly to youRewards may be shared with the delegatee

Example Use Case

  • Staking: Stake your LEO to increase your voting power for curation rewards.
  • Delegating: Delegate your LEO Power to a content curator to passively earn a portion of their rewards.

Both strategies can help you maximize your earnings, but staking is more self-driven, while delegation is a passive strategy relying on someone else's efforts.