# Understanding Kind 0 Metadata in Nostr ## Overview In Nostr, **Kind 0 events** are special events used to set and update a user’s profile information. These events enable users to share basic details about themselves, like their display name, profile picture, and a brief bio, creating a richer social experience. This metadata is entirely optional and can be updated or modified over time. Once set, this information is accessible to others across the network, providing a consistent, decentralized profile. --- ## Fields in a Kind 0 Event ### 1. **Name** - **Description**: The unique, cryptographic **public key** identifier for the user. - **Purpose**: Acts as a user’s primary identity on Nostr, allowing others to find and follow them. ### 2. **Display Name** - **Description**: A more human-readable name, like a nickname or full name, that users can set for themselves. - **Purpose**: Makes the profile more personable and recognizable to others, though it’s not a unique identifier. ### 3. **About** - **Description**: A short bio or description where users can share information about themselves. - **Purpose**: Enables users to provide context about their interests, background, or purpose on Nostr, helping others decide whether to follow them. ### 4. **Lightning Address** - **Description**: An optional field for entering a Lightning Network payment address, like `[email protected]`. - **Purpose**: Allows others to easily send tips or donations using the Lightning Network, integrating decentralized payments directly into the profile. ### 5. **Website** - **Description**: A URL link to the user’s website, blog, or other relevant page. - **Purpose**: Provides a way for users to link to external sites, offering more information or personal content outside of Nostr. ### 6. **Profile Picture URL** - **Description**: A link to an image file that will display as the user’s profile picture. - **Purpose**: Adds a visual representation to the profile, making it easier for others to recognize the user. ### 7. **Banner URL** - **Description**: A URL link to an image that will display as the user’s banner or cover photo. - **Purpose**: Allows users to personalize their profile further, creating a unique visual identity. ### 8. **Broadcast Profile** - **Description**: An option that indicates the user’s willingness to share this profile information broadly across relays. - **Purpose**: When enabled, this option helps ensure the profile details reach a wide audience, increasing the user’s visibility on Nostr. --- ## Editing and Updating a Kind 0 Profile Kind 0 metadata can be edited and updated at any time. When changes are made, a new Kind 0 event is published, and relays receive the updated information, replacing the previous version. This update capability gives users control over their identity, allowing them to refine their profile details as needed. --- ## Privacy and Security Considerations - **Public Information**: Since profile information in Kind 0 is stored publicly on relays, users should be mindful about sharing sensitive information. - **Verifiability**: Profile metadata is tied to the user’s public key, which means others can trust that it’s genuinely from the key owner. --- ## Summary Kind 0 events make it easy to create a decentralized, personalized profile on Nostr. From basic information like a display name to optional details like a Lightning address, users have control over how they present themselves. With the flexibility to update or remove these details anytime, Kind 0 provides a reliable and adaptable approach to decentralized identity. ---