In a landmark live session on March 13, 2019, TRON founder Sun Yuchen (Justin Sun) engaged directly with over a million users in the "BTT Official Group" on Huoxin, offering deep insights into BitTorrent Token (BTT) and the future of decentralized applications. The interactive broadcast marked Sun’s first major Chinese-language livestream focused on BTT, where he unveiled pivotal developments for both the BTT ecosystem and the broader TRON blockchain.
During the session, Sun distributed 500,000 BTT and 100,000 HCT tokens as rewards to community participants—demonstrating TRON's commitment to user engagement and grassroots growth.
The Vision Behind BitTorrent Token (BTT)
BitTorrent Protocol remains the world’s largest decentralized peer-to-peer file-sharing network, boasting over 1 billion users globally. With BTT, TRON aims to integrate blockchain incentives into this massive user base, transforming passive downloaders into active participants in a tokenized economy.
👉 Discover how blockchain is revolutionizing peer-to-peer networks today.
What’s Next for BTT?
When asked about upcoming milestones, Sun confirmed significant progress in March 2019:
- Core development of BTT was already complete.
- User testing invitations were set to begin by the end of March.
- A testnet launch was planned for Q2, aiming to onboard more than 1 billion devices worldwide.
- Full mainnet deployment was targeted between Q2 and Q3—if successful, marking not just a milestone for BTT but a breakthrough for blockchain scalability and mass adoption.
This roadmap underscores BTT’s ambition: to become one of the first blockchain projects with real-world utility at scale, leveraging existing infrastructure rather than building from scratch.
TRON Network Upgrade: Enhanced Security & Performance
The TRON blockchain underwent a critical upgrade that significantly improved its functionality. According to Sun, the two most impactful enhancements were:
- Multi-signature support: Enables institutional-grade security, making TRON more attractive to enterprises and large investors who require robust access controls.
- Performance optimization: Since the upgrade, transaction volume on the TRON mainnet has increased by 30%, highlighting growing network activity and efficiency.
These upgrades position TRON as a scalable, secure platform capable of supporting high-throughput decentralized applications (dApps), stablecoins, and enterprise integrations.
Introducing Tron-Based USDT: Fast, Free, and Scalable
One of the most anticipated announcements was TRON’s strategic partnership with Tether, the issuer of USDT—the world’s most widely used stablecoin.
Sun revealed that a TRON-based version of USDT would soon be launched on the network. This integration brings several advantages:
- Zero transaction fees: Unlike other blockchains that charge gas fees, TRON allows free transfers of USDT.
- Instant settlements: Transactions settle in seconds, enabling real-time payments and trading.
- High throughput: TRON’s architecture supports thousands of transactions per second, ideal for global remittances and DeFi applications.
This move is expected to accelerate TRON’s dominance in the stablecoin space and expand its use across exchanges, wallets, and payment platforms.
👉 Explore how fast, fee-free stablecoin transfers are reshaping digital finance.
Will BTT Compete with TRON?
A common concern among users was whether BTT would compete with the TRON network. Sun dismissed this notion entirely:
“BTT doesn’t compete with TRON—in fact, it strengthens it. Since BTT operates on the TRON blockchain, every transaction, smart contract, or dApp built around BTT increases demand for TRON’s infrastructure.”
As BTT adoption grows, so does network activity on TRON—driving greater decentralization, security, and value accrual for TRX holders.
Beyond Ethereum: TRON’s Long-Term Ambition
When asked when TRON might surpass Ethereum, Sun offered a visionary response:
“Exceeding Ethereum is just the beginning. Our ultimate mission is to liberate the internet from centralized giants and build a transparent, fair, and open digital world.”
He believes this goal could be achieved within two years, driven by:
- Mass adoption of BTT and other TRON-based tokens.
- Expansion of DeFi and NFT ecosystems on TRON.
- Continued innovation in scalability and developer tools.
While Ethereum laid the foundation for smart contracts, TRON aims to deliver superior performance and accessibility—making blockchain technology usable for everyday people.
Supporting Community Platforms Like Huoxin
Sun also praised Huoxin (FireChat), a cryptocurrency-focused communication app developed by Huobi Group, calling it a “safe space” for crypto enthusiasts to communicate freely amid increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide.
“The crypto community needs its own tools—its own home. Platforms like Huoxin are essential for secure, decentralized communication.”
He emphasized that independent messaging apps play a crucial role in preserving freedom of speech in the digital asset space.
Ongoing BTT Trading Campaign
Lastly, Sun confirmed an ongoing promotional campaign on Huobi Global: users trading BTT would share in a 200 million BTT giveaway. This initiative aims to boost liquidity, awareness, and community participation around the token.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is BTT and how does it work?
A: BitTorrent Token (BTT) is a cryptocurrency built on the TRON network that incentivizes file sharing on the BitTorrent protocol. Users can earn or spend BTT for faster downloads, seeding rewards, or premium features within supported clients.
Q: Why launch USDT on TRON?
A: TRON offers faster transactions, zero fees, and higher scalability compared to older blockchains like Ethereum or Omni. A TRON-based USDT improves user experience for traders, investors, and developers alike.
Q: Is BTT a competitor to TRX?
A: No. BTT runs on the TRON blockchain and relies on TRX for bandwidth and energy. Greater BTT usage increases demand for TRON’s resources, benefiting the entire ecosystem.
Q: How does multi-signature improve TRON?
A: Multi-sig enhances security by requiring multiple approvals before executing transactions—making it ideal for exchanges, wallets, and institutions managing large funds.
Q: Can I use Tron-based USDT today?
A: Yes—since its launch following this announcement, Tron-based USDT (often labeled as USDT-TRC20) is widely supported across major exchanges and wallets.
Q: What makes TRON different from Ethereum?
A: TRON focuses on high throughput (2,000+ TPS), free transactions, and ease of use—while Ethereum prioritizes decentralization and security. TRON is optimized for mass-market dApps and content platforms.
Final Thoughts
Sun Yuchen’s vision extends far beyond launching tokens or upgrading networks. His goal is to democratize access to digital value and information—using blockchain to rebuild core internet services in a decentralized way.
With BTT unlocking utility for billions of existing users, USDT boosting financial efficiency, and continuous improvements to the TRON protocol, the foundation is being laid for a new era of open internet infrastructure.
👉 Stay ahead of the next wave in blockchain innovation—see what’s possible on scalable networks today.