# IPFS — Gateways and Pinning for Blockchain Applications

Store and access decentralized data with fast, reliable IPFS gateways and pinning services, optimized for blockchain developers and production apps.

## Overview

Upload, store, and retrieve data seamlessly through dedicated gateways and managed pinning, with no node maintenance needed.

**URL:** https://www.quicknode.com/ipfs

## Why IPFS

- **Decentralized** — Built on open-source software and a peer-to-peer network, IPFS distributes data across multiple nodes instead of relying on a single central server.
- **Trust** — Every file and block in IPFS is content-addressed with a unique hash, ensuring data integrity and verifying that nothing has been altered.
- **Efficiency** — Data is retrieved from the nearest or fastest nodes, reducing bandwidth usage and improving speed across global networks.
- **Cost-Effective** — Skip the overhead of running your own IPFS nodes. Pin files and access content instantly through dedicated, high-performance gateways.

## Gateway Features

Your gateway to the IPFS network. Deliver IPFS content instantly through Quicknode's gateways for a seamless experience your users can trust.

- **Dedicated for Performance** — Retrieve content from a global edge network optimized for speed, ensuring fast, consistent delivery for your users.
- **Private or Public Access** — Configure your gateway to be public or private, giving you full control over visibility and access.
- **Trust and Security** — Content addressing uses unique cryptographic hashes to locate and verify data, ensuring data integrity and permanence.
- **Custom Domains** — Use your own domain to keep branding consistent and deliver a professional, integrated experience.

## Pinning

Secure storage and pinning through the dashboard or API, with no nodes to manage or infrastructure to maintain.

## Use Cases

- **NFTs** — Launching a new project? Ensure your NFTs are stored safely and securely on IPFS.
- **Gaming** — Store your game assets on IPFS and ensure scalable and secure storage.
- **Metaverse** — IPFS enables secure data access vital for expansive metaverse applications.

## Pricing

Get started with IPFS as part of your paid plan, and scale up your usage as needed with pay-as-you-go.

- **Storage** — Up to 50 GB of file storage included, depending on plan.
- **Bandwidth** — 1 dedicated gateway free to get started. Up to 50 GB included depending on plan. Additional bandwidth starts at $0.06/GB.

## Get Started
- Create Free Account: https://www.quicknode.com/signup
- Documentation: https://www.quicknode.com/docs/storage/getting-started